2024 BMW i5 M60 xDrive Is A Powerful But Pricey Electric Performer

The 2024 BMW i5 M60 has thrilling performance, sharp handling, a luxurious interior, fast charging, limited range and a pricey cost.

The 2024 BMW i5 M60's power is amazing. With nearly 600 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of around 3.7 seconds, it delivers exhilarating acceleration.

Despite its size, the i5 M60 is praised for its precise handling and engaging driving experience, characteristics that are a hallmark of BMW. In fact, while this is a sporty vehicle, some online reviewers have noted that the ride quality leans more towards comfort than pure sportiness. But isn't it great that a sports vehicle's ride quality leans more toward comfort rather than rigidness? 

Like other BMW offerings, the i5 M60 offers a comfortable and well-appointed interior with high-quality materials and the latest technology features.

The i5 M60 is compatible with DC fast chargers, allowing you to replenish up to 80% of the battery in about 30 minutes.

Having said this, compared to some rivals, the i5 M60's driving range is a bit on the low side, coming in at an EPA-estimated 240 to 256 miles depending on wheels. But keep in mind, this is a performance vehicle and needs more battery power to give you that punchy powertrain.

And this vehicle is pricy. With a starting MSRP of $84,100, the i5 M60 is a very expensive electric vehicle.

BMW offers the 2024 i5 in two trims: the eDrive40 with $67,7985 MSRP and the M60 xDrive with $84,100 starting MSRP, which can reach to $95,395 with options and additional charges. Some of these major options include the Driving Assistance Pro Package and the M Sport Package Pro.

The eDrive40 offers a longer driving range than the M60, ideal for those who want to go farther on a single charge. For maximum efficiency, the eDrive40 offers a superior range compared to the M60. If covering long distances is your top concern, the eDrive40 outshines the M60 with its extended electric range.

BMW's i5 has a growing number of luxury EVs in the mid-size segment, which includes the Genesis Electrified G50, Mercedes-Benz EQE, Porsche Taycan, and the Tesla Model S.

The 2024 BMW i5 offers two distinct powertrain options, but the M60 stands out as the undisputed muscle car of the lineup.

M60's Dual-Motor Advantage

Unlike the base eDrive40 which relies on a single electric motor powering the rear wheels, the M60 offers a dual-motor setup. This configuration adds a second electric motor to the front axle, resulting in a significant power boost. With this innovative design, the M60 cranks out a combined output of an estimated 590 horsepower.

The extra power translates into exhilarating performance. Reviewers were particularly impressed by the M60's lightning-fast acceleration, estimating a 0-60 mph time of just 3.3 seconds. This rivals some of the most potent gasoline-powered sports cars.

Range and Recharging in the 2024 BMW i5 M60

While the BMW i5 M60 offers impressive power, there's a trade-off when it comes to range. The car utilizes the same 84.3-kWh battery pack as the eDrive40 model. However, due to the dual-motor setup and its performance-oriented nature, the M60 sacrifices some efficiency. EPA estimates a driving range of 240 miles on a single charge, which is slightly lower than the eDrive40's 295 miles.

Thank God, the i5 M60 is equipped for convenient and relatively quick charging. The car is compatible with DC fast-charging stations, allowing you to replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes. This makes long-distance trips manageable, especially considering BMW's generous offer of three years of free 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America stations with every new i5 purchase.

The 2024 BMW i5 M60: A Familiar Design with Electric Tweaks

The exterior design of the 2024 BMW i5 M60 strikes a balance between honoring BMW's signature electric vehicle style and incorporating familiar elements from its gasoline counterparts. The iconic kidney grille features a blue border that displays the BMW logo, while the i5 inscription on the trunk adds a distinctive touch that identifies it as part of the electric lineup. Additionally, BMW has implemented a welcome change by reducing the size of the double kidney beans at the front, giving the car a more streamlined appearance.

