BMW i5 M60

The BMW i5 M60 xDrive is a five-seat electric executive performance sedan combining dual-motor all-wheel drive with M-specific chassis hardware. Maximum output reaches 442 KW or 601 PS, with 795 NM normally and up to 820 NM when M Sport Boost or M Launch Control is activated.

Its 81.2-kWh usable battery provides 455 to 516 KM of WLTP range, while charging supports up to 22-KW AC and 205-KW DC. The Malaysian car also receives Adaptive M Suspension Professional, Integral Active Steering, Driving Assistant Professional and a 655-Watt Bowers & Wilkins audio system.

The dashboard centres around the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch central touchscreen. An illuminated BMW Interaction Bar stretches across the dashboard and changes colour according to selected functions and My Modes.

M-specific graphics, carbon-fibre trim and red and blue detailing give the M60 cabin a noticeably sportier appearance than the regular i5.

The centre console houses the compact electronic drive selector, iDrive controller, vehicle shortcuts, cup holders and smartphone charging area. The controls retain physical rotary operation despite many vehicle functions being accessible through the touchscreen.

The 12.3-inch digital instrument display provides M-specific graphics showing speed, power output, battery condition, navigation and driver-assistance information. A full-colour head-up display projects additional information into the driver's forward view.

The Malaysian i5 M60 receives BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery, offered in several colour combinations. Electrically adjustable front sports seats provide memory functions and extensive adjustment, while their pronounced bolsters provide additional support during harder cornering.

The 2,995-MM wheelbase provides generous accommodation for five occupants, particularly in the rear. The flat floor improves centre-passenger comfort, although the battery beneath the cabin results in a slightly elevated seating position compared with the petrol-powered 5 Series.

The M leather steering wheel includes a red centre marker and multifunction controls for media, driver assistance and vehicle information. A dedicated Boost paddle allows the driver to temporarily access the M Sport Boost function and maximum drivetrain output.

Cabin storage includes large door pockets, the glovebox, centre-console compartments and storage beneath the front armrest. Unlike several dedicated-platform electric vehicles, the i5 does not provide a front luggage compartment.

Two cup holders are incorporated into the front centre console, while rear passengers receive additional drink holders within the folding centre armrest.

USB-C charging ports are provided for front and rear passengers, while a wireless smartphone charging tray is positioned ahead of the centre-console controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also supported.

BMW Individual Merino leather, carbon-fibre trim, metallic switchgear and the illuminated Interaction Bar create a high-end executive environment. The M Anthracite headliner, M seat belts and M-specific stitching add subtle performance-focused details.

The i5 M60 provides 490 litres of luggage capacity. The rear seatbacks can be folded for longer items, although there is no additional front boot beneath the bonnet.

The i5 M60 measures 5,060 MM long, 1,900 MM wide and 1,505 MM tall, with a 2,995-MM wheelbase. Width increases to 2,156 MM including the mirrors, while kerb weight stands at approximately 2,380 KG.

The front features an M-specific enclosed kidney grille with BMW Iconic Glow illumination, giving the grille surround a bright white outline at night. The M Sport Pro package adds gloss-black detailing and a more aggressive lower bumper treatment.

The rear combines slim LED tail lamps with a subtle M rear spoiler mounted on the boot lid. Darkened lighting elements and high-gloss Shadowline trim further distinguish the M60 from the regular i5 eDrive40.

Adaptive LED headlamps are fitted with M Lights Shadowline, which darkens selected internal elements for a more aggressive appearance. Vertical LED daytime-running-light graphics provide the latest-generation 5 Series lighting signature.

Slim LED tail lamps use a horizontal design that visually widens the rear body. The M Sport Pro specification adds darker internal graphics to complement the gloss-black exterior treatment.

The i5 M60 receives distinctive M dual-arm exterior mirrors, helping distinguish it from the standard i5. The housings feature high-gloss black detailing, while electrical adjustment, heating and power folding are included.

The M Sport braking system uses larger internally ventilated discs with high-gloss red brake calipers carrying M logos. The system works together with regenerative braking to provide strong stopping performance despite the vehicle's considerable mass.

The Malaysian i5 M60 rides on 21-inch BMW Individual Style 954 aerodynamic alloy wheels with a two-tone finish. These are the largest factory wheels fitted to the Malaysian i5 range.

