Lightning/BMW i5 M60 xDrive
With the global electric vehicle (EV) push, BMW have expanded their line-up in a hurry. Not that they’re strangers to electric cars, with the i3 and plug-in hybrid i8 further back in the pages of history being cars that were sold over a decade ago. The ConnectedDrive and EfficientDynamics seem to have been reborn here in the i5, which is the all-electric 5 Series. And this M60 xDrive? This is essentially an electric M5.
Two electric motors, one 192-kW unit up front, and one packing a peak 250 kW at the rear make for a double helping of performance. The “normal” output is an already potent enough 380 kW (517 hp) and 795 Nm of torque. The peak steps it up to 442 kW (601 hp) and 820 Nm with M Launch mode enabled. That’s F90 M5 stuff—frighteningly quick with instant go from the moment you tap the right pedal. It’s very easy to get into an uncomfortable situation if you aren’t familiar with the performance potential. We’ve already tested the BMW i5 M60 xDrive earlier, too, so let’s revisit the essential bits.
The i5 is the standard European size with a length of 5,060 mm and a wheelbase just five mm shy of three metres. Smallest of the three here? Yes. Small? No. It also weighs 2.3 tonnes but it isn’t the heaviest one here. For an EV, the i5 brings a rather enjoyable experience to electric car seekers. The traits of a 5 Series are more than evident. Sporty handling, genuinely engaging feel, and business suit exterior sum up what it’s all about.
There is no shortage of eye candy and novelty goodies inside either. The large touchscreen and crystal centre console elements are similar to what we get in a 7 Series. The front seats offer great support and complement the dynamic driving aspect well. That’s not to say the rear knee-room isn’t adequate. It is. Tall adults can find themselves comfortably accommodated. The 490-litre boot is also more than enough for a weekend getaway.
The i5’s 81.2-kWh battery pack is the sole power source and promises a range of up to 516 kilometres, with a charge from 10 to 80 per cent taking just 30 minutes at 205-kW DC—the i5’s maximum charge rate.
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