Left foot on the brake, right foot on the accelerator, launch control activated. The BMW i5 M60 squats down like a cheetah in an ambush waiting to kill its prey. The moment you lift off the brake and stamp on the accelerator, there is a one-second pause. Picture it like an overly dramatic Bollywood sequence. You are completely focused on what’s ahead, veins popping and as soon as the car lifts-off, your face contorts. Your neck breaks as the body gives in to the G-forces. Even though it has xDrive, the tyres struggle for traction. And then comes the wave of 600 hp and 820 nm as the car goes like a missile and touches 100 in 3.8 seconds. Violent.
The NFS Most Wanted had a nitro button for that extra boost of power. The i5 M60 feels that it has full-time nitro. The instant torque of the EV is addictive and you will floor it every chance you get. It has electric motors on each axle giving it a 50-50 weight distribution. The wizardry of the adaptive M suspension works as the ride is composed on our Indian roads but stays planted during cornering. The steering is perfectly calibrated and precise. The rear active steering makes the car feel agile and U-turns are a piece of cake.
Now, about the design. The F10 and F90 5-series do something to my body that I can’t quite explain. When the G90 5-series came out, I absolutely hated it. But, when I saw it in the flesh, it was not that bad. As I spent more time with the car, the design grew on me and I even started liking it. The illuminated front-grille has polarizing opinions but it looks sick at night. The sharp rear-taillights makes it look mean while the side-skirts, diffuser and CF side-mirrors gives it an aggressive stance. It has a huge road presence. But, if you put this side-by-side to the F10, I’d still choose the latter.
The interior is an art gallery and I absolutely love it. The cabin is every bit luxury and plush. Since this is an EV with no engine and transmission, the driving experience is straight-up boring. (when not flooring it) But, you never feel bored in the i5. It is a night-owl through and through as the cabin springs to life at night! The graphics and depth of the colors on the massive screen are of the highest quality. BMW has a sense of humor in the driving modes. Choose expressive and the sound changes to a futuristic pitch designed by Hans Zimmer. The sunroof opens up and the throttle becomes responsive. No coffee for me please!
Falling in love with an EV? The BMW i5 M60 seduces you with its over-the-top interior, cool acceleration sounds and addictive power. Hard to believe, but you can actually have fun in it. Not a M5 replacement as it misses out on the big sonorous V8, but if electric cars ruled the world, I would choose this over anything else!
