The BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring represents the pinnacle of BMW’s electric vehicle (EV) evolution. As the automotive industry shifts towards sustainable energy, the i5 M60 stands out not just as an eco-friendly option but as a performance-driven luxury vehicle. With its seamless blend of power, design, and cutting-edge technology, this electric touring car promises to redefine what we expect from an electric vehicle. In this review, we’ll delve into the key aspects of the BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring, providing a thorough analysis that highlights its significance in the current EV market.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | AWD 442 kW (601 hp) |
| Torque | 820 Nm (605 lb-ft) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | 3.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 230 km/h (143 mph) |
| Battery Capacity | 81.2 kWh usable, 83.9 kWh total |
| Range | 506 km WLTP |
| Charging (AC) | 11 kW, 0-100% in 8.5 hours |
| Charging (DC) | 205 kW max, 10-80% in 30 minutes |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 5060 x 1900 x 1505 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2995 mm |
| Weight (Unladen) | 2425 kg |
| Trunk Capacity | 570 liters, 1700 liters max |
| Towing Capacity | 2000 kg braked |
| Price | €101,500 / $112,500 / £87,500 |
Performance
The BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring’s performance is nothing short of exhilarating. With a dual-motor setup delivering 442 kW (601 hp) of power and 820 Nm (605 lb-ft) of torque, this electric powerhouse catapults from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. This acceleration places the i5 M60 in the same league as high-performance petrol-powered sports cars, underscoring BMW’s commitment to performance in the EV era.
Despite its electric nature, the i5 M60 doesn’t compromise on driving dynamics. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system ensures optimal traction and stability, making it adept at handling both high-speed highway runs and tight corners on winding roads. The adaptive suspension system, featuring electronically controlled shock absorbers and air suspension with automatic self-leveling, provides a perfect balance between comfort and agility. This means that whether you’re cruising down the highway or navigating urban streets, the i5 M60 adapts to your driving style with ease.
Moreover, the car’s top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph) is impressive for an electric vehicle, offering a thrilling experience for those who crave speed. Yet, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring remains exceptionally smooth and controlled, even at high speeds, thanks to its advanced suspension and precise steering.
Battery and Charging
One of the critical aspects of any electric vehicle is its battery and charging capabilities, and the BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring excels in this department. Equipped with an 81.2 kWh usable battery (83.9 kWh total), the i5 M60 offers a WLTP range of 506 km, making it a viable option for both daily commuting and long-distance travel.
Charging is also a strong suit of the i5 M60. The vehicle supports both AC and DC charging, providing flexibility depending on the availability of charging stations. With an 11 kW AC charger, you can fully charge the battery in 8.5 hours—perfect for overnight charging at home. For those on the go, the DC fast charging capability is a game-changer. With a maximum charging power of 205 kW, the i5 M60 can charge from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes. This rapid charging ability ensures that long trips are no longer a concern, as a short break is enough to replenish the battery.
Furthermore, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring features adaptive recuperation, allowing the vehicle to recover energy during braking. This not only extends the driving range but also enhances the overall efficiency of the vehicle. The recuperation system can recover up to 198 kW of energy, significantly contributing to the car’s impressive range.
Design and Dimensions
The BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring is as much a statement of style as it is of engineering prowess. Its sleek and aerodynamic design reflects BMW’s commitment to luxury and performance. The vehicle’s dimensions—5060 mm in length, 1900 mm in width, and 1505 mm in height—give it a commanding road presence while maintaining the elegance associated with the BMW brand.
The exterior design is characterized by sharp lines and a low drag coefficient of 0.24 Cd, which not only enhances the vehicle’s efficiency but also contributes to its sporty appearance. The front bumper is aggressive yet refined, featuring BMW’s signature kidney grille, which is flanked by sleek LED headlights. The rear of the car is equally impressive, with a sculpted design that includes a subtle spoiler and distinctive taillights.
Inside, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring continues to impress. The interior is a masterclass in luxury and technology, with premium materials used throughout. The spacious cabin comfortably seats five adults, with ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. The cargo space is equally generous, offering 570 liters of storage with the rear seats up and expanding to 1700 liters when the rear seats are folded down. This makes the i5 M60 a practical choice for families and those who need extra space for luggage or sports equipment.
The panoramic glass roof adds to the sense of space and light within the cabin, creating an open and airy atmosphere. This feature, combined with the vehicle’s ambient lighting system, allows you to set the mood for any journey, whether it’s a daytime drive or a nighttime adventure.
Infotainment and Displays
BMW has always been at the forefront of automotive technology, and the i5 M60 xDrive Touring is no exception. The vehicle is equipped with an array of advanced infotainment and display systems that enhance the driving experience. At the center of the dashboard is a 14.9-inch touchscreen display that serves as the hub for the car’s infotainment system. This high-resolution screen provides access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings, all of which can be controlled via touch, voice commands, or the iDrive controller.
In front of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that displays essential driving information such as speed, range, and navigation directions. The display is customizable, allowing the driver to choose what information is most important to them. Additionally, the i5 M60 features a head-up display with augmented reality, projecting key information onto the windshield so the driver can keep their eyes on the road.
Connectivity is another strong point of the i5 M60. The vehicle supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration with your smartphone. This means you can easily access your favorite apps, make hands-free calls, and stream music directly through the car’s premium sound system. The i5 M60 also offers wireless charging for smartphones, ensuring that your devices are always ready to go.
