The new, eighth-generation BMW 5-series has landed in both gasoline and EV versions (as well as diesel in Europe).
Our first sampling is the hotter of the electric versions---the BMW i5 M60.
The exterior styling isn't as smooth as the last 5-series, exhibiting the same sort of bulges and creases found on the new 7-series, but not taken to the extremes of gun slot headlamps, gaping-maw grilles and hyper-tall trunks found on its larger sibling.
There are two electric motors making 593 horsepower and 586 lb-ft of torque. If you pop $1,050 for the M Sport Professional package, on the left side of the steering wheel, there's a single paddle marked "BOOST". Use it and the i5 M60 temporarily bumps the torque up to 608 lb-ft and is capable of 0-60 sprints in 3.3 seconds.
Range per charge is on the low side, at 240 miles.
The unexpected letdown is steering. Not handling---the i5 M60 stays planted and handles curves at speed beautifully. But the steering is numb while you're doing it. There's none of the glorious feedback I felt at the wheel of the 2022 BMW M5 Competition.
Keep your inputs subtle at speed while you get to know the car, because the road and the tires are not communicating with you. You can get the result you want, but it's kind of like using a very precise mouse on your computer.
Trunk space is down from the last-generation 5-series' 18.7 cubic feet. The i5 M60 only manages 17. That's likely due to packaging for the batteries.
Rear seat passengers get a comfortable 36.5 inches of legroom.
The base price of the 2024 BMW i5 M60 xDrive is $85,095 including destination. That price brings a fairly epic list of standard equipment including Adaptive Suspension Professional, Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, four-wheel ventilated anti-lock M Sport disc brakes with Dynamic Brake Control and Cornering Brake Control, a multi-link rear suspension, all wheel drive, wireless device charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, on-board 5G, Connected Package Pro (real-time traffic, on-street parking information in select cities and BMW Remote Services), a one-year SiriusXM Platinum Plan subscription with 360L, a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, leather-wrapped multi-function M Sport steering wheel, power glass moonroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, keyless entry, ambient lighting, heated power multi-contour front seats, a comprehensive suite of active safety features and a power trunklid.
Our test vehicle had some extra cost options, too. The Brooklyn Grey Metallic paint was $650, the Dynamic Handling Package (Active M Suspension Pro and Active Roll Stabilization) added $3,600, the Driving Assistance Pro Package (Active Driving Assistant Pro and Highway Assistant) was $2,000, the Premium Package (heated steering wheel, interior camera, full LED lights with cornering lamps, Parking Assistant Plus, a curved display with HUD and Natural Interaction) puts another $2,000 on the tab.
I mentioned the M Sport Professional Package above---that's $1,050. 21" bicolor wheels are $1,800, a Sky Lounge Roof is $600 and dark silver interior trim is $300.
Bottom line on the window sticker---$97,095.
I don't want to damn with faint praise---the 2024 BMW i5 M60 is a good car, capable of some serious speed and genuinely good handling---but the steering never lets you be sure you're in control of that.
If this level of performance matters to you, if you want a 5-Series and you're not absolutely married to the idea of it being an EV, I think I'd wait for the 2025 M5, which is expected to have north of 700 horsepower and, if the '21 I reviewed is any guide, will give you every ounce of feedback and control.
