BMW i5 M60

BMW's all-electric luxury sedan is a sports sedan in disguise

- ABHAY VERMA

It wouldn't be wrong to say, the new generation 5 Series has helped us see the sedan in a different light. Looking at the success of the long wheelbase Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW launched the long wheelbase 5 Series here, and the move has certainly helped the Bavarian car maker. That said, the launch of the electric version of the 5 Series, dubbed the i5 in keeping with BMW’s nomenclatures, was a surprising move. Heck, it has turned out to be a move that's had enthusiasts’ jaws drop, as BMW has only launched the range-topping version of the i5 in India that comes with the hallowed M badge. We're talking about the i5 M60 xDrive that uses BMW’s all-wheel drive system and boasts a torque output of over 800Nm! Is this an electric M5 to say so?

First things first, the i5 is offered only with the standard wheelbase, unlike the regular 5 Series that is sold in India in the long wheelbase form only. But apart from this one big difference, the i5 looks a lot like its internal combustion engine powered sibling. Of course, given that it is an EV, BMW has made a few changes to the design, like the grille that’s a closed off unit, is illuminated and has the ‘M’ take its place of pride in it, besides which the BMW logo on the hood gets blue accents. You also get active air flaps and flush door handles that make for a coefficient of drag of just 0.23. The i5 thus manages to look more futuristic, though the long hood and short overhangs make for an air of familiarity from the sides. You also get 10-spoke alloy wheels on this one with a small M badge, and our test car was running the optional, 20-inch wheels that added to its stance along with the low-profile tyres. The tail lamp design on this generation of the 5 Series hasn't really impressed me but the i5’s rear end looks better, thanks to the M badging and aerodynamic side skirts.