Rear passengers aren’t left out either. The i5 M60 includes a rear-seat entertainment system with individual screens, allowing passengers to watch movies or play games during long journeys. This feature, combined with the vehicle’s four-zone climate control, ensures that all occupants enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable ride.
Comfort and Convenience
When it comes to comfort, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring sets a high standard. The vehicle’s seats are designed with both comfort and support in mind, featuring heated and cooled front seats as well as heated outer rear seats. The front seats also offer multiple adjustment options, including lumbar support and memory settings, ensuring that drivers and passengers alike can find their ideal seating position.
The i5 M60’s cabin is also incredibly quiet, thanks to its advanced sound insulation and the naturally quiet operation of the electric drivetrain. This creates a serene environment that allows you to relax and enjoy the ride, whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising on the highway.
Convenience is another area where the i5 M60 excels. The vehicle is equipped with a host of features designed to make your life easier. The keyless entry and start system allow you to unlock and start the car without removing the key from your pocket or bag. The power tailgate makes loading and unloading the trunk a breeze, especially when your hands are full. Additionally, the i5 M60 includes a parking assistant that can automatically park the car in tight spaces, taking the stress out of parking in busy areas.
The i5 M60 also offers a range of driver assistance systems that enhance safety and convenience. These include adaptive cruise control, which maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front, and a lane-keeping assist that helps you stay centered in your lane. These features, combined with the vehicle’s advanced sensors and cameras, provide a level of convenience and peace of mind that is hard to match.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for BMW, and the i5 M60 xDrive Touring is packed with features designed to protect you and your passengers. The vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive airbag system that includes side, center, and rear airbags, as well as front and rear head airbags. This ensures that all occupants are protected in the event of a collision.
The i5 M60 xDrive Touring also comes with a suite of advanced driving aids designed to prevent accidents and enhance driver awareness. One of the standout features is BMW’s Driving Assistant Professional, which includes Active Lane Change Assist with eye confirmation. This system not only helps you stay in your lane but also allows you to change lanes with minimal effort. By simply looking in the direction you want to move, the system activates, making lane changes smoother and safer.
Additionally, the i5 M60 is equipped with a long-range radar capable of detecting objects up to 300 meters ahead, along with four corner short-range radars that enhance the vehicle’s awareness of its surroundings. The 8MP front camera provides high-resolution imagery for systems like Assisted Driving View, which displays a real-time 3D environment of the road around you. This feature is particularly useful in complex driving scenarios, such as navigating through crowded urban environments.
Rear Cross-Traffic Warning and Exit Warning functions further enhance safety by alerting you to potential hazards when reversing out of parking spaces or when opening doors in traffic. The vehicle also features a Steering Assistant, which helps maintain control during sudden maneuvers, adding an extra layer of security.
Parking is made easier and safer with the inclusion of front and rear sensors, a 360-degree camera, and a reversing camera. The Parking Assistant Professional system can even take over parking duties, effortlessly guiding the vehicle into tight spots. Whether you’re parallel parking on a busy street or backing into a garage, the i5 M60 has you covered.
Moreover, the vehicle’s structural integrity is designed to meet the highest safety standards. The robust construction, combined with BMW’s advanced safety technologies, ensures that the i5 M60 provides superior protection in the event of a collision. Although specific crash test ratings were not mentioned, BMW’s track record for safety suggests that the i5 M60 is likely to perform exceptionally well in all relevant safety tests.
Similarly Priced Cars
When comparing the BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring to other similarly priced electric vehicles, a few notable contenders come to mind. The Lucid Air Touring is priced at around €99,000, $110,000, or £85,000, depending on the market. The Lucid Air offers a luxurious experience with impressive range and power, making it a direct competitor to the i5 M60. However, the BMW may have an edge in terms of driving dynamics and brand loyalty.
Another rival is the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+, which is priced at approximately €109,780, $122,000, or £94,000. This model from Mercedes combines performance and luxury, but the BMW i5 M60 might appeal more to those looking for a vehicle that balances sportiness with practicality, especially given its touring capabilities.
The Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4MATIC, slightly less expensive at around €103,830, $116,000, or £88,000, is another worthy competitor. While it shares many qualities with the EQE 53, the BMW’s superior range and the versatility of its touring design could make it the better option for those who frequently embark on long journeys.
The Lucid Air Pure AWD, at around €109,000, $121,500, or £93,500, is also in the same price bracket. It offers a slightly different approach to luxury electric motoring, focusing on maximum range and minimalist design. However, for those who prioritize a balance between traditional BMW driving pleasure and modern electric efficiency, the i5 M60 remains an excellent choice.
Conclusion: The Legacy and Future Influence of the BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring
The BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring is not just another electric vehicle; it’s a statement of BMW’s intent to lead the luxury EV market. By combining the brand’s hallmark driving dynamics with cutting-edge electric technology, the i5 M60 positions itself as a benchmark for future electric vehicles. Its performance, battery efficiency, and luxurious features make it a compelling option for those looking to make the transition to electric mobility without sacrificing the driving experience they’ve come to expect from BMW.
The i5 M60’s influence on future electric vehicle development cannot be overstated. It serves as a template for how luxury, performance, and sustainability can coexist harmoniously in the automotive world. As the industry continues to evolve, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring will likely be remembered as one of the vehicles that paved the way for a new era of electric driving, setting standards that others will strive to meet.
In summary, whether you’re drawn to its impressive performance, luxurious interior, or advanced safety features, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring is a vehicle that delivers on all fronts. It’s not just a car; it’s a glimpse into the future of what driving can and should be.