IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT

The i5 M60 xDrive … Worth the Drive

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BMW's venerable 5-Series sedan has long been a paragon of luxury, performance, and innovation.  Now in its eighth generation, it is still all that, but the automotive world has seemingly passed it by as SUVs and crossovers have taken over.

Nevertheless, allow me to pour some sugar on the 5-Series, because in the 1970s and ‘80s when BMW was nothing like the luxury juggernaut we know today when the 5-er grabbed our attention and held it until, umm, maybe 10 years ago when the X5 SUV shoved it aside like Facebook did to MySpace.

It’s not the same world anymore, but with the introduction of the all-electric (BEV) i5 sedan, BMW moves the not-yet-irrelevant 5-Series into the modern era.

Is that a good thing?  We’ll see, but for now I’ll just say it’s different.

Also different, and I would say smart, was BMW CEO Oliver Zipse’s decision about five years ago to develop new vehicles with configurable powertrains, such that they could be manufactured with BEV, hybrid, or internal combustion (ICE) propulsion systems, depending on customer demand.  

As BEV demand declines and hybrid/ICE orders climb, that decision is looking pretty prescient.

Design-wise, the BEV i5 M60 xDrive I tested exudes a nice blend of tradition and futurism.  Its silhouette reflects classic 5-Series models of old, but it’s been updated with a sleek profile and modern proportions.  The front end features a large version of BMW's iconic kidney grille, which has been reimagined with no openings and a smoked glass kind of cover that adds subtle illumination at night that hints at its electric powertrain.  The rear end is tapered with thin horizontal taillights that work to minimize visual mass.

Inside, the i5 M60 xDrive is all about luxury meeting technology.  When the dude who delivers press cars gave me the keys, he said, “this car is like from the future.”  And he’s right.  Ambient lighting, which you can pick yourself, further adjusts according to driving modes, and the latest iteration of BMW's iDrive user interface is showcased through a majestic, curved display that integrates infotainment and driver information seamlessly (and futuristically).  And I was happy to find that the new tech I experienced in the i5 is not just visually stunning but also approachable and intuitive. 

Five years ago I thought that Audi had the best screens and infotainment user interfaces. Now it’s BMW, with Porsche in second place. 

The i5 M60 xDrive features a dual-motor BEV system delivering 593HP and 586 lb-ft of torque, which can propel the sedan from 0 to 60MPH in an impressive 3.7 seconds.  And equipped with an 84.3 kWh battery pack, the i5 M60 xDrive offers an EPA-estimated range of approximately 240 miles. 

Which brings me to my usual words of caution about BEVs: Before buying any all-electric vehicle, think about how you’ll use it.  If you have a home charger, commuting and running errands in a BEV are a cinch—no more going to the gas station!—but long trips will be challenging.

Automotive News and the Wall Street Journal have reported that the charging infrastructure isn’t what it should be to support long trips in a BEV, and outages or lines at existing charging stations are a continuing challenge.

On the road, the i5 M60 xDrive exhibits good steering, balanced handling, and a comfortable ride quality that is undeniably pleasant but not really like previous 5-Series models.  While I appreciate the i5’s massive power and acceleration, the always-on-the-balls-of-my-feet agility that I associate with older 5-Series sedans is missing, which is a shame.  I blame the i5’s porky 5225-lb curb weight.

Rear-wheel steering (RWS) enhances maneuverability, particularly in urban settings such as parking garages.  I used to turn my nose up at RWS, but now I appreciate its pluses.

The i5 M60 xDrive comes with adaptive suspension, which adjusts in real-time to varying road conditions.  It was invisible to me during my time with the car, and I’m not sure if that’s good or bad.

Positioned as a flagship within the electric 5-Series lineup, the i5 M60 xDrive is priced at $84,100, and of course that number will increase with optional features and additional customization. 

It’s worth noting that Porsche and Mercedes BEV models have experienced more depreciation than their internal combustion counterparts so consider leasing.

The BMW i5 M60 xDrive signifies a pivotal moment in the evolution of the beloved 5-Series sedan.  It provides full electrification plus a lot, but not all, of the driving pleasure synonymous with the 5-er.  And it’s not an SUV.  However, range anxiety and depreciation are realities, as they are with all BEVs, so think about how you’ll use it before you buy.

Stephen Schutz has covered the automotive world for more than 30 years as a syndicated writer and podcast host.  Read his column monthly in The Cricket.