BMW has electrified its executive line-up with the i5 M60 xDrive, the flagship of the i5 range and a high-performance EV that redefines the luxury sedan. While the G90 M5 keeps its title as the king of the combustion-powered 5 Series, the i5 M60 flexes BMW’s electric muscles with jaw-dropping performance and futuristic tech.
Exterior
Our tester finished in Brooklyn Grey Metallic paint oozes sophistication while giving off just the right amount of “I mean business.” The aggressive kidney grille, with gloss black accents, and the signature blue highlights that nod to its electric heart are unmistakably BMW.
The 20-inch M aerodynamic wheels fill out the arches perfectly, adding to its sporty stance, while adaptive LED lights come standard, ensuring you can see—and be seen—on late-night trips to Kyalami. Every detail feels deliberate, from the streamlined door handles to the rear diffuser designed to optimize airflow, reminding you that this is no ordinary sedan.
Interior
Step inside, and you’re greeted with a cabin that’s both cutting-edge and opulent. The curved BMW Live Cockpit Professional steals the show, merging a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen into one seamless unit. It’s powered by iDrive 8.5, making it easy to adjust settings, control navigation, or ask it to find the nearest bunny chow spot.
The standard Harman Kardon sound system ensures your playlist sounds as crisp as the morning air on Table Mountain. Ambient lighting and M-specific touches, like the sporty steering wheel and carbon fiber trim, create a space that feels as much a cockpit as it does a luxury lounge. Rear passengers get plenty of legroom, and the generous boot makes it practical for everything from road trips to a big shop at Woolies.
Performance
If you’re worried that “electric” means boring, the i5 M60 xDrive is here to set the record straight. This dual-motor setup delivers 442 kW and 820 Nm of torque, with torque jumping to 820 Nm with M Sport Boost mode. That’s enough to rocket this beast from 0–100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, leaving most sports cars in the dust.
The adaptive M suspension ensures you glide over potholes, and rear-wheel steering helps you zip through tight city corners like you’re in an M3. Top speed is electronically limited to 230 km/h, which is plenty fast for South Africa’s speed traps. And yes, it’s all-wheel drive, so you’ll stick to the road better than your favorite gatsby to its paper wrapper.
Charging and range
With an 84.3 kWh battery, the i5 M60 xDrive offers a range of up to 500 km. Charging is painless with DC fast charging at up to 205 kW, which gets you from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes—just enough time to grab a coffee and check your emails. At home, AC charging (up to 22 kW) lets you top up overnight.
Verdict
The BMW i5 M60 xDrive is the perfect blend of electrifying performance, executive luxury, and cutting-edge tech. It’s practical enough for the family but packs enough power to remind you why BMW is synonymous with “driving pleasure.” Standard features like Driving Assist Professional—with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more—sweeten the deal, while its aggressive styling ensures it stands out in the parking lot at the V&A Waterfront.
However, it all comes at a price: R2,190,000 before options. While rivals like the Mercedes-Benz EQE AMG 53 and Porsche Taycan GTS bring their own flair, the i5 M60 xDrive makes a strong case for itself as a luxurious and thrilling alternative. BMW’s electric sedan is proof that going green doesn’t mean giving up fun.
