BMW i5 M60 review

The BMW 5-Series has been around for over half a century and is now entering its eighth generation. For the first time ever, it got a fully electric version, called the i5. This new G60 model offers a completely redesigned exterior, interior and new set of drivetrains, for a vastly more modern user experience.

Table of Contents:

• Exterior
• Interior
• Storage & practicalities
• Driving experience
• Tech features
• Ride comfort
• Cabin noise
• Acceleration and braking
• Consumption
• Charging speed
• Competition
• Verdict

The 5-Series is renowned all around the world for providing luxury, utility and family practicality in one stylish looking package. It has always been among the bestsellers of the Munich-based company so the new version comes with high expectations. Today we will see if the i5 is worthy of carrying the legacy into the EV era.

The test model we have today is the BMW i5 M60, which has AWD enabled by two motors - one in the front and one in the back. This results in a combined power output of 442 kW (601 hp) and a claimed 0 - 62 mph time of just 3.8 seconds. BMW has blessed the new 5-Series with just about every piece of the latest technology from the big brother - the 7-Series and an interior that oozes luxury. There's no doubt this is the most advanced 5-Series to date, but we now set off to test how well it performs on the road.

BMW i5 M60 2023 -

• Dimensions: 199.2 inches x 74.8 inches x 59.3 inches, 117.9 inches wheelbase.
• Drivetrain tested: М60 - AWD 442 kW (601 hp), 586 lb-ft, 81.2 kWh usable battery capacity; 83.9 kWh total battery capacity.
• Other drivetrains: eDrive40 - RWD, 250 kW (340 hp), 317 lb-ft, 81.2 kWh usable battery capacity; 83.9 kWh total battery capacity.
• Charging: 205 kW CCS; 10-80% in 30 min.
• Range: 321 miles WLTP (256 miles EPA)
• Weight: 5,247 lb unladen
• Other features: On-board games, Autonomous steering, Augmented reality, OTA updates.

Exterior

For the i5 BMW got rid of the grotesquely huge kidney grilles that recently sparked great controversies around the internet. As a result the i5 is significantly more restrained than the i7.

From the front, the resemblance with newer Skoda models and the Superb in particular is uncanny. This is mainly due to the two indented lines in the hood leading to the BMW logo, as well as the downward pointing headlights.

The headlights themselves are almost identical to most other BMW models when it comes to light signature, even if their housing is completely different. They light up the road ahead perfectly, creating little tunnels that don't blind incoming traffic, but let you see perfectly where you are going.

The headlights of the i5 have a unique housing, yet no unique light signature.

The kidney grilles serves no purpose in the i5 other than radars housing as the EV variant doesn’t need much cooling. Yet they can be lit up in the dark, creating a unique outlook and making the i5 incredibly distinctive. It's arguably not the best way to stand out though, as the whole thing looks very tacky and cheap. The lighting gives a distinct "boy racer" vibe, and one at a budget too since some parts remain unlit.

The lower skirt in the front of the i5 M60 is incredibly aggressive with two sharp vents on each end, as well as a massive center one. If you go for the eDrive40 version of the i5 you will get a significantly more restrained front end.

Looking at the i5 from the side, it is unmistakably a BMW. The traditional "Hoffmeister kink" on the C-pillar is underlined by a prominent "5" readout. This is probably helpful for passers by, as this generation has gotten 13 cm longer than the previous G30 generation and is just as long as the outgoing G11 7-Series.

The side profile of the i5 carries BMW heritage features.

The carbon wing mirrors on the side used to be reserved for true M cars, yet here they are on the i5 M60, underlying the importance of this model for BMW. Of course, this comes as part of an expensive option, called the "M Carbon Exterior", which costs around $2,050.

The door handles on the other side, bring us to a darker age when manufacturers put on the same type of upward opening handles in virtually any econobox up until the mid 2000’s. They are very out-of-place in the new 5-Series, creating a cheap and unpleasant feeling, which is not ideal for something you use every time you get into the car.

The wheels on the i5 come in many variants, ranging from 19 to 21-inches in size, with our model having the 20-inch M sport wheels. They fit the i5 well, striking a fine balance between looks, ride comfort and consumption.

The rear end of the new 5-Series looks like a refresh of the previous G30 generation. The taillights have 2 straight horizontal LED strips on each side, creating a unique look, but they are unlike any other BMW in the past, so if you first see them in the dark you may not recognize it as one.

The rear of the i5 is distinctive and aggressive.

The i5 M60 comes with a subtle carbon spoiler, which gives it a mean look and once again show great attention to detail. The most aggressive bit in the back is undoubtedly the massive diffuser, which wouldn’t look out of place in a true M car.

Carbon makes the rear look even meaner.

