Would you pay $215,900 plus on-road costs for it? The BMW i5 M60 might be the best all-electric ‘M’ car in the line-up, but this new range-topping model asks a hefty $60,000 price increase over the old twin-turbo V8 powered M550i xDrive ($154,900 plus) it replaces.
That extra cash gets you all the tech you could possibly want from the flagship BMW 7 series but in a tighter, more manageable package. There’s crystal hardware, a massive screen, cushy seats, and expensive looks to name just a few. It’s the closest the 5 series has been to a true ‘baby 7’ in years, and while it’s sacrificed some agility in doing so, you could argue it’s become a better all-around package because of it.
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How Does the BMW i5 M60 Drive?
Of course, being an EV it’s added size and weight to the equation. This is the first BMW 5 series that measures over 5 metres and it now weighs 2305kg. However, to be fair, it doesn’t weigh any more or less than its competitors in the Audi e-Tron GT (2,351 kg), Mercedes EQE (2,680kg), or Porsche Taycan (2,250kg).
BMW has masked as much weight as possible with a dual electric motor set-up that produces 442kW (592hp), 820Nm, and propels the i5 M60 from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds using M Launch Control.
That said, there’s no shying away from the fact it’s half a tonne heavier than the V8-powered model it replaces when corners are involved. It’s very capable, but you can feel that extra weight when you’re pushing the car outside its comfort zone. There’s urgency through the steering wheel, it wants to turn, but when you get into the mid-corner and the laws of physics and mass get involved, there’s no hiding weight.
Of course, pulling the ‘Boost’ paddle and smashing the pedal will liven up any drive. It’s brutally quick, but that’s become par for the course for dual-motor EVs.
Jump between the different drive modes (Personal, Sport, Efficient, Expressive, Relax and Digital Art) and you’ll notice the colour-changing interior lights, but also differences in ride comfort from the adaptive dampers alongside a sharper response. The car also pumps in plenty of Flinstones sounds thanks to composer Hans Zimmer that change with these drive modes.
As far as charging and range are concerned, you have 516 km of range (WLTP) of range, and the car BMW i5 M60 xDrive can charge up to 205kW DC for 10 to 80% battery in around 30 minutes. I had to charge the car once during my test and can vouch for these numbers, however, finding a 200kW+ charger in Sydney is next to impossible.
What’s it Like on the Inside?
Step inside the BMW i5 M60 and you’ll find plenty of technology, starting with the fully digital display system comprised of a 12.3-inch Information Display and a 14.9-inch Control Display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Below this sits the stunning crystalline BMW Interaction Bar which brings a backlit function across the entire width of the instrument panel for colour-changing lights. This is paired with the BMW CraftedClarity Glass (crystal cut glass) to the iDrive Controller, Start/Stop button, volume roller and gear selector rocker switch.
There’s a distinct lack of buttons, but I never found the menus hard to access or distracting while driving. Certain hard-to-find features can be simply controlled with voice controls e.g. changing temperatures in the cabin and turning on seat heating/ cooling.
Seats are upholstered in ‘Veganza’ as standard, but I’d prefer to see the BMW Individual Merino leather fitted to a vehicle that costs over $200,000. There’s also a rather high driving position which takes some getting used to if you’ve spent much time in ‘M’ cars like the M3 and M2. This is a sedan, but the position feels more SUV-like.
Should You Buy the BMW i5 M60 xDrive?
With all this being said, would I recommend the BMW i5 M60 xDrive? Well, it’s a hard vehicle to judge because BMW has put the ‘M’ badge on the back and given the car masses of power so you want to consider the ‘driving enjoyment’ factor, but I believe the i5 M60 excels in different areas.
Yes, it’s capable, but I much preferred using it for the daily commute, the trip to the grocery store, school sport on the weekends, and parking it outside my local coffee shop.
Unless you’re addicted to straight-line performance, choosing a well-optioned mid-tier BMW i5 eDrive40 ($155,900 plus) is something you should consider. Not only will it save you a massive chunk of change, but it’s a frugal EV with more range (582 km), and it doesn’t miss out on anything I’d consider mandatory.
Here’s a list of what you get in the i5 M60 over the eDrive40:
- 21″ M Alloy Wheels
- Adaptive M Suspension Professional (Anti-Roll, IAS, Adaptive Suspension)
- BMW CraftedClarity Glass Application
- Active Seat Ventilation, Front
- Automatic Air Con, 4-Zone
- M Rear Spoiler
Finally, if it’s sportiness that you’re after, I’d also consider the equally quick Audi e-Tron GT (from AU$182,400), Porsche Taycan 4S (from AU$216,300), and the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4Matic+ (from AU$214,574). There’s really no ‘bad’ option at this price point and the BMW is one of my favourite luxury EVs.
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