BMW i5 M60 [UK] (2024)

More dynamic than ever, the new BMW 5-Series introduces a plethora of digital innovations, marking a historic milestone as it becomes available in a fully electric variant for the first time.Leading the charge towards sustainable premium mobility is the all-electric BMW i5, part of the eighth generation of this celebrated model. With a blend of advanced technology, sporty yet elegant design, and the unparalleled performance and comfort synonymous with BMW, the new 5-Series stands at the forefront of automotive excellence.
Scheduled for global market launch in October 2023, the latest BMW 5-Series embraces an all-electric drivetrain worldwide. Additionally, its flexible architecture accommodates highly efficient internal combustion engines featuring 48-volt mild hybrid technology. The plug-in hybrid system is set to arrive in the US market in 2024.
The BMW 5-Series has a rich history dating back to 1972, and its popularity has consistently grown. By spring 2023, the production of this iconic model surpassed ten million units. The legacy continues as the new generation is produced at the Plant Dingolfing, celebrating its 50th anniversary as BMW's largest European plant.
In terms of design, the new BMW 5-Series showcases a modern interpretation of sporty elegance, aligning with the brand's current design language. Its larger dimensions and athletic proportions enhance its presence, with a length increase of 3.4 inches, width by 1.3 inches, and height by 1.4 inches. The wheelbase has also grown by 0.8 inches, enhancing rear-seat comfort.
The front design features a contemporary take on the signature twin headlights and BMW kidney grille, with optional illuminated grille and modern LED elements for daytime running lights. The side view highlights the dynamic proportions, while the rear end boasts expressive lighting and powerful lines emphasizing width.
Offering a wide range of exterior paint colors, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive and M Sport Package introduce specific design features, underlining their sporty character. The interior of the new 5-Series prioritizes driving pleasure and travel comfort, featuring a fully digital BMW Curved Display as the centerpiece of an innovative and comfortable cabin. The BMW Operating System 8.5 with QuickSelect ensures optimized touch operation for a seamless user experience.The control system of the new BMW 5-Series is designed for seamless operation through touch screens and natural language, complemented by steering wheel buttons and the BMW iDrive Controller on the center console. Optional features include the BMW Head-Up Display and BMW Natural Interaction, enabling gesture control. The digital innovations accompanying the BMW iDrive development significantly reduce the number of physical controls in the cockpit, preserving buttons and knobs where their use ensures fast and intuitive operation.
The BMW Operating System 8.5 introduces a start screen that permanently displays the map view of the navigation system or other customizable displays. Vertically arranged widgets on the driver's side of the BMW Control Display can be navigated by vertical swiping, while some widgets allow horizontal swiping for varied content display, enhancing user convenience. QuickSelect facilitates direct access to specific functions without navigating through submenus, and tapping the Home symbol returns users to the start screen.
BMW Operating System 8.5 offers an expanded range of digital content for information and entertainment, faster update cycles, improved information on charging points for electric vehicles, and enhanced access to specific online services. Additionally, the new BMW 5-Series introduces in-car gaming with the AirConsole platform, allowing occupants to enjoy casual games during stationary moments, such as while charging the BMW i5's high-voltage battery.
In collaboration with AirConsole, the new BMW 5-Series pioneers in-car gaming, offering a unique experience where players use their smartphones as controllers connected to the BMW Curved Display. This seamless setup allows for gaming fun for multiple players simultaneously, even in the rear seats. The gaming selection includes racing, sports, quiz, simulation, strategy, jump-and-run, and puzzle games, with continuous expansion of the available titles.
The BMW Interaction Bar, standard in BMW i5 models and optional in the new BMW 530i and 530i xDrive, combines functionality and design. Touch-sensitive control panels for ventilation, air conditioning, and hazard warning lights are seamlessly integrated with a backlit, crystalline surface structure, following the color themes of selected My Modes or customizable settings.
Interior enhancements in the new BMW 5-Series include redesigned seats for increased comfort, offering standard sport seats and optional multi-contour seats. The rear seats provide added comfort with extended backrests, contributing to an overall harmonious cabin design. The new BMW 5-Series offers a fully leather-free interior option, featuring Veganza material on seats, dashboard, door panels, and steering wheel. Extended Merino leather remains an option in various bicolor variants.
The climate control system features almost invisible vents in the instrument panel area, and the BMW i5 model incorporates heat pump technology for efficient climate control. Additionally, a panoramic Sky Lounge roof with a significantly enlarged viewing area is available as an option, creating a light-flooded atmosphere in the interior.

The new BMW 5-Series is equipped with a versatile drive architecture, allowing it to be offered as an all-electric model and with highly efficient internal combustion engines. The all-electric BMW i5 is available in two variants: the BMW i5 eDrive40, featuring advanced BMW eDrive technology with rear-wheel drive, and the top-of-the-range BMW i5 M60 xDrive, boasting all-electric driving pleasure with a powerful 590 hp electric drivetrain.
