BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring, a powerful 600 hp electric estate car with a range of up to 500 kilometers and a price of around 115,000 euros

Ramon Ortiz

Engine: Two electric Battery capacity: 81.2 kWh Maximum power: 601 hp Transmission: Automatic Combined consumption WLTP: from 18.3 kWh/100 km WLTP autonomy: up to 503 km Environmental badge: ZERO Maximum speed: 230 km/h Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 3.9 seconds Length/width/height: 506/190/162 cm Wheelbase: 2,995 mm Weight: 2,425 kg Trunk: 570/1,700 liters Warranty: 3 years Price: 114,250 euros

www.bmw.es

The new generation of the BMW 5 Series Touring features 100% electric powertrains. The most powerful variant is the i5 M60 xDrive, which has a combined total output of 601 hp. To achieve these performance figures, it is equipped with one electric motor per axle (261 hp at the front and 340 hp at the rear), thus providing electric all-wheel drive and facilitating the transmission of power to the ground.

By activating Launch Control or M Sport Boost, this BMW's powertrain is capable of generating up to 820 Nm of torque, resulting in tremendous acceleration. This car, which weighs over 2.4 tons curb weight, is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Simply extraordinary.

Equipped with a lithium-ion battery with a usable capacity of 81.2 kWh, the estimated WLTP range can reach up to 503 km. In practice, driving at normal speeds and legal speeds, it can travel approximately 400 kilometers.

Naturally, in urban environments, the mileage on a single charge can be higher, and when it comes to enjoying the full performance, charging stops are necessary more frequently. In any case, the typical average during our test was between 20 and 24 kWh/100 km.

The BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring can be charged with alternating current (AC) at up to 22 kW. Using a DC charger, the battery can recover from 10 to 80 percent of its capacity in just 30 minutes. The Bavarian brand offers Connected Home Charging, which optimizes charging costs and simplifies operations.

Far from being heavy-handed, this BMW exhibits extraordinary levels of agility, even on winding roads. The longer wheelbase and wider track enhance its sportiness and comfort. Other key factors to its excellent handling are the balanced axle loads and the increased rigidity of the body and chassis connections.

The chassis technologies developed by the Bavarian firm offer standard wheel slip limitation, a powerful M Sport braking system, and adaptive suspension that adapts to the driver's needs and preferences, achieving outstanding agility and safety while maximizing driving fun.

This high-end premium segment model also offers a wide range of systems for automated driving and parking. Highlights include the Driving Assistant Professional, which includes steering assistance, lane assist, and cruise control with Stop&Go function.

The i5 M60 xDrive Touring perfectly fulfills its role as a versatile, functional, and family car. It measures 5.06 m long, 1.90 m wide, and 1.51 m high, with a wheelbase of 2,995 mm. Its front end features a modern interpretation of the twin headlights and the typical BMW kidney grille. This grille features a wide frame that can be fitted with contour lighting.

The side view is characterized by the high shoulder line, powerful surfaces, and lines that emphasize the athletic body. The side skirts are black and the door handles are flush-fitting. The rear end projects dynamically elongated proportions, combined with flat lights divided by a chrome strip.

Thanks to its width and distance between the seat rows, the interior offers five spacious seats, is highly functional, and boasts excellent acoustic comfort. Digitalization simplifies and eliminates some buttons and controls, while the curved BMW display maintains its driver-oriented focus. The display system consists of a 12.3-inch information screen and a 14.9-inch control screen.

The driving position is extraordinary, both in terms of its adjustment options and seat support. The sporty steering wheel features a flattened lower section and haptic feedback on the control panels. The BMW Interaction Bar is standard, and the functional unit extends across the entire width of the instrument cluster. It's worth noting that, for the first time in a vehicle from the Bavarian brand, the interior has been made with completely vegan materials.

Another strong point is connectivity and infotainment. The improved BMW iDrive display and control system contributes to an enhanced driving and travel experience in the new 5 Series. It is based on the BMW ID8.5 operating system and features a redesigned home screen that enables faster function selection. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant can be operated via a touchscreen and natural language, and even the BMW Natural Interaction option is available for controlling functions using gestures.

The BMW ID8.5 system offers a wide range of digital infotainment content, rapid updates, comprehensive information on charging stations, and more. Interestingly, it also offers "casual games" while the vehicle is stationary.

Other innovations BMW has implemented in the i5 include the light show and personal welcome, the BMW Digital Key, powerful 5G mobile telephony, and Proactive Care, which anticipates vehicle service needs. In short, a complete and definitive vehicle for family travel, driving pleasure, and a total commitment to the environment.