Standard active-safety systems include autonomous emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure intervention, blind-spot monitoring with collision prevention and front and rear cross-traffic warning with braking assistance.

The i5 uses a reinforced passenger cell with multiple front, side and curtain airbags, ISOFIX child-seat mounting points and an extensively protected underfloor high-voltage battery.

BMW My Modes provides several configurations including Personal, Sport and Efficient, with M-specific graphics and responses.

Sport mode unlocks the full 601-PS output, while M Sport Boost and M Launch Control provide maximum drivetrain performance and up to 820 NM of torque.

The 14.9-inch touchscreen runs BMW Operating System 8.5 with QuickSelect, BMW Maps, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and connected services. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, together with Remote Software Upgrades.

Driving Assistant Professional is standard and includes adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, automatic speed-limit assistance and route-based speed control.

Emergency Lane Assistant, Emergency Stop Assistant, Side Collision Protection and wrong-way warning are also included. Parking Assistant Plus adds automatic parking, Reversing Assistant, a 360-degree camera and Remote 3D View.

A Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System is fitted as standard, using 18 speakers and 655 watts of amplification.

BMW IconicSounds Electric also provides artificial driving sounds developed with composer Hans Zimmer, changing according to the selected My Mode and accelerator input.

Two electrically excited synchronous motors power the i5 M60, one on each axle. Combined output reaches 442 KW or 601 PS, with 795 NM normally and 820 NM under M Sport Boost or Launch Control.

Each electric motor operates through a single-speed reduction transmission, providing uninterrupted power delivery without conventional gear changes.

BMW xDrive all-wheel drive electronically distributes torque between the front and rear axles. The system works with the M-specific stability control and chassis electronics to maximise both traction and handling performance.

The i5 M60 accelerates from 0 to 100 KM/H in 3.8 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 230 KM/H.

The underfloor lithium-ion battery provides 81.2 kWh of usable capacity, with an official WLTP driving range of 455 to 516 KM. Combined energy consumption is rated between approximately 18.2 and 20.6 kWh per 100 KM.

AC charging supports up to 22 KW, allowing a full charge in around 4 hours and 15 minutes. DC fast charging peaks at 205 KW, enabling a 10% to 80% charge in around 30 minutes under suitable conditions. Approximately 146 KM of WLTP range can be added in ten minutes.

Convenience equipment includes BMW Digital Key Plus, Comfort Access, wireless smartphone charging, electrically adjustable front seats with memory, automatic climate control and remote vehicle functions through the My BMW application.

Automatic climate control provides dedicated rear air-conditioning vents for second-row passengers. The large rear cabin and separate ventilation outlets make the i5 suitable for chauffeured or long-distance executive use.

The i5 M60 receives Adaptive M Suspension Professional, featuring electronically controlled dampers, 48-volt Active Roll Stabilisation and Active Roll Comfort. The system can reduce body roll during cornering while also decoupling the anti-roll bars over uneven roads for improved ride comfort.

Integral Active Steering turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction at lower speeds to improve manoeuvrability and in the same direction at higher speeds to increase stability.

The electric drivetrain operates with almost no mechanical noise at normal speeds, while extensive body insulation and acoustic glazing help create a refined executive-sedan environment.

Road noise from the large 21-inch wheels becomes more noticeable on coarse surfaces, although the sophisticated suspension and overall cabin isolation retain strong long-distance refinement.

The BMW i5 M60 xDrive combines 601-PS electric performance with the comfort and refinement expected from a 5 Series. Its 3.8-second acceleration, Adaptive M Suspension Professional, active anti-roll system and rear-wheel steering make it considerably more sophisticated dynamically than simply fitting more powerful motors to a regular i5.

Its cabin is equally convincing, with Merino leather, carbon-fibre trim, Driving Assistant Professional and an excellent 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system. The 490-litre boot and spacious rear cabin also preserve much of the practicality expected from an executive sedan.

The main weakness is its older 400-volt charging architecture. A 205-KW DC peak was competitive when the i5 arrived but now trails newer 800V premium EVs capable of well above 300 KW. The 455-to-516-KM range is also significantly shorter than the locally assembled i5 eDrive40, while the M60 remains considerably more expensive at RM479,800.

Nevertheless, for buyers wanting a genuinely rapid electric executive sedan without sacrificing luxury, rear-seat comfort or everyday usability, the i5 M60 remains one of the most complete performance-oriented models in the current BMW EV range.