Overall, the design of the BMW i5 M60 fits a sporty sedan with 601 hp well enough. It balances extravagance and traditionalism well, while carries some of BMW's most distinctive features.

Interior

The inside of the BMW i5 M60 is arguably the best bit about the car. The interior sticks close to the BMW i7's has (review here) , but tones it down a little. We were amazed by the materials in the i7, whereas in the i5 we are just satisfied. Understandabe, as BMW wouldn't want the i5 top step on its big brother's toes. The i5 still has stellar build quality and offers heaps of luxury and cool tech inside.

The front features a giant light bar spanning all the way from one door, through the dashboard, to the other. It looks as if it’s made of crystals and can light up in multiple colors, creating a cozy atmosphere. Its only downside is that its glass housing is embossed and reflects a lot of sun rays into your eyes while driving, which is also true for the other crystal elements in the interior.

You need to look closely to spot the air vents as they are well hidden. Integrated almost seamlessly in the dashboard, they enable a clean and undisturbed look that we really like.

The chunky steering wheel controls multiple features of the gauge cluster and the head-up display. These two displays offer crisp image quality and multiple configuration options to let you personalize your driving experience.

A couple of parts where BMW truly dropped the ball in terms of material quality are the stalks behind the steering wheel. Despite seeing frequent use they feel as a cheap, cost-cutting solution, which was executed in one of the worst possible ways. We are not sure how much BMW saved going with these cheap pieces of plastic, but we really don't think it was worth the drive experience knock.

The dashboard houses the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a huge 14.9" infotainment display in one giant curved unit. The integration in the dashboard looks like an afterthought, yet the two screens provide an amazing array of features we will come back to in a bit.

Right below the center screen and incorporated into the interior LED bar are the controls for frequently used A/C features (all the rest are hidden in the center screen), as well as the hazard lights, which we mentioned as a safety concern in the i7 review as well. The hazard lights are once more a touch-sensitive button, with poor feedback that works unreliably and also lights up the whole car when pressed. A frankly poor solution for such an important safety feature.

Moving on to the lower part of the dash, we spot a small storage area with wireless charging and cup holders.

Behind them is a beautiful crystal unit that has the iDrive controller, the gear selector and other vehicle settings and adjustments. Everything looks pretty and very upscale, but is also a fingerprint magnet with its polished finish. The small fidgety gear selector looks a bit comical in such a stately and prominent vehicle, but it's not taking anything away from the overall look of the interior.

The armrest isn’t as deep as some other EV’s, since the i5 is based on a conventional ICE platform and the middle is where the drivetrain, gearbox and other elements would be, hence the decreased storage space.

The seats in the i5 M60 are very soft and comfortable, providing sufficient support so that you stay in place while cornering. Our model was equipped with the optional heated and cooled seats, while you can also add massaging for all four seats.

The doors have the controls for the seats that are once again touch-sensitive buttons on the LED strip, but in this case it is not a vital function and we don’t mind them being as is.

Another sub-optimal element is the lower part of the door where the window switches are located. The buttons and the entire area feature some of the worst plastics on the market. Even on a brand new vehicle like our test model, they were starting to show signs of wear and we can only imagine their conditions after a few years of use. On the upside, beyond this area and the stalks, the material quality is of the highest standard and the fit and finish is sublime with complete lack of creaking.

When it’s time to hop in the back seats we immediately notice what that increased size of the new i5 brings. There is considerably more space in backcompared to the old 5-Series G30 generation and is similar to what we'd previously get in a 7-Series. Even our 1.95 m (6’4”) tall reviewer had no problem fitting comfortably in the back with plenty of space left above his head and in front of his legs.

Even a thick winter jacket and 195 cm (6'4") height don't take away from the rear seat comfort in the i5 M60.

You also get other luxuries like rear seat climate control, heated rear seats, blinds and a mount with USB chargers on the back of the front seats to attach a tablet. Contrary to previous 5-series models, rear seat entertainment with built-in displays is not offered, at least not at this point.

The rear seats come with great added comfort, but no built-in TV displays.

The sunroof you get in the i5 is a big letdown as it doesn't open. Its cover also moves from the back to the front, which is unusual if not necceserily an issue.

Overall, the interior of the i5 exudes luxury and is a pleasant place to spend your time in. The two places where more substantial cost-cutting occurred take away some of its brilliance, but we'd still give it a good mark in the end.

Storage & practicalities

Storing items in the i5 is easy with a boxy trunk and some clever storage pockets, allowing for a combined 17.3 ft³ of trunk space, which is 1.06 ft³ less than the conventional 5-Series of the same model.

The trunk is useful, but not as big as the ICE 5-Series.

The rear seats fold down individually, enabling you to create a much bigger storage area.

