BMW i5 review: Silent M5

BMW India has upped its game in a bid to close the gap with its arch-rival, Mercedes-Benz, the undisputed market leader in India for over a decade. Earlier this year, the Bavarian brand launched the long-wheelbase 5 Series – a strategic move aimed squarely at the jugular of Mercedes’ bestselling model in India, the long-wheelbase E-Class. This is a direct challenge to the car that has long been Mercedes’ bread and butter in the Indian market, signalling BMW’s intent to disrupt the established order. However, BMW also offers its executive luxury sedan in standard wheelbase form, albeit with quite a twist. A powerful, electric twist of almost 800Nm of torque, to be precise.

The standard-wheelbase 5 Series is served up as the all-electric i5, and more than that, it even comes with an M badge. This range-topping M60 version is the ultimate electric BMW you can buy today in terms of performance. It’s clear BMW isn’t content with merely electrifying its executive sedan but has sought to redefine it. 

BMW i5 exterior

At first glance, the i5 M60 strikes a familiar chord with its short overhangs, long bonnet, and Hofmeister kink. However, aerodynamic bits, such as the active air flaps, flush door handles and a drag coefficient of just 0.23, underscore its EV-intent engineering. The illuminated kidney grille with its gloss-black surround may not be to everyone’s tastes, but it announces the car’s M credentials with authority.

Subtle M touches, like 10-spoke alloy wheels, M-specific badging and a sportier stance, complete the picture. The car rides on optional 20-inch alloys wrapped in low-profile tyres that enhance its sporty intent and, incredibly, don’t sacrifice too much ride comfort – more on that later. The rear is sleek, with aerodynamic enhancements such as a smooth diffuser to improve efficiency, while unique M badging and aerodynamic side skirts add just enough visual drama without being over the top.

BMW i5 interior

Step inside, and the i5 M60 feels like it’s taken a giant leap into the future. Dominating the cabin are two screens: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central infotainment display. Both are razor-sharp, boasting vibrant graphics and customisable layouts. The ‘Digital Art’ mode deserves special mention, offering an artistic interface that feels like a live gallery.

However, the tech can be a mixed bag. Adjusting something as basic as the air conditioning requires navigating through sub-menus, which feels counterintuitive. Thankfully, BMW has retained its long-standing iDrive controller, making it easier to access core functions without fumbling with touch controls. Voice commands, while improving, still lag behind Mercedes’ MBUX and Volvo’s Google-powered assistant.

The interior lighting system, though, is a treat. Ambient lights react to driving modes and notifications, creating a dynamic atmosphere. It’s luxurious and engaging but not distracting.

The i5 M60 is built on BMW’s CLAR platform, which accommodates both ICE (internal combustion engine) and electric powertrains. This provides flexibility, but it comes at the cost of space efficiency. The rear seats, while offering decent legroom and headroom, suffer from a low seating position. The high transmission tunnel – a legacy of its shared platform – makes the middle seat almost unusable.

The boot, at least, is deep and versatile, with room for large suitcases. However, the lack of a spare tyre and the limited range (more on that later) don’t give you the confidence to go long distances.

BMW i5 perfromance

With dual electric motors producing a combined 601hp and 820Nm of torque, the M60 can catapult from 0-100kph in just 3.8 seconds. That is supercar-slaying performance, and it’s hard to believe that a sedan can be this quick. Activating the e-boost mode, which unlocks the car’s full potential for 10 seconds, feels like unleashing a rocket. The forward thrust presses your cheeks back and pins your head to the nicely sculpted head restraint. Unlike many EVs whose performance tails off rapidly after 120kph, the i5 keeps pulling relentlessly, teleporting you to insane speeds on any half-decent stretch of road. The Hans Zimmer-composed synthetic soundtrack adds a layer of drama. The sound design is divisive, evoking a sci-fi spaceship rather than the throaty roar of a V8. But love it or hate it, it makes the experience unique. 

There’s no doubt that the performance is absolutely thrilling, but I have to say that the i5 lacks soul. Performance feels one-dimensional; it’s one giant and linear thrust of seamless power. 

On city streets, the i5 M60 is as docile as any other EV, gliding quietly and filtering through traffic with ease. The adaptive air suspension works wonders, soaking up bumps and providing a plush ride even on 20-inch wheels. In fact, more than the shattering performance, it’s how well the i5 rides on our bumpy and rutted roads that blew our minds. The ride isn’t just good by sports sedan standards but superior to many luxury cars, including Mercs. With the i5, BMW has unequivocally proven that it’s the new master of ride comfort. 

But it’s not all rosy. The i5’s Achilles heel is terrible ground clearance. You have to ‘crab’ over even moderately sized breakers to avoid hitting the underbody, which sinks on its soft suspension. 

Weighing in at 2.4 tonnes, the i5 M60 is no lightweight. Yet, BMW’s engineers have worked magic to mask that heft. The car feels surprisingly agile, thanks to a quick steering, and though light, it has loads of feel and weighs up progressively. The rear-wheel steering sharpens turn-in, making the car feel smaller and nimbler than its weight and dimensions suggest, and you’ll be astonished by how readily it darts from corner to corner. The near 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity, thanks to the underfloor battery, give the i5 phenomenal stability and balance. Grip levels are exceptional, but if you push hard, you’ll experience mild and predictable understeer at the limit. 

BMW i5 range

BMW claims a WLTP range of up to 516km for the M60. Real-world figures, however, depend heavily on driving style. Spirited bursts of acceleration quickly sap the 81.2kWh battery, making the i5 better suited for short commutes and weekend blasts than long-haul journeys. Hard acceleration and repeated bursts of power during our test depleted the battery alarmingly quickly, and if the i5 is driven the way it begs to be, you would be hard-pressed to cover 300km on a single charge. And that’s a shame because the i5 is one car you need to seek out secluded roads to enjoy, and in most cases, those secluded roads are far from a plug.

BMW i5 price and verdict

The BMW i5 M60 is a landmark car, not just for BMW but for the entire executive sedan segment. It’s a blend of luxury, performance and technology that sets a high bar for its competitors. It’s a proper Jekyll and Hyde act, switching from a serene cruiser to a neck-snapping missile with just a press of the accelerator. While it may not have the visceral charm of the V8-powered M5, it carves out its niche as a high-performance EV with an unmistakable BMW character.

However, it’s not without flaws. The shared platform limits interior space, and ground clearance is an issue. The range, too, won’t satisfy those who like to take their performance cars for long drives. 

So, is the i5 M60 the electric M5 we hoped for? It doesn’t quite have the same soul or character, but it comes tantalisingly close. For those ready to embrace the electric future without compromising on performance, even at the asking price of Rs 1.20 crore, it’s a hugely compelling option that proves BMW is still at the top of its game.

Also see:

BMW i5 launched at Rs 1.20 crore

BMW i5 LWB coming to India