BMW i5 M60 X-Drive review. Why this EV will go down as BMW's biggest miss of 2024..

Summary

In this Harry's Garage video review, Harry test drives the new BMW i5 M60 electric sedan. He finds the car surprisingly disappointing despite its 600 horsepower and high-tech features. Key negatives are the high price, heavy weight compromising range and handling, complex digital interfaces, and lack of 'classic' BMW driving feel. Harry says it doesn't make sense as a performance luxury sedan or point to the electric car future. His verdict is not to buy the i5 M60, and instead consider other 5 Series plug-in hybrids or more efficient electric cars.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video reviews the new BMW i5 M60 electric sedan
• 🚗 It has 600 horsepower, 820 Nm torque and does 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds
• 💲 The test car costs £175,000 with options
• 🏎️ It has great acceleration but disappointing range of only 210-220 miles
• 😕 The weight is very high at over 2400kg due to the batteries
• 🤔 The interior does not feel special enough for the price
• 👎 Too many distracting options and drive modes on the infotainment system
• 🛑 The lane assist and speed limit assist systems don't work well
• 😠 10% of charging energy is lost as heat, an issue not often mentioned
• 🚫 The verdict is 'Do Not Buy' due to the price, weight, range and efficiency issues

Q & A

What event led the reviewer to test the BMW i5 M60 X Drive?

The reviewer decided to test the BMW i5 M60 X Drive after attending a BMW event before Christmas where they showcased their electric cars, and the reviewer drove one of these cars there.

What makes the BMW i5 M60 X Drive unusual for Harry's Garage to review?

The BMW i5 M60 X Drive is unusual for Harry's Garage to review because the reviewer was not planning to test any more electric cars for a while, yet found this car surprisingly impressive.

How much horsepower does the BMW i5 M60 X Drive have?

The BMW i5 M60 X Drive has 600 horsepower.

What are the key features of the BMW i5 M60 X Drive's performance?

Key features include four-wheel drive (xDrive), motors at both the front and back, a boost function for increased horsepower and torque, and a total of 820 newton meters of torque.

What is the base price of the BMW i5 M60 X Drive before options?

The base price of the BMW i5 M60 X Drive before any options is £96,840.

How does the reviewer describe the physical size and design changes of the new 5 series compared to previous models?

The reviewer notes that the new 5 series has grown in size, now over 5 meters long, resembling the size of a Range Rover and feeling more like a seven series than a five series. Design changes include a smoothed-off grill and distinctive wheels.

What are the reviewer's criticisms regarding the BMW i5 M60 X Drive?

The reviewer criticizes its high price, substantial weight, limited range compared to its capacity, the lack of a feeling of luxury inside despite its high cost, and the over-complexity and distraction of its in-car technology.

What specific feature did the reviewer not find useful in the BMW i5 M60 X Drive?

The reviewer found the lane assist and speed limit warning features to be nonsensical and unusable in their country driving conditions, leading to them turning these features off.

What does the reviewer think about the future direction of BMW's electric vehicles based on the i5 M60 X Drive?

The reviewer expresses disappointment, stating that the BMW i5 M60 X Drive does not represent progress or a promising direction for the future of electric driving, considering it more of a 'cul-de-sac' than a step forward.

What final rating does the reviewer give the BMW i5 M60 X Drive, and why?

The reviewer gives the BMW i5 M60 X Drive a 'do not buy' rating, citing its excessive price, heavy weight, limited range, and lack of innovation as key reasons for this judgment.