More than meets the eye from BMW

Let’s touch on social media for a moment even though it’s not usually my scene.
Each week I share a single photo of whatever test car I’m driving on Instagram and Facebook, and the reaction varies hugely. At one end of the scale was a Japanese SUV that scored absolutely zero likes, not even from friends or family, despite being a perfectly decent workhorse.
This week was a very different story. I posted the BMW i5 M60 Touring, and by my own modest standards the response was electric. I even found myself replying to several comments some from people I don’t know asking about this all-electric estate car.
It quickly became clear that many of them knew more about the car than I did. I recognised it as an EV from the “i5” badge, of course, but I made the rookie mistake of assuming the “M” stood only for a trim level because it appears at the end of the name rather than at the start, like the M5.
I couldn’t have been more wrong. In reality, this BMW is essentially the electric equivalent of an M5. When I pressed the accelerator and the car launched forward, it became obvious there was far more to it than I’d first realised.
Despite its understated appearance, the M60 has a lot going on beneath the surface. The 21-inch wheels look great, but the bodywork is still that of a traditional estate car even though the performance suggests something far more dramatic.
After experiencing its astonishing acceleration, I pulled over to look at the spec sheet properly. That’s when it truly hit me: this EV is a bit of a weapon. Twin electric motors produce a massive 601HP and 820Nm of torque, and with one motor on each axle, the car is naturally all-wheel-drive.
This delivers supercar-like performance, with 62mph arriving in just 3.8 seconds and mid-range acceleration that can genuinely jolt you back in your seat. The all-wheel-drive system helps translate that power into the road, and the instant torque makes every burst of speed feel immediate.
The wide tyres and xDrive setup give the i5 superb grip, while the chassis provides balance and composure that make it stand out in the handling department. It’s an impressive package one that fully deserves the M badge. BMW could almost have called it the “Mi5”.
Describing the driving experience without sounding reckless isn’t easy, simply because the car is so capable. It’s not just about high speeds although in Germany it will reach 143mph but more about how easily and safely it moves past slower traffic. A quick squeeze of the accelerator and you’re through, followed by smooth regenerative braking when you lift off.
BMW claims a range of 321 miles, though my enthusiastic driving style reduced that by around 100 miles on a full charge.
Inside, the i5 delivers the premium comfort and high-quality finish expected from BMW. The technology is particularly impressive, with a wide array of cameras and systems monitoring the road. The car even knows when a bend is coming up and adjusts the regenerative braking accordingly coasting on straight roads but slowing itself when needed.
The touchscreen interface is crisp and responsive, and the Bowers & Wilkins sound system is exceptional, offering rich, detailed audio. Interior space is generous, and the Touring model provides a practical, well-shaped boot.
Overall, the BMW i5 M60 Touring is a standout EV in every respect something my social media notifications seem to confirm.
Factfile
Motors: Twin electric, 4WD
Power: 601HP
0–62mph: 3.8 seconds
Top speed: 143mph
Range: 321 miles (claimed)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
CO2: 0g/km
Price: From £99,995