Right now, the automobile industry is in the midst of the greatest change since Henry Ford invented the Model T over 100 years ago. As the industry converts to electric power for at least a portion of its products, it's taking some time to figure out how the new cars are going to work. Overall, this is a very good thing. We get to rethink how we want cars to work for us in the future. However, sometimes the experiments just don't work out. Some electric cars are a little bit too unusual, or too expensive to repair.
One company that is doing things right is BMW. Specifically, the 2024 i5 sedan is a remarkable luxury EV that hits all the right notes. The basis for this is simple: it drives like any other BMW sedan, but with electric performance. The i5 is comfortable, fast, and nimble, but it has a standard design. BMW enthusiasts can hop right in and get the same BMW experience they already love.
For our test vehicle, we drove the i5 M60 xDrive. To unpack that name, it means that we got the high-performance all-wheel drive version. Like all EVs, BMW implements all-wheel drive by placing an electric motor at the front of the car and another motor at the rear. Two motors means more power, and the i5 M60 delivers a whopping 593 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque. That's enough to rocket the i5 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. The i5 M60 has a governed top speed of 130 mph.
Apart from impressive acceleration, the BMW i5 has a range of 240 or 256 miles on a full charge, and with a standard 50 Amp Level 2 home charging system, will charge from 0 to 100% in less than 10 hours. If you can charge overnight at your home, the i5 can be fully charged every morning. The i5 also accepts DC fast charging, so you can add substantial miles to the car in less than an hour.
Inside, the i5 is pure BMW. The seats are comfortable, heated and ventilated. The M60 trim offers carbon fiber accents, and a nifty red band at the top of the steering wheel to remind you that this is the hot rod version. There's a single glass pane mounted on the dash that covers both driver information and infotainment. All the modern conveniences are there, including a nice Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system.
Notably, the back seat in the midsize i5 sedan is also spacious and comfortable. Whether your i5 is used strictly for family or for business, this is a car you can live with easily.
On the road, the i5 is simply a joy to drive. Unlike bulky and ponderous SUVs, the i5 keeps its weight down low and offers crisp steering response, lightning acceleration, and a smooth ride. The test drive is where you'll really fall in love with this car, just as generations have enjoyed prior versions of BMW's 5-Series sedans.
The price tag of the BMW i5 M60 is pretty steep, starting at $84,100 and reaching up above $90,000 with some options. However, you can get into the i5 eDrive40 or xDrive40 starting at $66,800, which is just a bit higher than the standard 5-Series gas-powered models. So there are some options to save money.
The bottom line on the BMW i5 sedan or the i4 coupe is that these EVs do not require you to recalibrate the way you drive or your expectations of features and performance. For BMW's loyal buyers, that's a really good thing.
2024 BMW i5 M60 xDrive
Base price: $84,100
Price as tested: $94,995
Type: Midsize sedan
Engine: Dual electric motors (593 hp, 586 lbs-ft)
Transmission: Direct drive
EPA estimated range: 240 miles
Overall length: 199.2 inches
Curb weight: 5,247 pounds
Final assembly: Dingolfing, Germany
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