Aerodynamics and efficiency were paramount design considerations for the i5 M60. The car offers an impressive drag coefficient of 0.23, a testament to countless hours spent in wind tunnel testing. This translates to a more efficient electric vehicle with potentially extended range. To achieve this feat, the i5 M60 features a sculpted underbody that discreetly houses the battery pack beneath the floor. Further enhancing its aerodynamic profile, a subtle spoiler sits atop the trunk, complemented by a new rear lighting signature that incorporates a sleek chrome strip running through the center.

While the overall design language leans towards familiarity, the i5 M60 does offer a larger footprint compared to its gasoline-powered sibling, the 5 Series. The electric version stretches 10 centimeters longer, reaching a total length of 5.06 meters. This additional size might be a welcome change for those seeking a more spacious electric sedan.

Inside the 2024 BMW i5 M60: Luxury and Tech at Your Fingertips

Inside, the BMW i5 takes design inspiration from the recent i7, with a dual 27.2-inch curved screen playing the central role of the infotainment system.  The interior of the 2024 BMW i5 M60 seamlessly blends spacious comfort with a modern, tech-focused environment. Thankfully, the placement of the battery pack doesn't impinge on passenger space, offering an experience as roomy and luxurious as the gasoline-powered 5 Series. However, trunk space takes a slight hit compared to its non-electric counterpart.

BMW offers a variety of material options to suit your preference. Traditional leather upholstery remains available, but the i5 introduces a new, environmentally conscious alternative called Veganza. This high-quality faux leather provides a luxurious feel while catering to those who prefer a sustainable choice. To further elevate the cabin's ambiance, BMW incorporates a set of glass interior controls, adding a touch of sophistication and modernity.

Luxury extends to the comfort features. Heated and ventilated front seats with a massage function are standard on the M60, offering an extra layer of relaxation on long journeys. The eDrive40 provides these features as an option. Dominating the dashboard is a large, curved panel housing a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a generous 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. This setup provides clear and easy access to all the vital information and entertainment options you desire.

The i5 offers BMW's latest iDrive 8.5 infotainment system, renowned for its user-friendly interface. This system keeps things fresh with the ability to receive over-the-air updates, ensuring you always have the most up-to-date software. Standard features across all trims include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, in-dash navigation, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a Harman/Kardon sound system. Additionally, an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot keeps you and your passengers connected on the go. The 2024 BMW i5 M60 truly delivers a premium driving experience that merges comfort, innovation, and a focus on sustainability.

Does The 2024 BMW i5 M60 Have Good Safety Features?

The 2024 BMW i5 M60 prioritizes driver and passenger safety with a comprehensive suite of standard and optional driver-assistance features.

Every i5 M60 comes equipped with essential safety technologies to keep you protected on the road. Standard features include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection. This system can detect potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians and automatically apply the brakes to help mitigate or avoid an accident. Additionally, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist is standard. This feature helps prevent unintentional lane changes by alerting you if your vehicle starts to drift out of its lane and can gently nudge it back into position.

For an extra layer of security, BMW offers an adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode as an optional feature. This advanced system can maintain a set distance from the car ahead in highway traffic and even provide steering assistance under certain conditions, allowing for brief periods of hands-free driving on designated roadways. However, it's important to remember that such systems are not meant for complete autonomy, and driver vigilance remains essential.

To learn more about the 2024 BMW i5 M60's performance in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), I recommend to visit their respective websites. These independent safety ratings can provide valuable insights into the car's ability to protect occupants in a collision.

The Drive, Handing and Comfort on Rough Roads

As I drove this vehicle I quickly realized that the i5 M60 isn't just about force. The dual-motor layout also contributes to the car's exceptional handling. During test drives, reviewers lauded the M60's agility and confidence-inspiring cornering grip. This is further enhanced by M60-specific features like active anti-roll bars, a sporty suspension tune, and wider tires. These elements work together to deliver a truly athletic driving experience.

Despite its performance focus, the M60 doesn't compromise on comfort. Reviewers appreciated the car's refined ride quality, even on less-than-perfect pavement. This balance between thrilling performance and a smooth ride makes the M60 a well-rounded electric performance sedan.

What do you think of the BMW i5 as an EV and BMW electric vehicles in general? Click on the Add New Comment red link below.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.