LIGHT SPEED

BMW’s new luxury EV sedan has supercar-level performance. Naturally, we had to go out and experience it

- Kurt Morris

The i5 is the latest entrant to BMW's electric sedan portfolio, and with 601 bhp on tap, it sits firmly in high-performance territory. The newest addition to BMW's 5 Series lineup claims that it blends performance, traditional luxury and state-of-the-art electric power, so it was incumbent upon us to verify this. Starting at ₹1.20 crore in India, the i5 makes a statement with its forward-thinking design and delivers some jaw-dropping performance.

The car we got from BMW was an i5 M60 xDrive in a striking all-black spec, exuding a menacing presence reminiscent of Darth Vader's own ride. The colour emphasises the car's athletic stance and hides its bulk well, giving it an elegant, streamlined appearance.

The signature kidney grilles take a modern twist, framed by glowing LED surrounds that light up with a futuristic sequence when the car is unlocked. This eye-catching feature sets the i5 apart as an electric model, signifying its advanced tech without being over the top. The profile retains a classic sedan silhouette with a refined, three-box shape, while the rear sports sleek, minimalist tail lamps that enhance the car's futuristic aesthetic. The 20-inch high-gloss black M alloy wheels complement the aggressive look, although a larger size would better match its muscular frame.

M–specific elements, such as flared side skirts, diffusers, and high–gloss inserts, add a sporty touch to the M60 xDrive trim.

BMW has opted for traditional door handles, a subtle nod to classic design amidst the influx of pop–out mechanisms in modern EVs. Inside, the cabin showcases a 14.9–inch curved infotainment display paired with a 12.3–inch digital instrument cluster, seamlessly integrated for a cohesive driver experience. The displays run on BMW’s latest iDrive OS 8.5, offering intuitive navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. Driver aids, including partially autonomous parking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring, are standard.