The future of the automobile industry is moving towards electric vehicles because they offer a viable solution to reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector. Many major automakers have recognized this trend and are investing heavily in electric vehicle development. Several have announced ambitious plans to transition their entire lineups to electric power. BMW has been actively planning and transitioning towards electric cars as part of its long-term strategy, and they established an electric sub-brand called “BMW i” specifically for EV development. The current lineup includes the BMW i4, BMW i7, and BMW iX, all embodying the ideal blend of luxury, technology, and power to deliver BMW’s thrilling driving experience.
BMW is venturing further into the realm of electric mobility with the upcoming i5 model as part of the iconic 5 Series, demonstrating the brand’s unwavering dedication to sustainability without sacrificing the exhilarating driving experience for which BMW is renowned. The Bavarian outfit introduced the i4 in 2022. Now, the i5 joins a fiercely competitive and demanding performance electric car segment. It features a high-performance version, the 2024 BMW i5 M60, which arrives for delivery in the US in October 2023 as another promising EV to compete with formidable opponents like the Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan, and Mercedes EQE.
10 The 2024 BMW i5 M60 Offers Impressive Power Outputs
Since BMW’s M division introduced the M5 super sedan as the high-performance variant of the 5 Series in 1984, it has remained a supercar-slaying sedan with a perfect combination of luxurious features and impressive performance capabilities. The new i5 M60 seeks to join the family as one of the most potent 5 Series models ever built.
The standard i5 comes with a single motor pushing 335 hp, while the M60 doubles the motor count to produce 590 hp, only a few ponies less than the limited-production 627-hp BMW M5 CS released last year. BMW claims the power helps the i5 M60 rocket to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, which won’t scare the Tesla Model S but is pretty great.
9 The 2024 BMW i5 M60 Offers All-Wheel Drive Performance
BMW had always offered the M5 exclusively with a rear-wheel drive configuration until 2017, when they introduced their AWD system dubbed xDrive as an option on the super sedan. It is a rear-biased system that can distribute power between the front and rear wheels as needed for optimal traction and performance.
While the standard i5 eDrive40 comes with a rear-drive configuration, the i5 M60 has an M-specific all-wheel-drive system that splits the torque in favor of the rear wheels for a fun-filled drive experienced like in its ICE siblings.
8 The 2024 BMW i5 M60 Features A Delightful Interior Design
The interior of the BMW i5 M60 feels as spacious and luxurious as its gasoline-powered counterpart. Despite the presence of a large battery below, the cabin space remains uncompromised, ensuring ample room for passengers, with only the trunk space slightly more limited.
The material is a blend of traditional luxury and modernity. BMW offers classic leather and a new faux-leather option called Veganza for the i5, which provides customers with a sustainable and animal-friendly alternative while maintaining the premium and refined feel of the interior. You also get optional heated and ventilated front seats with massage functions for enhanced comfort and relaxation.
7 The 2024 BMW i5 M60 Offers An Elegant And Aggressive Exterior Design
Drivetrains and grilles aside, the i5 M60 is practically the same car as the combustion-powered eight-gen 5 Series. It combines its iconic sibling’s sleek lines and sophisticated styling elements with aggressive cues that enhance its sporty and powerful presence on the road. The i5 features a muscular and sculpted body design that gives it a commanding and athletic stance. An illuminated kidney grille, headlights, slim rear taillights, and M Shadowline lights to the pairing of M Sport Brakes add a modern touch.
The inaugural i5 M60 has a larger-than-life presence that exudes an air of grace and grandeur, while representing the future of performance electric vehicles and a bold leap forward in the realm of four-door sedan design.
6 The 2024 BMW i5 M60 Offers Impressive Fast Charging
While range anxiety is one of the main concerns for EV adoption, it is diminishing thanks to recent advancements in electric vehicle technology. The latest cars pack much bigger battery packs and fast-charging capabilities. Beneath its floorboard, the BMW i5 packs an 84.3-kWh battery offering 295 miles between charges, but this drops to 256 miles on the M60. However, driving enthusiasts will gladly trade off a bit of range for extra horsepower and cornering grip.
