BMW i5 M60 XDrive: Bimmer’s First Performance EV Launched In India

• BMW i5 M60 Xdrive launched at Rs 1.20 crore (ex-showroom).
• Available in the country only as a completely built unit (CBU).
• The 81.2 kWh battery powers the dual motors which produce 601 PS and 795 Nm.
• Does 0-100 kmph in just 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 230 kmph.
• Gets a dual-motor setup with all-wheel-drive function and a WLTP claimed range of 516 km.

BMW India has launched its most powerful i5 electric luxury sedan in the M60 XDrive variant at a starting price of Rs 1.20 crore (ex-showroom) and has already started accepting pre-launch bookings for it. This has been brought as a completely built unit (CBU), meaning availability will be limited. The i5 debuts the latest version of the 5 Series and an ICE version is expected to land on our shores soon. The i5 M60 XDrive has joined BMW's existing lineup of electric vehicles in India, which already includes the BMW i7, BMW iX, BMW i4, and BMW iX1. 

Design and Looks

In terms of design, the i5 being offered with M-Sport design touches and gets aggressive styling, featuring EV-specific elements such as an illuminated covered kidney grille, aggressive contours and hood lines and signature LED Matrix headlights. The racy-looking bumpers add to the overall mean-looking fascia. 

From the side, the BMW i5 showcases a sleek and minimalist design ethos in line with its current design language with elongated proportions, and aerodynamically designed 20-inch M-specific alloy wheels.

At the rear, the roof lines seamlessly flow down into the sleek split tail lights, creating a harmonious flow with the LED taillights adding to the car's appeal. A sporty rear bumper with gloss black diffuser and elements rounds off the look. 

Interior and Features

The dashboard layout now sits in line with BMW’s latest-generation design language, with the M leather steering wheel, contrast stitching in BMW M GmbH colors (Blue,Red and White) used for a sporty character. Adding to the look are the sleek dual screens for the infotainment system and digital driver’s display and the ambient lighting bar that looks so cool at night.  Design elements and interior inlays are finished in platinum silver finish to exude the sporty appeal. 

It also gets a host of standard features including ventilated front seats, a Bowers & Wilkins 18-speaker surround sound system, M-specific displays for the large curved screen which integrates the 14.9-inch infotainment system (with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) and digital driver’s display, panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, and ventilated and heated powered front seats.

Standard safety features include the Attentiveness Assistant, Parking assistance with remote parking via smartphone, six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Cornering Brake Control (CBC), ISOFIX child seat mounting, an electric parking brake with auto hold, side-impact protection, electronic vehicle immobiliser, and ADAS.

Electric Powertrain 

Being the top-of-the-line version, the i5 M60 XDrive boasts impressive performance figures. With a dual-motor setup at both the front and rear axles paired to a 81.2 kWh battery pack, it produces a whopping  601 PS and 795 Nm, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just 3.8 seconds. It can sprint from a standstill to 100 kmph in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 230 kmph. BMW claims that the i5 has a WLTP range of 516 km. Moreover, quick DC charging capability means the i5 M60 XDrive can recharge from 10 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes.

With just one M60 Xdrive variant on offer priced at Rs 1.20 crore (ex-showroom), it will be a cheaper alternative to other electric sport sedans like the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-Tron GT.