Sadly, BMW thinks that nobody uses the frunk (front trunk) and therefore none of their models have one. Instead, you get a giant plastic cover that hides all of the electronics that the i5 has, even though there clearly is more than enough space left that could have served for a frunk.

Driving experience

Driving the i5 M60 is a unique experience we seriously recommend you try if given the chance. Despite its length and weight, the cornering it offers is mind boggling and no matter how you throw the i5 into a corner, it will always grip and ask you to go even harder. The word “understeer” does not feature in the i5’s dictionary and the giant sedan just eats up the road ahead.

But a business/family oriented vehicle should also excel in luxury and comfort, right? That is exactly what the i5 brings to the table! Thanks to the optional “Adaptive M suspension professional” with the press of a button the i5 M60 transforms from a racetrack missile, to a luxurious cruiser in its most comfortable setting.

The weight of the i5 M60 is definitely hard to handle, however the suspension and raw power delivery masterfully hide that flaw. You are never really left unsatisfied and the i5 M60 is amongst the best modern sedans when it comes to driving experience.

Technology and assistants play a major role while driving the i5 even if at times this may prove as a double-edged sword. On the one hand, technical advancements allow it to be that good for driving and help it handle the excessive weight, but on the other some features annoy and even distract you.

One great example of that is the constant beeping sound when the speed limit assistant is active. It is a great feature, which shows you the current speed limit, but for some reason European regulations have made it so that it has to beep at you when you exceed the limit and also beep every time there is a change in the limit itself. It can be turned off, but the next time you start the i5 the settings reset so you have to do it again.

While some assistants may be irritating, others are more helpful. If you have cruise control on and press on the turn signal, the i5 will automatically change lanes when you tilt your head into the same direction. This was very useful when you’re on a long highway - just sit back, relax and let the BMW i5 do 99% of your work.

The BMW i5 is an immensely capable vehicle in all categories and will be your loyal companion in every endeavor. From sporty driving, through luxury transportion, all the way to carrying your kids to school, the i5 M60 performs at the highest level.

Tech features

The BMW i5 is a tech galore and this becomes obvious the moment you step inside. The big infotainment screen comes with BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 iteration, which will soon be available for all current owners who have the 8.0 generation. The central screen can be operated by touch or via the crystal knobs in the center console, or even voice commands.

The i5 M60 comes with BMW’s ConnectedServices, which gives you internet access and multiple online features, but this has sadly become a subscription feature and not a lifetime option as it used to be. ConnectedServices enable the car to get OTA updates and get all the latest features available. It also let you use the built-in navigation to evade traffic jams, or just enjoy the latest sports news or some YouTube videos.

An important feature that will soon come to the iDrive 8.5 is the Apple CarPlay will also connect to the gauge cluster and (if optioned) head-up control unit. This way, you can use your phone as your car's brain, but when needed have the car’s native interface at hand too.

A fun way to spend time while waiting in the i5 is to play the built-in games the i5 offers. There is a set of Nintendo-like games available and all you need is your phone to use as a controller. If you want to find how that works, check out our dedicated gaming review.

You can also take selfies in the car or use the external cameras as video recorders. This can be a useful surveillance feature or just a fun way to capture silly moments. Almost strangely it's a feature not many vehicles have, albeit most modern cars come with a number of cameras.

Annoyingly most A/C settings are hidden deep down in menus of the infotainment touchscreen, so it takes a bit of time to find where each one is located.

A fun feature taken directly from the i7 are the different drive modes and how they change the atmosphere inside. There are several different preset menus that completely change the vibe and directly interfere with the feel of the vehicle. "Sport" puts the car in its stiffest configuration, but it also plays different sounds when accelerating and lights up the whole interior in red. "Personal" is the customizable mode the car starts in and "efficient" cuts power down to optimize your range.

Different modes create different driving dynamics.

"Expressive", "Relax" and "Digital art" are modes that don't necessarily change the driving characteristics, but adjust the atmosphere inside the cabin. They change the volume of the stereo, the A/C settings and some close all shades inside.

These modes are purely for vibes and upmarket experience!

The gauge cluster is taken straight from the BMW i7, which means it has optional augmented reality when using navigation, as well as multiple programmable visualisations so that the information shown matches exactly what you want to see.

The head-up display is nice and deep, with a wide field of projection. It shows all types of data you may need and you can always adjust what you want and don’t want it to display.

Ride comfort

The ride of the BMW i5 is soft, but not floaty. If you wish you can dial the dampers for a sportier feel and get a harsher ride in exchange for better cornering. On our bumpy test track the i5 proved itself to be a solid vehicle that confidently ran over bumps and potholes, but at speed we could definitely sense the huge weight, when the nose started diving even before the front tires had reached the ground. With bigger obstacles the dampers have to bounce a few times before they calm the chassis down, but at speeds and in corners the suspension works brilliantly in providing comfort to the passengers and giving enough feedback to the driver.

