What is the AAA Car Guide?
The AAA Car Guide helps consumers navigate the evolving automotive marketplace by ranking and rating the newest vehicles, including EVs. The Guide provides consumers with reviews, based on testing by AAA Engineers, highlighting how many advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are included in the vehicle, along with other criteria and information.
BMW i5 M60
Category Ranking : 1
Score : 119.94
Vehicle Type | Base Price | Price As Tested | Midsize Car Electric | $84,100 | $97,495 |
|---|
Overall Observations
BMW’s 5 Series sedan was first introduced in the U.S. in 1975. In 2024, it entered its eighth generation with a complete redesign, and the all-electric i5 was added to the lineup. The i5 is available as the single-motor eDrive40 and the performance-oriented, dualmotor M60 we tested.
Arguably the M60’s greatest strength is its high levels of performance in nearly every significant area. It’s boldly handsome, and unlike other BMW EVs, it sports a modestly sized grille. Fit and finish are excellent inside and out. Its cabin is spacious, it’s quiet at all speeds, and the interior is appropriately luxurious.
The M60’s dual motors (593 hp) provide abundant, instant power. The steering, which can be adjusted to different driving styles, provides good feedback. Handling is responsive and composed, and the adaptive M suspension delivers a comfortable ride. A full suite of advanced safety features and AWD are standard.
The M60’s biggest negative is its range: 240 miles. (To be fair, the estimate for non-M i5s is as high as 295 miles.) In addition, the infotainment system is complicated and nonintuitive, relying on touch and voice commands rather than buttons and knobs. But these concerns are unlikely to discourage enthusiasts who are smitten by the i5’s exciting performance, luxurious trappings, and restrained styling.
VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS
-
Model year tested:
2024 -
Number of passengers (F/R)
2/3 -
Curb weight (lbs):
5,247 -
Exterior L / W / H (in):
199.2/74.8/59.3 -
Wheelbase (in):
117.9 -
Number of airbags:
8 -
Warranty (month/miles) :
48/50,000 -
Tire manufacturer and model :
Continental EcoContact 6Q -
Front and rear tire size :
255/35 R21 and 285/30 R21 -
Max towing capacity (lbs) :
4,409 -
Headlight type:
LED -
Transmission type:
Auto 1-speed -
Drivetrain type:
All wheel -
Engine/motor:
Dual electric motors -
Electric motor horsepower
593
PROS
- Abundant power and torque
- First-rate fit and finish inside and out
- Excellent steering feel, responsive handling supple suspension
CONS
- Low EV range
- Nonintuitive infotainment system
- Price tag rises quickly with extra-cost options
AAA’s Recommendation: Whether you own an electric vehicle or a gas-powered car is up to you – and you should consider lots of factors in making that choice. No matter what type of vehicle you’re choosing, we recommend visiting a dealership, test driving one, and asking as many questions as possible to make an informed decision.
