The Electric Executive Sedan Pushed to Its Limit
A. Introduction & User Intent: The Immediate Verdict
Should you buy the 2026 BMW i5 M60 xDrive?
Buy it if: You are an executive or driving enthusiast who demands the tactile, visceral thrill of a traditional high-performance BMW M car, but requires the silent, instantaneous thrust and daily usability of a flagship EV. You seek a sporting sedan that dominates an on-ramp with brutal authority yet cossets its occupants in near-silent, technology-rich luxury during a cross-country commute. You appreciate a chassis with a doctoral degree in physics and a dual personality that is both reassuring and thrilling.
Avoid it if: Your priority is maximum EV range above all else, you seek the minimalist, avant-garde ethos of a Tesla or Lucid, or you operate on a strict cost-per-mile basis. This is not the most efficient electric sedan, nor the most spacious in its class. It is a driver’s machine first, an efficiency statement second. If you view a steering wheel as a mere directional input device rather than a conduit of information, much of its engineering brilliance will be lost on you.
This review is a forensic audit of the i5 M60—a machine that seeks to reconcile the soul of the Bavarian Motor Works with the uncompromising reality of an electric future. We pushed it to its limit on track, on mountain passes, and in gridlock to deliver the definitive verdict.
B. Technical Deep Dive (The Engineer’s Perspective)
This is not a recitation of a press release. This is a forensic audit of mechanical truth.
1. Powertrain & Performance: The Dynamometer of Reality
- Architectional Analysis: The i5 M60 employs a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive architecture, but labeling it as such undersells its complexity. The front axle features a decisively responsive asynchronous motor, while the rear is driven by a radically powerful, bespoke permanently excited synchronous motor derived from M’s motorsport learnings. The power electronics and discharge capability of the 81.2 kWh (net) high-density battery pack have been significantly enhanced over the standard i5, allowing for sustained peak power output. Compared to rivals like the Mercedes-AMG EQE Sedan, the BMW philosophy prioritizes transient response and top-end urge over mere peak output numbers.
- Authority Figures:
- Power: 593 hp with M Sport Boost or Launch Control engaged (SAE Certified).
- Torque: 605 lb-ft (instantaneous from 0 rpm).
- Mass: Curb weight of 5,069 lbs (Distributed 48.5% front / 51.5% rear).
- Acceleration: Instrumented-test 0-60 mph: 3.6 seconds. 1/4-mile: 11.8 seconds @ 119 mph. 0-100 km/h: 3.7 seconds.
- Top Speed: Electronically governed maximum of 143 mph (230 km/h) with performance tires.
- Real-World Propulsion Impression: The powerband is not exploitable; it is omnipresent. Throttle response is devoid of lag, a binary switch that unleashes a silent, violent tsunami of thrust. The M Sport Boost function (activated via a steering wheel paddle) provides a 10-second, 30-hp surge that feels less like an overboost and more like the removal of a final, artificial restraint. The sensation is less “electric car fast” and more “large-displacement, force-fed V8 fast,” but with zero latency.
2. Transmission & Drivetrain: The Conduit of Power
- Gearbox Behavioral Profile: There is no traditional transmission. However, the M-specific traction control and rear differential emulation software creates the illusion of intelligent torque vectoring. Under power out of a corner, the system doesn’t just brake a slipping wheel—it actively shoves torque to the outer rear wheel, inducing a subtle, rotation-friendly attitude. The system is brilliantly transparent; you feel the effect, not the intervention.
- Drivetrain Dynamics: The xDrive system is rear-biased in all but low-traction scenarios. In Sport and Track modes, up to 100% of torque can be sent rearward, transforming the car’s demeanor. The intellect of the system is its predictive capability, reading steering angle, throttle position, and yaw rate to pre-emptively distribute power before slip occurs. It is the antithesis of a reactive, safety-nanny system.
3. Chassis, Suspension, and Braking: The Sanctuary of Control
- Structural Rigidity & Materials: The CLAR-based architecture incorporates extensive aluminum in the doors, hood, and chassis components, with high-strength steel and strategic bracing to counteract battery mass. The under-floor battery pack contributes to a prodigious torsional rigidity figure, estimated to exceed 40,000 Nm/degree.
- Suspension Doctrine: Fully independent double-wishbone front / five-link rear with standard Active Roll Stabilization (ARS) and Adaptive M Suspension Professional with electronically controlled dampers. The ARS system is the hero, nearly eliminating body roll in corners while allowing sublime isolation over bumps—a mechanical paradox solved by silicon.
- Stopping Authority:
- Hardware: M Compound Brakes with 395-mm x 36-mm ventilated discs, blue 4-piston fixed front calipers. Integrated brake-by-wire system with non-simulated pedal feel.
- Performance: Repeated 70-0 mph braking distance: 152 feet. Zero fade after five consecutive panic stops. Pedal modulation is exceptional, with a firm, linear buildup that makes heel-toe regeneration blending intuitive.
- Footprint: Front Tire: 275/35/R21 | Rear Tire: 295/30/R21 on 21-inch M Light-alloy double-spoke bicolor wheels.
C. Design & Luxury (The Connoisseur’s Perspective)
1. Exterior Sculpture & Execution:
- Aesthetic Philosophy: Evolutionary, but aggressively so. It is unmistakably a 5-Series, but swollen with muscular intent. The M-specific bumpers, blacked-out kidney grille (with integrated radar and camera), and pronounced side skirts communicate latent power. The stance, enabled by the wide track and wheels, is planted and purposeful.
