BMW has launched the i5 in India as an M series model with the moniker BMW i5 M60 xDrive. This model will form an essential part of the electrification trajectory that BMW wants to take in India. The electric sedan will put you back INR 1.20 crore (ex-showroom). The model brings its unique visual and performance cues. What would an electric with an M badge be like, you ask? Well, let's find out!
The sedan's first and most catchy part is the illuminated signature kidney grille, as we expect from a BMW. (Is it really a grille without the air ducts?). You might find it a tad bit large to your liking, but that is how BMW grills have been recently. It intends to take inspiration from a "Sharknose". The grille has Adaptive LED lights on either side. These feature two boomerang-shaped verticle LED DRLs along with the main headlamps. Below the grille, the bumper features a black element with large air intakes and some chrome bits contrasting the car's colour.
The side seems simple, with just a character line at the bottom. The 20-inch M light alloy wheels have a sharp geometrical design, giving the sedan a confident stance. The rear features the BMW logo with the i5 and M60 badge on either side. The rear lights have the traditional L design of BMWs in a more sleek and modern avatar.
As is the case for all modern luxury cars, you are greeted with a couple of screens on the dashboard as soon as you enter the cabin. One of them is a 14.9-inch infotainment panel with curved glass. Right alongside it and behind the steering wheel is the 12.3-inch instrument cluster with an exclusive M-specific display. The infotainment screen uses the BMW Operating System 8.5, which supports Android Auto and Apple Carplay. On the note of displays, how can I forget to mention the configurable heads-up display?
In the looks front, you can choose between carbon fibre trim and a Dark Silver Accent combined with fine wood. The gear selector is also newly designed. Sporty seats are a must; after all, it is an M-badged car. They come with an Alcantara finish, ventilation and contrast stitching. When cruising along, you need your music, too, which is taken care of by an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system. You also get features like ambient lighting and an automatic climate control system that comes with a micro-filter that we come to expect from a car of this price.
The BMW i5 M60 xDrive has a motor for each wheel, making it an all-wheel drive system. Combined, These motors produce a power output of 593 bhp and 795 Nm of torque. The power is derived from an 81.2 kWh high-density battery. In terms of actual world performance, BMW claims that the BMW i5 M60 xDrive can manage a 0-100 km/h acceleration in a mere 3.8 seconds with its top speed capped at 230 km/h. They also claim that you can use this power for a range of 516 kms. Once drained, you can charge it with the complimentary Wallbox charger at 11 kW. This will charge your EV from 0% to 100% in about 8 hours and 25 minutes. You can also get the 22kW wall box charger additionally, which brings down that time to 4 hours and 25 minutes.
BMW has also thought about your safety in the car. You get multiple standard features like six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and an electric parking brake with auto hold. To take these further, they have added Driver Assistance systems with functionalities like Cruise Control, Attentiveness Assistant, Parking Assistant Professional with remote parking and Reversing Assistant. If this doesn't satisfy you enough, you can get the Driving Assistant Professional, adding features like Distance Control with Stop & Go function and Steering and Lane Control Assistant.
Would you buy a BMW EV with an M badge or stick to the roaring ICE versions?