The i5 M60’s range is far from class-leading— the Tesla Model S does 405 miles per charge, and the Mercedes EQE provides up to 410 miles. Luckily, the i5’s battery comes hooked up to a 205 kW DC fast-charging, capable of juicing it from 10 percent to 80 percent in 30 minutes.
5 The 2024 BMW i5 M60 Is A Futuristic Twist On The Iconic 5 Series
The BMW M5 is an automotive legend, having earned a reputation for its exceptional performance, driving dynamics, and technological advancements over the years. Since its introduction in 1984, the M5 has consistently pushed the boundaries of what a high-performance sedan can achieve. As we approach an age where you can no longer slap a monstrous V8 engine on a car, the i5 M60 offers hope for the M5’s continued survival.
The latest addition to the BMW i lineup brings a futuristic twist to the M5, combining power, luxury, and driving thrills. Initial test drives by Car and Driver found the i5 M60 impressive with its agile handling, confidence-inspiring levels of cornering grip, and snappy acceleration. The jury is still out on whether the i5 M60 will match up to its legendary sibling.
4 The 2024 BMW i5 M60 Comes With A Highly Interactive Dashboard
The BMW i5 M60’s cockpit is as visionary as it is interactive. At the heart of the i5’s dashboard lies a striking, curved panel encompassing a 12.3-inch digital gauge display and an expansive 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. This setup delivers a visually captivating experience and provides intuitive access to essential vehicle information, combining driving data with multimedia features.
The high-touch Interaction Bar in the i5 harmoniously combines functionality and aesthetic appeal. BMW designed it to enhance the user experience, and this feature enables intuitive control and interaction with various vehicle functions. Its sleek design seamlessly integrates with the overall cabin aesthetic while contributing to a visually pleasing interior.
3 The 2024 BMW i5 M60 Offers Highly Proactive Technology
The i5 M60 is brimming with highly proactive technology that aims at making it as easy to drive as possible. The Highway Assistant feature in the i5 introduces a new level of convenience and relaxation during long-distance journeys. Designed to alleviate stress, this advanced technology enables drivers to temporarily remove their hands from the steering wheel while driving on highways or other divided roadways, subject to specific conditions and speeds of up to 85 miles per hour.
Other standard driver-assistance features include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist.
2 The 2024 BMW i5 M60 Is Easy To Charge With Complimentary Charging In The USA
BMW proudly asserts that the i5 is poised to revolutionize electromobility by offering a seamless charging experience, utilizing innovative materials, and enabling effortless driving. With its user-friendly charging capabilities, the i5 aims to simplify the charging process, ensuring that you can power up your vehicle conveniently without disrupting your daily routine.
It includes the Intelligent eRoute service that lets you easily plan charging stops on longer trips. It also comes with the new plug and charge function that allows drivers to plug in at an Electrify America station, where they get two years of complimentary 30-minute charging sessions.
1 The 2024 BMW i5 M60 Offers Competitive Pricing
Mark your calendar if you fancy the highly anticipated 2024 BMW i5 because it will debut at BMW dealerships in October 2023. This 5 Series bad boy joins a growing sea of capable medium-sized luxury electric cars for the eco-friendly customer base, including the electrified Genesis G80, Mercedes EQE, Tesla Model S, and Porsche Taycan.
Those seeking more range can go for the standard eDrive40 model, which starts at $67,795. The performance-oriented M60 trim starts at $85,095, which is competitive pricing in the segment—the Porsche Taycan begins at $88,150, rising to $188,850 with the range-topping Turbo S trim and the base Tesla Model S starts at $91,380. If you want something more affordable, BMW offers the i4, which is $30,000 cheaper.
Sources: BMW USA, Car and Driver, TopSpeed
