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In the evolving world of electric vehicles, where every automaker is chasing acceleration times and range stats, the BMW i5 M60 carves out a distinct niche. As an all-electric sports-luxury sedan, it blends performance, refinement, and high-tech features. The result is a package that feels both evolutionary and uniquely German. This review of the BMW i5 M60, delivered from a German engineer’s perspective, offers insight into how this premium EV balances design legacy, modern luxury, and real-world drivability. It’s especially relevant for a global audience navigating vastly different road cultures.
Performance That’s Quick—But No Longer Rare
At first glance, the “60” badge may suggest 600 horsepower. In truth, the i5 M60 boasts 596 hp and just over 600 lb-ft of torque. These numbers place it squarely in high-performance EV territory. A dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup propels it from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, rivaling internal combustion M cars and high-end rivals like the Tesla Model S or Mercedes EQE.
Yet, despite its blistering speed, the reviewer notes that this kind of performance “is nothing special anymore.” With many modern EVs offering similar specs, outright acceleration has become commoditized. What truly defines the i5 M60, he suggests, is not speed—but quality.
Built on CLAR, Not Born-Electric
The i5 M60 rides on BMW’s CLAR 2 platform, a modular architecture shared with internal combustion vehicles. While this gives BMW the flexibility to electrify traditional nameplates like the 5 Series, it comes with compromises. For example, unlike many dedicated EVs, the i5 lacks a front trunk—a missed opportunity for maximizing storage in an electric-only powertrain.
Moreover, the CLAR platform contributes to the i5 M60’s hefty curb weight of approximately 5,250 pounds. That’s about 700 pounds more than a standard Tesla Model S (non-Plaid), which uses a ground-up BEV chassis with lightweight materials. This weight penalty affects not only efficiency but also handling dynamics.
Real-World Range: A German Take
The i5 M60 offers roughly 250 miles of range depending on driving conditions—adequate but not class-leading. Our engineering team at Munro raises a critical point: from a German perspective, if this vehicle is meant for high-speed Autobahn cruising, its range quickly diminishes. At sustained speeds of 130 mph, real-world range could drop to just 50 or 60 miles—“defeating the purpose,” as he puts it.
This highlights a recurring challenge in EV design: tailoring performance and efficiency for different use cases and markets. While Americans rarely exceed 80 mph, German drivers expect sustained high-speed capability without constant recharging. The i5 M60 does deliver stability at speed thanks to features like rear-wheel steering and a long wheelbase, but range remains a constraint.
Design Evolution: From Flow to Facets
From a styling standpoint, the i5 M60 marks a departure from the elegant line flow of its predecessor. Where the older 5 Series championed design cohesion with continuous lines through the Hofmeister kink, the new i5 adopts a bolder, more angular surface language.
The iconic BMW kidney grille remains, though its function is more cosmetic than ever in an EV. The 21-inch wheels are busy in design, and underbody cladding visually lowers the vehicle’s stance. The reviewer also humorously points out that the Hofmeister kink, long associated with BMW, was actually pioneered by Cadillac—a nod to the brand’s adaptive design philosophy.
Interior: Tech-Forward, Solidly Built
Inside, the i5 M60 is every bit a modern BMW. The crystal iDrive controller, carbon fiber trim, and expansive curved displays align with the latest interior architecture seen in models like the i7. The infotainment system ranks among the best in the industry. In Munro’s view, only Tesla does it better. It offers intuitive controls and highly responsive performance.
Materials feel premium throughout. Even rear passengers enjoy ample space, a panoramic sunroof, and plush surfaces. While some cost-cutting shows—such as plastic Bowers & Wilkins speaker covers mimicking laser-cut metal—overall fit and finish remain top-tier.
This meticulous attention to build quality may be the i5 M60’s most distinctive attribute. As the reviewer puts it, “It feels like it’s properly put together”—a sentiment often absent in rival EVs that prioritize software or performance over craftsmanship.
Ride and Handling: Comfort Takes the Lead
On the road, the i5 M60 leans more toward grand tourer than sports sedan. Despite its power, it’s not the car for track days or canyon carving. The front axle uses a conventional coilover setup, while the rear benefits from ZF-supplied air suspension. This split system provides excellent comfort on rough pavement but introduces slight body movement in aggressive cornering—a tradeoff inherent to its 5,000+ pound mass.
Steering feel is solid, but not razor-sharp. The chassis manages weight transfer well, but as the reviewer notes, “There’s a secondary wallow” when changing direction quickly. This feedback confirms that while the i5 M60 is stable and comfortable, it doesn’t offer the taut reflexes of lighter, rear-wheel-biased BMWs like the M2 or M4.
EV Identity in a Crowded Market
The i5 M60 embodies the industry-wide dilemma of differentiation in the EV era. With everyone boasting similar horsepower figures and fast charging rates, OEMs must now compete on intangibles—brand feel, craftsmanship, and user experience. In that regard, BMW delivers a unique blend of premium materials, ergonomic polish, and driving refinement.
Still, the reviewer admits that the i5 M60 doesn’t have one standout feature. “It’s a very creative package… but nothing really stands out,” he concludes. In an era where Tesla pushes minimalist software-forward interfaces and Lucid aims for 500+ mile ranges, BMW’s strength lies in delivering a polished, balanced experience that echoes its ICE heritage while nudging into the electric future.
Final Verdict: The Ultimate All-Rounder?
The BMW i5 M60 might not be the “ultimate driving machine” in a traditional sports car sense, but it’s certainly a competent luxury EV cruiser. With plenty of power, top-tier cabin materials, and excellent tech integration, it offers a premium experience that makes it worth its $90,000+ price tag—especially for drivers who value build quality and brand prestige over bleeding-edge innovation.
For families looking for a comfortable, quick, and stylish all-electric sedan—with space for two kids and a dog—this BMW delivers. It may not redefine the segment, but it refines it in a way that’s unmistakably German.
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