BMW M60 i5 Review: Luxury Focus Over Performance
content:BMW's Unexpected Luxury Pivot
After extensive testing, we confirm a fundamental shift: The 2024 BMW M60 i5 prioritizes plush comfort over traditional sportiness. This electrified M-badged sedan delivers staggering acceleration (0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds) yet feels distinctly un-BMW in corners. The video hosts observed, "It's soft, quiet, and powerful... BMW has made a perfect Lexus." If you're considering this $100,000+ EV, understand that its 5,200-lb weight fundamentally changes the 5-series formula. Luxury tech like interactive light bars and gaming integration shine, but the driving purity that defined previous M Performance models takes a backseat.
The Weight Compromise
BMW's claim of 593 horsepower feels authentic—acceleration pins you to the seat with near-silent urgency. The dual-motor setup expertly mimics V8 thrust, even generating subtle front-end lift. However, physics dominate when pushing limits. That extra 1,000 lbs versus the previous M550i manifests in three key ways:
- Suspension limitations: Standard air springs and optional active anti-roll bars deliver magic-carpet ride quality on smooth roads but struggle during aggressive cornering or rapid elevation changes. The hosts noted, "Eventually it gives away that there's a lot of mass... it can't keep up."
- Steering disconnect: The electrically assisted rack lacks feedback. It's accurate but numb, failing to convey road texture or build confidence at the limit.
- Braking stress: Repeated hard stops highlight the weight, with noticeable fade compared to lighter performance sedans.
Performance preservation requires high battery charge—expect significant power reduction below 40% state-of-charge, especially in cold weather where the 400km range can drop to 280km.
Tech Triumphs and Interior Shortfalls
BMW's iDrive 8.4 dominates the minimalist cabin with a curved 14.9-inch display. Tech enthusiasts will appreciate:
- Gaming while charging: The built-in AirConsole platform works surprisingly well using smartphones as controllers.
- Interaction Bar: This optional light strip spans the dash and doors, changing colors with drive modes or signaling turn indicators.
- Advanced Driver Aids: Highway Assist Plus enables hands-free lane changes when the system confirms driver attentiveness.
However, the luxury experience falters on material quality. Despite the "Veganza" vegan leather marketing, lower door plastics feel shockingly budget—our hosts compared them to "a base Corolla." The $120,000+ Canadian-tested model had visible cost-cutting: hollow-sounding doors, hard-touch plastics below the beltline, and unconvincing "carbon fiber" trim. The video team bluntly stated, "It's a lot of money for a door card to look like that."
The Electric Platform Compromise
Unlike dedicated EVs, the M60 i5 shares its CLAR platform with gas models. This creates packaging drawbacks:
- Transmission tunnel intrusion: Rear middle passengers sit with knees elevated despite the wheelbase increase.
- Frunk limitations: The small front trunk ("plastic under which is just hiding wires") offers minimal utility compared to ground-up EVs like the Lucid Air.
- Charging speed: Maxes out at 205kW, trailing newer 800V architecture competitors.
Real-world range anxiety surfaces in cold climates. The hosts acknowledged winter range could drop to 280km (174 miles), making long trips challenging without meticulous charging planning. Cross-shopping the Lucid Air Pure? You'll sacrifice BMW's luxury brand cachet but gain 200+ km more range per charge.
Verdict: The New Luxury Benchmark?
The M60 i5 succeeds brilliantly as a tech-forward luxury cruiser but disappoints as a driver's car. Consider it if you prioritize:
- Peerless straight-line speed with smooth, vibration-free delivery
- Cutting-edge infotainment and driver assistance features
- Executive-class ride comfort from the optional active anti-roll system
Look elsewhere if you expect:
- Traditional BMW steering feedback
- Track-ready handling balance
- Class-leading interior material quality
Final thought from testing: This 5-series evolves beyond being a "bigger 3-series" into a "baby 7-series," complete with mass-focused compromises. The video hosts concluded it's "soft, quiet, and powerful... whatever this new 5 series is trying to be, it does it really well." For traditionalists, that "well" might mean abandoning BMW's sporting roots.
Actionable next steps:
- Test drive in sport mode to assess steering/handling limits
- Inspect lower door trims and plastics before purchase
- Calculate cold-weather range needs if living in northern climates
Considering the M60 i5? What matters more to you—cornering agility or unmatched tech? Share your priorities in the comments.
