The fully electric BMW i5 M60 xDrive is a masterpiece of engineering and design. But there are a few minor flaws that might surprise devotees of the brand.
The BMW i5 M60 xDrive is a bold entrant in the electric luxury sedan segment, deftly blending the brand’s storied sporting character with the progressive powertrain that is essential for the future. Yet, despite its triumphs, the car displayed a few imperfections.
The bad news
Let’s immediately dispense with the elephant in the room: the brakes. Strange as it seems, they feel less competent than anticipated for a cab of this calibre. Whether owing to the low-resistance tyres, the accumulated wear from repeated (forceful) stops during press assessments, or maybe a racetrack outing, the cause evades me. But the result – underwhelming braking performance – remains unchanged.
This is not typical of BMW, a brand that excels in delivering strong, precision braking as part of its “ultimate driving machine” promise.
The good stuff
Despite this fly in the ointment, the i5 M60 xDrive is a joy to drive, partly because of its intoxicating acceleration. It can rocket from standstill to 100 km/h in just 3,8 seconds and rolling acceleration feels equally brutal. Its top speed is limited to 230 km/h.
Thanks to some spontaneous bursts of speed, I was running the battery down faster than I had intended, but that’s the price you pay for having 442 kW and 820 Nm on tap.
The car has a boost button (on the steering wheel) that unleashes the car’s full performance at a moment’s notice. The pleasure of that instant torque more than compensates for any range anxiety.
Charging the battery
On the topic of range; with the 84,4 kWh lithium-ion battery charged to full capacity, the i5 M60’s display indicated an estimated range of 405 km, which is close to BMW’s official figure of 420 km. With spirited driving, you might not always hit that figure, but it is a respectable (and useful) range.
One advantage of purchasing an EV from the Bavarian brand is that its quoted range tends to closely align with real-world performance, at least in my experience. This stands in contrast to some other manufacturers, who significantly overstate the range of their electric vehicles, potentially leaving owners feeling disappointed when actual mileage falls short.
It’s also important to highlight that during my testing, the ambient temperature remained around 21ºC, which is an optimal condition for battery efficiency.
Charge duration
While the i5 M60 can charge at up to 205 kW, you would be hard pressed to locate a charge point in South Africa supplying upward of 150 kW. At best, you’re likely to find 60 kW or 80 kW stations, but it’s comforting to know that if faster infrastructure becomes more common, the i5 M60 is more than ready.
I mostly charged at home or at the faithful GridCars charger at Gearings Point in Hermanus (picture above and below), installed in partnership with Whale Coast Solar.
When plugged into a 150 kW DC fast charger, the BMW i5 M60 will take just 26 minutes to increase its range from 42 km to 336 km.
Using an 11 kW AC charger, a full charge from 0 to 420 km takes 8 hours and 45 minutes. At this rate, an hour of charging adds approximately 48 km of range. Charging at home with a 7 kW wall box provides around 35 km of range per hour of charging.
Interior ministry
BMW fully delivers on its promise of luxury inside the cabin. The seats are exceptionally comfortable and supportive, making it easy to find the perfect driving position. One standout feature is the crystal control wheel for the iDrive system; a beautiful, tactile addition that enhances the cabin’s premium feel. It’s a joy to use, offering drivers the flexibility to choose their preferred control method.
While the touchscreen is often the quickest way to input commands or an address, there are moments when you’d rather not stretch your arm like Elastigirl or Mister Fantastic. In those cases, simply sit back, relax, and twirl the crystal wheel. Or you could opt for voice commands to interact with the car, Siri, or Google Assistant.
Shhh!
The cabin’s serenity is remarkable: not just because there’s no engine noise, but also thanks to the car’s wind-tunnel-sculpted body and superb insulation that keeps road noise at bay. This quietness sets the stage perfectly for the optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system, turning the interior into a concert hall. Imagine a world-class choir performing in a secluded cathedral, and you’ll have an idea of the audio experience.
The BMW i5 M60 truly excels in comfort, with exceptional ride quality that adds to the overall sense of refinement and luxury.
Space invader
There are, however, a few quirks. The presence of a transmission tunnel in the rear is particularly puzzling. While the i5 shares its platform with the petrol and diesel 5 Series, one would expect BMW to have eliminated this hump for the EV version. It compromises the comfort of the middle passenger, who is forced to straddle the tunnel with legs on either side.
On the design front, the interior strikes a perfect balance between style and practicality. The dark ceiling, dark pillars, and faux carbon-fibre inlays create an attractive, sporty aesthetic. I enjoyed complementing this with red ambient lighting; a nostalgic nod to the iconic red instrument lighting of classic BMWs.
As for practicality, the boot offers a respectable 490 litres of space. But don’t expect a spare wheel, because fitting one would leave no room. When ordering, it’s wise to opt for run-flat tyres, though a tyre-repair kit is also available.
Road manners
Handling is where the all-wheel-drive i5 M60 showcases its BMW DNA, though not without a few caveats. Under most conditions, the car feels responsive and poised, delivering the level of agility expected from the brand – even for a vehicle of its considerable size.
Steering feedback is generally sharp, but in a few instances, particularly during tight cornering, the front end felt slightly light and disconnected. The nose seemed to lose some of that classic BMW precision, and the steering lacked its usual sharpness. This could be a result of the tyres or perhaps the challenge of balancing the weight of the substantial battery pack.
However, in another instance, while navigating a tight, 270-degree slipway, the car’s grip and composure proved remarkable, instilling confidence in its capabilities.
Overall, it feels as though nine times out of ten, the i5 M60 handles beautifully. This may be a car that rewards drivers who take the time to truly connect with it, unlocking its full potential.
Conclusion
That being said, there are a few missed opportunities, like not having an easily adjustable regenerative braking on the go. For a car of this ilk, you’d expect to fine-tune features like regen braking or following distance with ease, but the i5 M60 falls a little short here.
All in all, the i5 M60 xDrive is a compelling product. It excels in areas like comfort, power, and overall driving enjoyment. With this car, BMW has achieved a sense of solidity and refinement that feels a cut above its rivals.
The BMW i5 M60 xDrive sells for R2,2m. It scores 4 out of 5.
4.0 out of 5.0 starsFor technical specifications, visit the EV-database.
