2024 BMW i5 M60

BMW is full speed ahead when it comes to EVs and taking a great approach by not only introducing all-new vehicles, but commingling fully-electric power with internal-combustion drivetrains into all of their new platforms. And that includes the latest 5 Series sedan, which is all-new for 2024.

This is the eighth generation of BMW’s midsize 5 Series sedan, the G60 to the BMW faithful. And it goes without saying, this 2024 full battery-electric i5 version is their biggest leap forward in technology yet. The base electric powertrain is labeled the eDrive40 and uses a single rear motor to produce 335 horsepower. This M60 xDrive adds another motor up front to boost total output to 593 horsepower and 586 lb-ft of torque. BMW builds their own motors and batteries right in the same plant where the 5 Series sedan first came to life in 1973, and they aren’t afraid to let you see their handiwork, which we always appreciate.

At our Mason Dixon test track, the M60 was crazy fast, but also highly entertaining with a launch control system that’s a full-on cinematic experience delivering simulated engine rumble when power braking, a loud crack as you explode off the line, and futuristic propulsion sounds that get louder and louder all the way down the track. There was great grip at the line, with our very first run of the day seeing us shoot to 60 in just 3.3 seconds. Despite the copious amount of thrust, the i5 stayed remarkably civilized, smoothly putting consistent power to pavement for the full quarter mile. Our best time was 11.5 seconds at 124 mph.

This M60 is not a full M, but there is an M in the name for a reason, as it was extremely capable in our handling course, exhibiting only minor amounts of body roll and a tiny bit of understeer through the cones. But its incredible precision is also a bit of its downfall, as it feels like it’s just going through the motions here. There’s not a lot of feedback, just utilitarian competence wrapped in comforting luxury.

This M60 comes in at about 5,200-lbs., but the standard M Sport brakes easily dealt with it, stopping us from 60 in just 98 feet with good pedal feel, minimum fade, and consistent results. The optional M Sport Package Pro features the same hardware, just paints the calipers red.

When it comes to the inside environment of the new 5 Series, not surprisingly it’s taken on a more modern design. Still, all this tech is not quite as user friendly as before, with a lack of actual buttons, and things like touch controls in unusual places such as the left side of the dash. But BMW’s curved display that integrates the central touchscreen with the virtual gauges continues to impress, both with its clarity and the sheer amount of information available.

There’s a lot of nice-looking carbon fiber here in the M60, along with spectacular multi-contour sport seats and the interactive ambient lighting system from the 7 Series.

As for EV range, max rating from the i5’s 81.2-kWh battery is 295 miles for the base eDrive40. That drops to as low as 240 in the M60 with 21-inch wheels; though we’d say that’s a little pessimistic, as in our driving loop we were on pace for around 280 miles. Max charging is 205 kW, taking about 30 minutes to reach 80%. Using 40 kWh of electricity per 100 miles, it gets a fair efficiency rating.

Slotting in between the mega-luxury 7 Series, and Sporty 3 Series, the 5 Series has always been the Goldilocks of the BMW sedan lineup. Still, it continues to grow in size, now 3.4-inches longer, 1.3-inches wider, and 1.4-inches taller than last gen. The i5 sports mostly the same traditional face as its ICE counterparts, but specific to the M60 are black accents in the fascia, lower body, and side mirrors, plus unique grille panel with M logo, and, of course, a different rear diffuser with no exhaust outlets.

The base four-cylinder version of the 5 Series starts at $58,895. So, it’s a significant step up to the base i5 at $67,795, with this M60 beginning at an aspirational $85,095.

That’s a significant investment, and yes BMW is also making a significant one in battery electric vehicles. But we’ll say it once again, we absolutely love their approach of producing essentially the same vehicle in both internal combustion and EV versions and letting you decide, rather than making that decision for you. Some might call that hedging your bets. We call it a great strategy, one that makes the new 5 Series even more appealing.