In an electric vehicle (EV), the full range of performance and torque are available instantly. Tapping the accelerator is all that is needed for the vehicle to accelerate up to its top speed with the single-speed automatic transmission making for zero interruption from any gear-shifts. This also makes for an intense few seconds when prodded with the sensation of speed alien to most first-time performance EV users. What’s more, the accompanying sounds, courtesy “IconicSounds”, have been composed especially for the M vehicles by Hans Zimmer to support the perceived dynamics. Each drive mode—and there are several, from Efficient and Relax to Expressive and Sport—features unique ambient light and info-display animation along with unique sounds. If you’re like me, there is an option within the many settings to turn off this sound. There is also a “Silent” drive mode with similar results but that also turns off the lovely 18-speaker Bowers and Wilkins premium audio system.
But back to that sensation of speed. The impressive acceleration of standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds—a tenth quicker than the previous M5—is possible thanks to a 250-kW rear motor (from the i4), good for 340 hp and 430 Nm, joined by a 192-kW front motor with 261 hp and 365 Nm, making for a combined 442 kW (601 hp) and 795 Nm of torque. That’s one metric horse and 45 Nm more than the previous M5 managed. This is in “Sport” mode. In other modes, peak power is limited to 380 kW (517 hp). Furthermore, when the M Sport Boost function or M Launch Control is activated, there is a temporary boost mode available. A yank of the left—and only—paddle behind the steering wheel affords an additional 25 Nm for a total of 820 Nm of torque for 10 seconds. Of course, this makes sense on track. The M adaptive suspension lowers the already low i5 a further eight millimetres; not ideal for most Pune, if not Indian, roads. The normal 136 mm of ground clearance isn’t nearly enough for some ungainly speed humps and the car does get a belly rub even going sideways—the sensible, single-digit-speed kind of sideways. But that’s reality for you.
Fully charged, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive has a range of up to 516 kilometres on the WLTP cycle. I got in with 91 per cent charge left and an indicated 394 km. That is, of course, without factoring recuperation making for anywhere between 15 and 30 per cent more. As is the case with combustion engines, this range entirely depends on the driving style and many external factors. Providing that range is an 83.9-kWh, 324-cell lithium-ion battery comprising four pouches of 72 cells plus three of 12 cells each. Positioned low down to lower the centre of gravity, it also improves weight distribution—and that bit is almost 50:50. Well done!
Unlike many premium electric cars and this car’s immediate competition, the i5 M60 doesn’t have the typical elastic, rubber band-y feel during acceleration. It is quick! And it feels seamless all right. The steering feel is as precise as can be and it offers great feedback. The Servotronic function feels nicely calibrated, too, pairing with the useful rear-axle steering, and it is quite a joy to drive. The handling is par for an M car. The visibility, and ease of getting a hang of it, and getting a move on pays dividends quickly. There is a fun-to-drive character at the heart of it all, although it is quite a heavy thing. While a tad lighter than the new plug-in hybrid M5—with a V8 doing more than being a back-up generator—if you can call 130 kg a “tad”, it does weigh 2,305 kilograms. That’s more than 300 kg over the old M5 with just one more horse to boast about, but with the way the torque arrives instantaneously and from the first breath, the weight is truly inconsequential. Until one looks at the efficiency. I saw a worst of 27 kWh/100 km which is about 3.7 km per kWh (unit) of charge. That’s in line with the Porsche Taycan, but the performance on tap is higher. Which makes me revisit the price. Rs 19.50 lakh over a crore (ex-showroom) is, dare I say, quite reasonable in this day and age and for the amount of car on offer.
There’s a lot more to it, too. The Live Cockpit Plus gets a widescreen curved display infotainment set-up with navigation, plus many USB Type-C ports, wireless charging, and a comfort access system with automatic locking and unlocking using a smartphone.
For those wondering about charge time, a wallbox charging point with 11 kW alternating current (AC) takes eight and a half hours. With 22 kW, the charging time is halved. A fast-charging station using direct current (DC) is able to charge the vehicle with a maximum of 205 kW, enabling a 10 to 80 per cent charge in only 30 minutes.
The i5 comes with a standard two-year/unlimited kilometres warranty. Repair Inclusive can extend the warranty benefits from the third year of operation to a maximum of five years without any mileage limit. The high-voltage battery is covered by an eight-year/160,000-km warranty.
The electric storm of change may have touched down and hit hard initially but, globally, EV sales have dropped significantly over the past year. Germany saw a significant drop of around 65 per cent. The reason? Anything from infrastructure to driving and ownership experience. Going by what’s in store at least in the immediate future, I’d keep the EV success champagne on ice for now.
Need to Know – BMW i5 M60 xDrive
Price: Rs 1.20 crore (ex-showroom)
Battery Pack: 400-volt, lithium-ion, 83.9 kWh
Electric Motors: 192-kW front, 250-kW rear
Max Power: 380 kW (517 hp)/442 kW (601 hp) with M Sport Boost
Max Torque: 795 Nm/820 Nm with M Sport Boost
Transmission: Single-speed automatic, front and rear, all-wheel drive
Suspension: Multi-link front and rear, adaptive damping
Weight: 2,305 kg