Cabin noise

The i5 is quiet inside. And we mean exceptionally quiet. The guys at BMW have done a masterful job in insulating the cabin from the surroundings and the sound levels are easily among the best we've measured.

Sound level tests are carried out with a specialized sound level meter placed in the car's cupholders. The test is conducted with air conditioning and radio off and while maintaining a steady speed.

Acceleration and braking

The i5 M60 is by no means a sports car with its huge weight and giant size, but it is definitely quick from a dig. The claimed time of 3.8 second for the sprint from 0 to 62 mph can be easily beaten - even in poor weather conditions and with winter tires we managed to get a 3.6 seconds sprint and ¼ mile in the impressive 11.6 seconds. The M60 variant never leaves you wanting for more power and is a true highway hero. What prevents it from fully conquering the drag strip is the top speed limit of 143 mph.

Similarly to the acceleration, we didn’t have optimal conditions for our braking test. The winter tires, combined with the low ambient temperature and wet road surface resulted in the uninspiring 43 m (142 ft) to completely stop from 62 mph. If we get the chance to test the vehicle again in better conditions we will be quick to update those stats, but as we got to drive the i5 in proper European winter it's understandbly behind the other tested cars. Still, our subjective feeling was that the brakes work fine for the conditions and in normal usage provide adeuqate stopping for such a massive car.

Acceleration and deceleration are measured with a RaceBox device inside the car. Testing is done with a single person inside the car, with air conditioning and traction control off.

Consumption

The massive i5 M60 was never going to set any records when it comes to efficiency, but it still delivers decent range, especially for an ICE-platform vehicle. The conditions we had to conduct our testing were far from optimal, which means the i5 has the potential to truly impress in better weather.

We measure consumption by driving at constant speeds on an identical test route during the day. Testing is conducted with air conditioning, all safety systems and radio on. The data comes from the vehicle's board computer. Specific testing parameters such as ambient temperature are mentioned in the text on a case by case basis.

We suggest you use the widget below to find out the BMW i5 M60's range in every combination of speed and temperature you might need. We've used our real world tests and a complex model to provide estimate that should be as close to the actual performance as possible.

Charging speed

The i5 can charge at a maximum power of 205 kW. This value was easily reached by us even though the ambient temperature was well below 32°F, due to the heat pump the model has. That helps it achieve a 10-80% charge in 30 min, which is pretty solid by the current standards.

Competition

The BMW i5 faces tough competition, facing rivals that have already been on the market for some time and the public has gotten used to them. Where the i5 shines is with its advanced infotainment and premium interior, combined with big power and great driving feel.

The first and most obvious competitor is the Mercedes EQE 43 AMG. The rivalry between the two brands is as old as time and this time it’s no different. The Mercedes offers next level technology, especially factoring in the optional Hyperscreen. The i5 has better quality of interior materials and more storage space. Other than that, the two models offer similar stats so it really depends on what you value most in a car when picking between the two.

The other luxury offering in this segment is the Audi e-tron GT quattro. It offers similar performance and much more aggressive looks. Range is the weak point of the Audi contender, but charging can be done at up to 270 kW. Space inside the cabin is scarcer, however driving the GT quattro can put a bigger smile on your face, thanks to the sportier handling and lower seating position.

Mercedes AMG EQE 43 4MATIC 2022 - • Audi e-tron GT quattro 2021 -

Verdict

The guys at BMW knew that the 5-Series is their best-respected model and therefore creating a fully electric version had to be approached carefully. The badge weighs a lot in this case, but thankfully this masterfully engineered vehicle is well equipped to carry it with its great attention to detail and a wide range of features. The i5 M60 perfectly captures the essence of a 5er, while adding a generous serving of modernity.

The i5 M60 drives like a proper sports sedan should, without sacrificing luxury or comfort. It just performs brilliantly on the road, no matter what you ask it to do.

The i5 M60 is also on the cutting edge when it comes to technology. Everything is quick to respond and easy to use with no glitches, irritating bugs or general sluggishness that still plague many cars these days.

The main gripes we had with the i5 M60 are the cheap plastics used in some key surfaces or the atrocious door handles that belong in the 90’s. The slightly compromised trunk space compared to the ICE version or the generally bland exterior design are below par for the class, but none of these is truly a deal-breaker and the i5 remains a fantastic vehicle that carries the "5 Series" namewith pride.

Pros

• High-tech interior.
• Exceptional build quality.
• Very powerful and quick off the line.
• Endless grip.
• Amazing to drive.
• All kinds of driver and passenger comforts.
• Multiple online services and even on-board games.

Cons

• Some key places come with very cheap plastic materials.
• Old-fashioned door handles.
• No frunk.
• No battery size options.