The “Ultimate Driving Machine” is moving to the future with all-electric vehicles and the i5 M60 looks to carry on the tradition with the vaunted M division making sports cars that just happened to be a midsize luxury sedan.
The new BMW i5 M60 xDrive sedan looks to draw in buyers who want that Ultimate 5 Series, one with the M badge, and an EV. The i5 M60 seems promising with ample instant power around 600 hp to help get the blood flowing. I was surprised just how fast this sedan is. It also handles much better than you would expect a big luxury ride would. Its high handling limits are like the 5 Series gas version. However, on a track or empty back roads the extra weight of the EV becomes apparent with more body lean.
On the road, the i5 M60 is comfortable and its hushed cabin makes it a fine cruiser. I wish the highway range was better. I needed two stops in a 360-mile drive. Try the lower eDrive40 version for a better range than my sports version.
The i5 M60 xDrive sedan has a commanding presence and debuts a new look for the 5 Series line. Both EV and gas versions share a fresh and updated design that’s more muscular with a revised grill that is larger, yet more tasteful, than on the 4 Series. The hood also features some creases and bulges that show nicely with the optional blue color. The sedan still carries the classic long hood and body design with the short trunk overhang. The optional 21-inch wheels, blacked-out trim and carbon fiber trim pieces cement the sporty look of this upscale sedan.
Slide inside the i5 M60 and the look is more modern but still familiar to those who experienced 5 Series sedans in the past. It’s spacious for a midsize sedan, feeling airy inside with large windows and the optional roof that fills the cabin with light. The more businesslike feel is also still present with leather sport seats upfront that hold you in place and are comfortable on longer trips, too. The back seat has good space and seems like one of the better sized in this class. The biggest difference inside are the screens that take up half the dash and contain loads of information. The normal gauges, which are virtual now, allow you to choose a classic look or a theme.
Go with a unique, “My Modes Design,” and it changes the sound of the car and the look of the display.
Cost: $84,100; as tested $95,395
MPG: 80 MPGe; in 649 miles of mixed driving
Safety: Active cruise control with braking function; dynamic stability control; active driving assistant pro with active blind spot detection; active park distance control & parking assistant plus; head-up display; Adaptive full LED lighting & auto high beams; surround view with 3D view; extended traffic jam assistant; drive recorder; front & rear head protection system; automatic high beams
Options: $1,800 21″ bi-color performance wheels; $3,350 Executive package; $2,000 driving assistance package; $1,500 M Sport Package Pro; $650 Phytonic Blue Metallic; $300 CF silver trim dark silver accents; $350 credit for lumber support deletion
Things to know: The BMW i5 M60 is fast and handles like a sports sedan should. It just does it disguised as an EV that earns the M badge.
Pros:
- All-electric sedan with tons of power offers sports car speeds and handling
- Handsome styling of the 5 series gives this EV upscale looks
- The luxurious surroundings live up to the premium price tag
Cons:
- You feel the extra weight when you really push the car in the twisties
- Screen time for car functions can take your eyes off the road at times
- When you hit the highway, range is lacking compared to some other EVs when you hit the highway
