First Look Review: The 2024 BMW i5 M60 is my kind of 5 Series!

  • BMW's Tesla Model S rival is also available in this performance flavor
  • Accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and delivers 256 miles of EPA-est. range
  • Priced at USD 84,100 (excl. USD 995 destination and handling)
  • Now available at U.S. dealerships

The 2024 BMW i5 M60 is a business-class athlete that combines luxury with performance and sportiness, but not in as extreme a package as the gas-powered 2024 BMW M5. Available at U.S. dealerships today, the sporty electric sedan is more expensive than the Tesla Model S but a bargain compared to other proper luxury rivals like the Mercedes-AMG EQE and Lucid Air Touring that offer similar performance.

Recently, I had a chance to check out its design and all its features in detail. Here are some interesting observations I made during my experience:

Design

The 2024 BMW i5 M60 looks unmistakably BMW, thanks to a familiar design. Its upper grille, featuring a high-gloss black frame, reminds me of the ‘Sharknose’ design of older 5 Series models. However, I find its plasticky surface and the iX1-inspired headlamps unappealing. The aggressively designed, darkened headlamp surfaces and the muscular apron with black surfaces and large air intakes complete a purposeful look at the front.

My favorite angle of the 2024 i5 M60 is its side profile, which features a long hood, long overhangs, and a traditional roofline, giving it the appearance of a proper business sedan, while the 21-inch wheels lend it a powerful stance. I like the dark accents like the high-gloss black ORVM caps and window surround and the flared side skirts, too. At the rear, the sporty theme continues with a low-profile trunk lid spoiler and a diffuser-apron.

The 2024 i5 M60 has quintessential German build quality. During my time with it, I noted that its panel gaps were even, and its paint finish was stunning, especially in this Brooklyn Grey Metallic color.

Interior

The 2024 BMW i5 M60 amalgamates a luxurious interior with sporty details that keep reminding the driver of sitting in a performance-themed car. That’s at least what I experienced in its multi-contour driver seat, all thanks to the flat-bottomed steering wheel, M-specific graphics in the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the Veganza upholstery, and the wood trim.

One of my favorite things about the 2024 i5, be it in the M60 or whichever variant, is the way BMW has merged the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with the 14.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. I think the graphics of these displays are outstanding. I’m not a fan of the digital controls of the climate control system, though, as I find them inconvenient and distracting.

In the front, BMW equips the 2024 i5 M60 with multi-contour seats, including power backrest width adjustment and thigh support, four-way power lumbar support, power headrest height, three-stage heating, and ventilation. I’m six feet tall, and in my experience, ingress and egress were the usual affairs of a midsize sedan. Once in, I sat in the driver seat, which had even a two-position memory function.

I felt that lumbar support in the front was to my liking. The under-thigh support was very good with the extenders. As for headroom, it wasn’t generous as my head was quite close to the headliner. he steering wheel, heated and adjustable for tilt and reach, offered a comfortable grip. I expected no visibility issues due to the conventional shape of the car, and from my experience, I can confirm that indeed is the case.

Entering and exiting the rear of the 2024 i5 was easy with the wide doors and slightly raised vehicle floor. Here, BMW equips the car with a heated, 40/20/40-split bench seat. I checked if a reclining function was available and found that it wasn’t. I felt the default angle of the backrest was a little upright. I had good under-thigh support and headroom. I quite like the way how the seat wraps around the corners for extra comfort.

The 2024 i5 features a power trunk lid and offers 17.3 cu. ft. of cargo space. Unlike the Tesla Model S, it doesn’t have a frunk. BMW equips it with a tire repair kit instead of a spare tire. Overall, it is a definite upgrade in all respects compared to the BMW i4 M50, which I reviewed earlier.

Driving impressions

Owners and those who’ve spent time driving the car might also say that the 2024 BMW i5 M60 is a machine that’s designed to impress. While it is big and heavy, it handles just as a BMW should. Thanks to a 593-horsepower twin-motor powertrain, the car has plenty of oomph to haul its 5,247 pounds as intended. Even without the boost mode engaged, the 2024 i5 M60 feels quick and shows performance capability that is not far from the previous-generation M5.

The 2024 i5 M60 behaves well around the corners, but its weight can be felt during intense dynamic driving. It has strong brakes that are effective and instill confidence in the driver during such driving situations. The ride quality is also good, as barely any noise penetrates the cabin, and the suspension manages to iron out road undulations well. The soft suspension does lead to a slight body roll, but it’s worth it for the comfort.

Also Read: First Look Review: 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 redefines the business sedan

Price

The 2024 BMW i5 M60 retails at USD 84,100, plus USD 995 for destination and handling.

TopElectricSUV says

The 2024 BMW i5 M60 offers a perfect balance between driving pleasure and comfort, along with a raft of luxury features. Although its EPA-estimated range of 256 miles isn’t particularly impressive, it still surpasses the Mercedes-AMG EQE’s 225 miles. And considering that it’s significantly cheaper, I’d any day take it over the Merc!

Also See: BMW i7: First Look Review

2024 BMW i5 M60 FAQs

What is the release date of the 2024 BMW i5 M60?

The 2024 BMW i5 M60 is available at BMW’s U.S. dealers.

What is the 2024 BMW i5 M60’s price?

The BMW i5 M60 retails at USD 84,100, plus USD 995 for destination and handling.

Which cars are the 2024 BMW i5 M60’s rivals?

Lucid Air Touring, Tesla Model S & Mercedes-AMG EQE.