BMW i5 Expert Review

With classic 5 Series proportions and modern EV aerodynamics, the i5 looks sharp and purposeful. The M-specific bits add menace, but ground clearance is a real-world deal-breaker on Indian roads.

The cabin is futuristic and rich in tech, dominated by a wide curved display housing a 12.3-inch instrument screen and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. Quality levels are excellent, ambient lighting adds drama, and the overall experience feels cutting-edge. However, space isn’t great. The rear seat base is set too low and the large central tunnel makes the middle seat nearly unusable. It feels less roomy than rivals and doesn’t deliver on rear-seat comfort expected at this price point.

Performance is staggering. The i5 M60 makes 601hp and 820Nm, launching from 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds. Boost mode delivers short bursts of maximum thrust, adding a sense of theatre, while the Hans Zimmer soundtrack gives it a sci-fi vibe. It’s ferociously quick yet smooth and silent in traffic. 

BMW claims 516km, but spirited driving cuts that to around 300km. It’s best for short commutes and weekend blasts, not long-distance road trips.

The biggest surprise is the ride. Despite its 20-inch wheels, the i5 M60 soaks up bumps and broken surfaces with impressive suppleness, thanks to its adaptive air suspension. Rear-wheel steering sharpens agility and reduces the turning radius, helping the 2.4-tonne car feel far lighter on its feet. Steering is accurate, and cornering grip is high. 

The i5 M60 is fully loaded with high-end kit: adaptive air suspension, 4-wheel steering, a superb Bowers & Wilkins sound system, multi-zone climate control, and full ADAS capability. The infotainment interface is crisp but over-reliant on touch, especially for basic functions like air-con control. BMW’s iDrive controller is a saving grace. Voice commands are functional but not as intuitive as rivals like Mercedes' MBUX or Volvo’s Google Assistant.

At Rs 1.20 crore (ex-showroom), the i5 M60 isn’t cheap, but it delivers serious electric performance in a package that’s both luxurious and well-engineered. The lack of cabin space and electric change limits its practicality but bor buyers who want a premium EV that’s fun, fast, and future-ready, the i5 M60 makes a very strong case for itself.