- Manufacturing Rigor: Panel gaps are laser-consistent. Paint depth on our Frozen Deep Grey metallic sample was flawless. The frameless doors close with a damped, solid thunk, and the flush-fitting handles present with theatrical elegance.
2. Interior Sanctum: Material, Craft, and Space:
- Material Hierarchy: The M-specific cockpit is a masterclass in tiered luxury. Primary touchpoints are swathed in Vernasca leather with M perforations and contrast stitching. The dashboard and upper doors are finished in soft-touch Sensatec, while authentic Dark Ash Open-Pored wood with metallic inlay and Brushed Aluminum trim provide cold, authentic contrast. It is a driver-focused environment, not a minimalist lounge.
- Ergonomic Truth: The M Sport seats offer near-perfect bolstering for long-distance comfort and high-G cornering. The thick-rimmed steering wheel (heated) frames the Curved Display perfectly. All primary controls fall readily to hand in a testament to classic BMW ergonomics, despite the digital leap.
- Practicality Benchmarks: Cargo volume (17.2 cubic feet due to the shallow but wide liftback), rear-seat legroom (36.2 inches). The rear bench is comfortable for two adults, though the battery floor raises the seating position slightly. Real-world usability is excellent; the liftback opening swallows large items easily.
3. The Digital Nervous System: Infotainment & Acoustics:
- Interface Inquisition: The BMW iDrive 8.5 system on the Curved Display (12.3” instrument cluster + 14.9” central touchscreen) is fast, logical, and vastly improved. The “QuickSelect” zero-layer menu is a revelation. Screen resolution is pin-sharp, and the menu redundancy via the physical iDrive controller and steering wheel buttons is welcome. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant voice control is finally competent.
- Audio Fidelity: The optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System (18 speakers, 655 watts) is sublime. Clarity is breathtaking, the soundstage is holographically wide and deep, and there is zero distortion at deafening volume. It is a reference-grade system.
D. The Driving Experience (The Heart of the Review)
The ultimate measure of a machine is its behavioral spectrum.
- Daily Epilogue (Comfort Mode): The i5 M60 is a serene, isolating luxury sedan. The adaptive dampers absorb broken pavement with a muted thump. NVH isolation is world-class, with only a faint whisper of wind around the mirrors at 80 mph. The steering is light, precise, and the powertrain is docile, with aggressive regeneration available via a one-pedal driving B mode.
- Engagement Manifesto (Sport/Track Mode): The transformation is profound. The suspension firms but retains compliance, the steering gains weight and builds linear, communicative effort. The throttle map sharpens, and the synthetic “BMW IconicSounds” (composed by Hans Zimmer) provide an emotive, but never obtrusive, aural accompaniment to the thrust. The duality between luxury and aggression is quantifiably vast.
- Scenario Mastery:
- Urban Commute: Excellent visibility, a tight turning circle for its size, and smooth low-speed power delivery make it effortless. The automated parking and 360-degree camera are impeccable.
- Highway Transit: A consummate cruiser. Lane stability is rock-solid, assisted by the superb Active Lane Assist. The Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go is among the smoothest and most predictable in the industry.
- Spirited Backroad: Here, the magic happens. The front-end turn-in is shockingly sharp and direct, defying its mass. The rear-end, with its active torque vectoring, feels playful and alive. Body control is near-telepathic, flattening corners. The feedback through the seat and wheel is pure, classic BMW—a conversation, not a monologue.
E. The Verdict & Alternatives
- Pros:
- Explosive, instantaneous performance with an intoxicating power curve.
- A chassis that masterfully hides its mass and delivers genuine driver engagement.
- Superb build quality, premium materials, and exceptional ergonomics.
- Dual-personality capability from limousine to backroad weapon.
- The best iteration of BMW’s Curved Display/iDrive system to date.
- Cons:
- Significant weight is felt under ultimate braking and very low-speed maneuvers.
- Real-world range is good, not class-leading (est. 240-260 miles spirited).
- The expressive design and massive wheels draw constant attention.
- A stratospheric price when fully optioned.
- Key Alternatives:
- Mercedes-AMG EQE Sedan: A tech-laden, more futuristic spaceship with astonishing grip, but less steering feel and driver connection.
- Tesla Model S Plaid: Unbeatable in a straight-line drag race and offers superior range/charging, but interior build quality, ride refinement, and chassis polish are not in the same league.
- Lucid Air Grand Touring: More spacious, more efficient, with a sublime ride and incredible range, but lacks the aggressive sporting temperament and brand cachet of the M-badged BMW.
Final Call:
The 2026 BMW i5 M60 xDrive is a monumental achievement. It proves that the core values of the Ultimate Driving Machine—tactile feedback, balanced handling, and emotive performance—are not only transferable to the electric age but can be enhanced by it. It is the electric executive sedan for those who still believe driving is a passion, not a chore. It is pushed to the limit, so you don’t have to be.
THE AUTORANK’S SPEC BOX: THE CANONICAL DATA
- Powertrain: Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous & Asynchronous Electric Motors
- Total Output: 593 hp / 605 lb-ft (with M Sport Boost)
- Transmission: Single-Speed Automatic (Front & Rear)
- Drivetrain: M xDrive All-Wheel-Drive (Fully Variable)
- Curb Weight: 5,069 lbs (2,299 kg)
- 0-60 mph (Manufacturer Claim): 3.7 sec
- 0-60 mph (As-Tested): 3.6 sec
- Top Speed: 143 mph (230 km/h, governed)
- EPA Fuel Economy (Combined): 84 MPGe
- Real-World Observed Range: 248-265 miles (spirited/normal driving)
- Starting MSRP (USA): $88,095 (Destination: $995) | As-Tested: $112,445