2024 BMW i5 M60 AWD: The Brand's Midsize All-Electric High-Tech Performance Sedan

Highlight: This is one of the first BMWs that can change lanes via eye activation. The car must be equipped with the active lane change feature.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $ 95,395 (Base Model): $67,795

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; AWD; a tire pressure monitor system; a rear-view camera; a stability system; front collision mitigation; a park distance control; parking assistant and back up assistant; and a mobility kit

Standard Equipment (Base i5 eDrive40): 19-inch; rear wheel drive; 335-hp; power moonroof; power heated front seats; dual zone automatic climate control; leather free seats; fine wood dark oak high gloss trim  a non metallic paint; power folding side mirrors; parking assistant; a 13-inch curved digital instrument cluster and infotainment system; a cloud based navigation system; a Harman/Kardan premium sound system with SiriusXM; wireless device charging; a radar activated cruise control system; an interaction bar with ambient lighting; a keyless entry system; and a power trunk

Standard Equipment (i5 M60 AWD): 19-inch alloy wheels; dual electric motors; all-wheel drive; 81.2 kWh high voltage ion battery; a flexible fast charging cable; horizontal slats in the grille and a M logo; power folding heated side mirrors; aerodynamic kit; multi contour seats; Veganza/Alcantara interior; a power operated M steering wheel; variable sport steering; a shawdoline exterior trim; M sport brakes with blue calipers; DC fast charging capability; wireless driving charging; cloud-based navigation system; a dual zone climate control system; and power trunk

Options: a driving assistance packagea; heated steering wheel; sky lounge roof; glass controls; a sports package pro with design aesthetics for the brakes, carbon exterior package and the like; 21-inch wheels; and silver trim with dark accents

Other Trim Level:

xDrive40 (non performance)

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an 18-speaker, 655-watt Bowers and Wilkins with AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Powertrain Warranty:  4 year or 50,000 miles

Battery Warranty:  8 year or 100,000 miles

Motor/Horsepower: a dual 593-horsepower (test model)

Driving Range: 261 to 281 miles (depending upon the temperature)

Standard Mileage: 85-city/86-hwy with 21-inch wheels

What’s New: For the 2024 model year, this is the first time the 5 series is available as an all-electric vehicle. The 5 Series h**/as also been redesigned in and out this model year.

Why:

Traditional BMW styling design

All-electric

All-wheel drive

A powerful 593-horsepower

a driving range that spans from 261 to 281 miles

19, 20 and 21-inch wheels

A variety of driving modes

A radar activated stop and go cruise control system

Handsfree driving up to 85 mph

Supportive seating with leg support extenders

An easy-to-use infotainment screen

A firm performance handling suspension system

A high-end concert sounding audio system

Latest safety driving aids

A heads-up display (HUD) system

Wireless device charging system

A semi-highway driving assistance system

The standard Active Driving Assistant Professional system allows for hands free driving up to 85-mph

Three ways to control the infotainment system: touchscreen, voice operation and i-controller

Qualifies for the Inflation Reduction Act lease incentive

 

But: 

No front ventilated seat on our test model; this should be standard equipment

No lumbar support embedded in the driver’s seat

No leather seats option, vegan only

An inability to activate the eye system to change lanes

Pricey

Verdict:  BMW seemingly has another winner on its hand being that the 5 Series is now available as an all-electric vehicle. The all-electric German sedan is based off the redesigned 5 Series. The i5 is available as a luxury or performance-oriented sedan. The midsize 5 Series we reviewed looks and feels like a BMW except its powered by electricity.

BMW has chosen a different strategy with their design language, as opposed to its German luxury competitor Mercedes-Benz. While Mercedes-Benz chose to develop a line of swoopy vehicles specifically dedicated to EVs, BMW and Genesis have chosen a different route. In many cases they’ve used the traditional gasoline design language, making it gasoline, plug-in, hybrid and/or all-electric. Thus, unlike Mercedes-Benz EVs bubble shape designs, the BMWs exude an element of sophistication and style.

Unlike the BMWs of the past, which were known for a stiffer ride and a more engaging driving experience. That’s not the case with the current crop of 5-Series cars. While they don’t have the precision feel of that one finds in a Mercedes, BMW has managed to find the find the perfect balance in terms of its handling and driving capabilities. This generation’s BMW leans more toward a luxury despite offering near 600-horsepower.

Moreover, not only is the 5 Series longer, it sports a new grille which is suitable for the fascia. Unlike the smaller 4 Series sedan, the flagship 7 Series and other BMW cars, which are outfitted with oversized grilles, the 5 Series sedan grille compliments the vehicle.

Lastly, while we tried repeatedly to allow our eyes to assist the vehicle to change lanes, we were unable to activate the technology to do such. Yet, despite that hiccup, this didn’t take way from our experience of being behind the wheel of an electrified power rocket capable of achieving near 280-miles on a full range. From the handsfree steering to video like graphics embedded in the driver's cluster, BMW has turned this i5 M60 to a desirable driver's centric German engineered sedan.

Competition: 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE

Non Performance Competition: 2024 Genesis G80