As a long-time BMW enthusiast and someone needing a more family-friendly vehicle, I recently test drove the all-new BMW i5, both the 40e and the exhilarating M60 versions. Coming from a Porsche 992 Carrera S and with a history of BMW ownership including models like the E92 335is and F80 M3, I was keen to see if the i5 could recapture the driving magic I felt had been missing in recent BMW generations, while also fitting my evolving needs. My exploration involved comparing it directly to my considerations, such as the Audi RS6, ensuring a practical perspective on its place in the market.
Step Inside: The i5 Interior Experience
BMW has truly elevated the interior game with the i5. Stepping inside feels like entering a space that’s both futuristic and uniquely BMW. It’s a significant departure from the minimalist, sometimes sterile designs found in other modern EVs like Teslas or even the Mercedes EQS. The use of interesting materials, sophisticated trim choices, and the striking interaction light bar creates an immediate “wow” factor. While my wife initially wasn’t convinced by photos, the in-person experience completely changed her mind, highlighting the tactile and visual appeal BMW has achieved.
The material quality is undeniably premium, and the cabin is remarkably comfortable and quiet, enhancing the refined driving experience. The seats are excellent, offering great support for longer journeys. I was particularly impressed with the Veganza upholstery. Despite being a long-time leather enthusiast, I found it to be a high-quality and appealing alternative. However, the rear seat comfort, while decent, wasn’t exceptional. The higher floor and somewhat upright seatbacks might be less ideal for taller passengers on extended trips, but it’s certainly not a deal-breaker for a car in this class. It’s worth noting that while rear space is adequate, it doesn’t quite match the expectations set by the traditional 5-Series in terms of outright spaciousness.
Despite the impressive aesthetics, the usability of the interior presents some challenges. While I appreciate BMW retaining some physical controls, navigating through essential functions like climate settings and drive modes while driving proves to be cumbersome. The iDrive 8.5 system, while visually rich, can feel overly complex and busy, demanding too many steps for simple adjustments. Usability, overall, is unfortunately below par, a common trend in many new vehicles prioritizing screen real estate over intuitive controls.
Driving Dynamics: A BMW Renaissance?
The driving experience of the i5 was the most delightful surprise. It felt like a welcome return to the classic BMW ride and handling balance that I believe was somewhat lost in the F-series generation. In my opinion, starting with the F-series, BMW chassis and suspension tuning seemed to prioritize stiffness over nuanced dynamics. My F80 M3, for instance, often felt overly rigid, compromising both ride comfort and handling on less-than-perfect road surfaces. This pursuit of “stiff equals sporty” seemed to permeate even models like the X3 M40i, and was a key factor in my move to Porsche, alongside the diminishing steering feel and the departure from the DCT. It was particularly frustrating knowing BMW could still engineer exceptional chassis, as demonstrated in their CS models like the M2 CS and M5 CS, which improved both ride and handling.
The i5, however, felt different. It’s remarkably planted, composed, and direct, instilling confidence in various driving scenarios. Simultaneously, ride comfort is excellent, effectively absorbing bumps and road imperfections with a reassuring solidity. Interestingly, I felt the M60 version handled even more sharply and perhaps even offered a slightly more refined ride compared to the 40e. Regardless of the model, you’re getting a genuinely engaging sport sedan. While the weight is noticeable, the low center of gravity is very apparent, and the chassis manages the mass impressively. The move away from run-flat tires likely contributes significantly to the improved ride quality and handling finesse.
However, there are minor drawbacks. The M steering wheel felt excessively thick for my preference, and the steering, while precise, is completely devoid of tactile feedback. Brake modulation also felt a little abrupt and touchy. While regenerative braking is undoubtedly a factor, a Lexus hybrid I drove immediately before offered significantly smoother and more natural brake feel. It’s possible the i5’s brakes might improve with more assertive use.
Gimmicks or Genuine Innovation?
One minor criticism is the feeling that the i5 incorporates a few too many gimmicky features. During the test drive, some features elicited more laughter than genuine appreciation. The dynamic “interaction bar,” the somewhat superfluous “My Modes,” the integrated selfie camera, a range of artificial driving sounds, gesture control, and even built-in video games felt a bit overwhelming. While I understand manufacturers are exploring ways to differentiate EVs, and some aspects like the interaction bar and customizable sound profiles are interesting, the sheer volume of these features feels excessive and distracts from the fundamentally strong qualities of the car.
Final Verdict: i5 – A Compelling Electric Executive Sedan
Overall, the BMW i5 left a very positive impression. Despite minor criticisms, it stands out as a genuinely impressive executive sport sedan in the electric vehicle landscape. If I were to choose, I would lean towards the M60 over the 40e, primarily for the perceived chassis enhancements, though both offer ample performance.
My decision to potentially choose the i5 hinges on achieving a favorable lease deal, ideally around $600/month for the M60. Considering the current trends in the automotive market, particularly the growing EV oversupply, I believe this price point might be attainable within the next year. My professional experience in automotive consulting suggests that EV overproduction is likely to intensify, potentially leading to further price adjustments. If such a lease deal materializes, the i5 M60 would be my likely choice. Otherwise, the Audi RS6 remains a strong contender.
