I Took a $95,000 Electric BMW for a Spin: Thrilling Performance Meets Range Reality Against Tesla and Lucid!

N-Ninja
8 Min Read

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The left ​front corner of a ⁤gray 2024 BMW I5 M60 xDrive EV ​sports sedan parked by the ‌side of a street.
My test vehicle, a sleek metallic​ gray 2024 BMW I5 M60 ​xDrive EV sports sedan.

  • The 2024 BMW I5 marks the debut of an all-electric variant‍ in the esteemed 5-Series lineup.
  • The performance, ​opulent interior, and subtle design‍ of the I5 left a strong impression on me.
  • However, its range falls short when compared to rivals such as Tesla and Lucid.

The BMW 5-Series has long been regarded as ‍a symbol of automotive‌ excellence. For over fifty years, this model‌ has ​set standards for what constitutes ‍a premier luxury sports sedan.

With the introduction of its eighth‌ generation, BMW now⁣ offers an electric option for its flagship executive‌ sedan.

The new I5 competes directly with models like the Mercedes-Benz EQE, Audi e-tron GT, Porsche Taycan, and Tesla Model S.

I had the opportunity to drive a 2024 BMW I5 M60 xDrive in Oxide Grey Metallic around‌ Atlanta for one ⁣week.
The right front corner of a gray 2024 BMW I5 M60 xDrive EV sports sedan parked on a street.
A ‍stunning view of the 2024 ​BMW I5 M60 xDrive EV sports sedan.

I was captivated by this vehicle’s thrilling performance, luxurious interior, and elegant design. However, it ‍was disappointing to find that its range is not as competitive as some ⁢other‌ options ⁤available today.

The⁤ price tag for my test model ⁢reached $95,395.
The left rear corner of ⁣a gray 2024 BMW I5 M60 xDrive ‌EV ​sports sedan ‌parked on the street.
A detailed look at my test car: The⁣ 2024 ​BMW I5 M60 xDrive EV sports sedan.
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‌ ⁤ ⁣‍ The entry-level rear-wheel-drive version starts at $66,800 while ⁢my fully equipped all-wheel-drive variant ⁢begins at $84,100.
⁢ ⁤ ⁢ Additional freight charges along ‍with various luxury features ‌pushed my final cost ⁣up‍ by over $11k.


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The ​BMW I5 M60 ⁢xDrive: A New Era of Electric Performance

Impressive Acceleration and⁢ Speed

BMW asserts that the I5 ⁣M60 xDrive can accelerate​ from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.7​ seconds, yet a test conducted by Motor Trend clocked it‌ at​ an astonishing 3.4 seconds. This suggests that the performance may be even more⁢ exhilarating‍ than advertised.

The manufacturer also claims that this electric sedan ‌can achieve a‌ maximum‍ speed of 143 mph.

A‌ Thrilling Driving Experience

Navigating the winding‌ roads of North Georgia‌ in the ⁤all-wheel-drive I5 was an absolute delight. With its impeccable front-to-rear weight distribution, ‍the vehicle felt both balanced and agile through corners, effectively masking its substantial curb weight of approximately 5,200 pounds.

Rapid Charging Capabilities

A gray 2024 ​BMW I5 M60 xDrive EV sports sedan plugged into a ChargePoint DC Fast Charger.
The I5 connected⁣ to a⁤ DC fast charger.
Benjamin Zhang/Business⁣ Insider

Beneath its floor lies an expansive lithium-ion battery pack⁣ with an impressive capacity of 84.3 kWh usable energy.

According to⁢ BMW’s specifications, charging from 10% to 80% takes roughly half an⁣ hour​ when⁤ using a ​DC fast charger.

The‌ EPA rates⁣ my high-performance test model‍ for up to 240 miles on a ‍single⁤ charge; however, during my experience with it, I managed to ⁤achieve around​ 250 miles.

If extended range is your priority, consider opting for the less powerful I5 ​eDrive40 variant which boasts‍ up to an impressive range of approximately ⁤295 miles per charge.

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A Luxurious Interior Design

Interior view showcasing dashboard and ⁤infotainment​ system.
An overview of⁤ the elegant cabin design.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The interior design of the⁣ I5 is ⁣strikingly ⁣contemporary featuring expansive infotainment displays ​complemented by carbon fiber ‍accents while maintaining traditional automotive sensibilities that appeal to purists.

BMW has excelled in⁣ providing drivers with various interaction methods⁤ including voice commands, touchscreens, and capacitive buttons for⁣ enhanced usability.

I particularly appreciated ⁣the LED ⁢light strips integrated into both the center stack and doors which serve dual purposes as touch-sensitive controls for climate settings ⁣and⁣ seat adjustments—an innovative feature indeed!

While overall material quality was commendable, some ​plastic components ‍like window controls felt somewhat subpar compared⁣ to luxurious ‌elements such ⁣as crystal shift toggles found on the ​center console—this⁤ inconsistency stood out during my evaluation!

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Padded Comfort:‍ The Seats Stand Out!


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The front view of a sleek gray 2024 BMW I5 M60 xDrive EV sports​ sedan parked on the street.
The 2024 BMW ‌I5 M60 xDrive⁢ EV sports sedan.

Exploring the 2024 BMW I5 M60 xDrive: A Blend of Style and Performance

The BMW I5 impresses with‍ its striking design, exhilarating ⁤speed, and competitive pricing at approximately $95,000.

Power ⁢and⁤ Range

Boasting an impressive⁣ output of 593 horsepower and a range of up to 240⁤ miles, the I5 M60 ⁣xDrive stands ⁣strong against competitors like the Mercedes EQE⁣ 500+‌ and Audi e-tron ⁤GT in both performance metrics and driving distance.

Comparative⁢ Analysis

However, when‍ placed​ alongside models such as the ​Lucid Air Touring or Tesla Model S—both offering over 400 miles of range while maintaining similar performance ⁤levels—the I5 does show some limitations.

A ⁣Trusted ⁢Choice Over Startups

Despite this shortfall in range compared ⁤to certain electric vehicles ⁤from ⁤newer brands, many consumers prefer established⁤ names. The BMW 5-Series has long been synonymous with reliability and luxury.

Your Ideal Electric‍ Sedan?

If given‌ a choice​ among current offerings, the BMW I5 would‍ be my top pick for an electric sedan that combines tradition with modern⁢ technology.

​ Read more about it on Business Insider.
⁤ ​(Source)

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