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Review: BMW I5 M60

The electric i5 M60 is the "boss" of the 5 Series range for those seeking performance with EV technology

When BMW launched the new G60 5 Series, the 520d was the thinking mans choice with the i5 M60 taking the place of the previous 550 xDrive. We tested the i5 M60 to find out if BMW made a mistake by not giving us the V8 550i.

Just like the BMW 520d we tested a while back (see video below), the G90 5 Series has presence in spade on the road. Everyone was looking at it. The i5 M60 with its larger 21 inch alloys definitely garnered attention. The LED kidney grille (Iconic Glow in BMW speak) made me recognisable from far as I continually got calls from people I know when I drove home at night (also due to these not being too many on our roads).

Most comments were around the length of the i5, with most thinking its a 7 Series. The low ride height meant one had to be extra careful when driving on the massive speed humps around Durban.

The lack of tail pipes for something so sporty in looks gave it away to many that this was an EV. The fixed glass top also made an impact to onlookers outside as it covers the whole length of the roof in gloss black, contrasting nicely with our test cars light metallic paint. Overall the G90 5 Series has grown up.

The Curved display, just as in the 520d is the main attraction when one enters the BM. The Ambient lighting also drew a lot of “Ohhs and Ahhs” from passengers. The seats up front were heated and cooled (something one treasures in the Durban Heat).

Rear space is ample with excellent leg room. The panoramic roof also aided the spacious feeling when inside.

On the road, the i5 majors on comfort and refinement. Noise, Vibration and Harshness are noticeable by their absence when cruising. The performance from the EV is “electric” with take off giving some passengers dizzy spells.

The claimed 3.8 sec 0-100km/h is easily believable but it does suck out the juice if done repeatedly. We averaged 420km range with some spirited driving whilst 550km was possible with extra range settings. The xDrive also instills calmness even in very bad weather.

The Bowers&Wilkins sound was very good but falls short of the excellent option found on the IX 50 we drove a few years back. Sound clarity is very good with one needing a bit more bass.

With a home charger, the experience of testing an EV was transformed as one doesn’t need to start at the charging station every morning. With a home charge one gets 100% battery every morning. The cost of charging is also much less when compared with ICE cars thus reducing maintenance costs quite a bit. At R2,190,000.00 with a home charger included, the i5 M60 will definitely change a lot of M5 minds into buying EV, its that good.

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