The BMW i5 eDrive40, with a rear-axle electric motor, delivers 335 hp and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds, with a maximum speed electronically limited to 120 mph. On the other hand, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, producing a total system torque of 549 lb-ft, allowing it to accelerate from 0-60 mph in a remarkable 3.7 seconds. Both i5 models offer a Boost function for on-demand power, activated by a "Boost" paddle near the steering wheel.
The new BMW 5-Series combines dazzling performance and outstanding efficiency, catering to a global audience with diverse needs and preferences in driving technology.In collaboration with the M Sport Package Pro, the Launch Control function, a standard feature on the i5 M60 xDrive, is now also available for the i5 eDrive40. This feature enables extremely dynamic acceleration from a standstill through precise coordination of the drive and traction control systems.
The high-voltage battery, like the drive units, in each BMW i5 model, is derived from the latest fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. Consisting of four modules with 72 battery cells each and three modules with twelve cells each, the battery has a low profile, allowing it to be efficiently integrated into the underbody of the BMW i5 without compromising interior space. Despite its compact design, the high-voltage battery offers a high energy density, providing a usable energy content of 84.3 kWh.
The BMW i5 offers a substantial range suitable for long journeys for both model variants. With standard 19-inch wheels, the i5 eDrive40 is estimated to achieve up to 295 miles on a single charge, while the high-performance i5 M60 xDrive is estimated at 256 miles. Charging efficiency is maximized with the Combined Charging Unit, supporting Level 2 AC charging up to 11 kW and a DC fast-charging rate of 205 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes. New BMW i5 owners receive two years of complimentary 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America DC fast-charging locations.
The latest version of adaptive recuperation helps conserve power reserves by recovering electrical energy during throttle lift-off and braking phases. Adaptive recuperation adjusts power recuperation based on navigation data and sensor information, optimizing energy recovery according to the traffic situation. Alternatively, drivers can manually select high, medium, or low braking energy recovery in the iDrive menu. The innovative heat pump technology further enhances efficiency in heating and cooling, contributing to an optimized driving experience.
The MAX RANGE mode, a new addition, allows drivers to moderate the i5's range by restricting drive power, top speed, and comfort functions, conserving battery power. In this mode, the vehicle's top speed is limited to 56 mph, and certain comfort functions such as climate control, seat heating, seat ventilation, and steering wheel heating are deactivated. MAX RANGE can be easily activated or deactivated through touchscreen functionality, the iDrive Controller, voice commands, or specific driving actions.
Charging efficiency is improved with the latest charging software, ensuring a smooth charging curve and utilizing waste heat from the electric motors to control the high-voltage battery's temperature during fast charging. Anticipatory thermal management optimizes DC fast charging by pre-conditioning the battery based on navigation data, enhancing overall charging performance.
The i5's internal combustion engine options include a new generation of four and six-cylinder engines, incorporating innovative technologies such as the Miller combustion process, redesigned intake ducts and combustion chambers, and improvements in camshaft control, injection, ignition, and exhaust gas routing.
The BMW 530i and 530i xDrive models feature a new 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, providing acceleration from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds for the 530i and 5.8 seconds for the 530i xDrive. The BMW 540i xDrive, powered by a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine with electronic VANOS camshaft phasing, delivers 375 hp and accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
The new BMW 5-Series, featuring the longest wheelbase in its segment, refined chassis technology, and precise steering, ensures an exceptional driving experience. With enhancements such as sport steering with a variable ratio, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive offers superior performance with Adaptive M Suspension Professional, including electronically controlled dampers and Integral Active Steering. The stroke-dependent dampers in the BMW i5 further contribute to a balance between sportiness and comfort.
The near-actuator wheel slip limitation enhances traction control, providing maximum agility and control in demanding driving situations. Light alloy wheels up to 21 inches, adaptive M Suspension Professional with optional Active Roll Stabilization, and advanced chassis components contribute to the refined sportiness and driving comfort characteristic of the BMW 5-Series.
The new BMW 5-Series is equipped with intelligent driver assistance systems, setting industry standards with its range of functions, reliability, and everyday usability. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package introduces the Highway Assistant, enabling attentive hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 mph. The Active Lane Change can now be controlled by eye activation, a unique feature in the automotive sector.
Standard features like Automatic Park Assistant and Backup Assistant assist in parking and maneuvering, while the optional Parking Assistant Plus adds advanced functions such as Parking View, Panorama View, and 3D View. Plug & Charge technology simplifies the charging process at compatible public charging stations, eliminating the need for account access via an app or card. The BMW i5 models are the first to utilize Plug & Charge, allowing customers to store multiple accounts in the vehicle for seamless authentication and payment during charging.