2023 BMW i5 M60 xDrive Limousine Review

In recent years, the competition in the luxury electric sedan market has become increasingly intense. Consumers' demands for this segment are no longer limited to brand prestige but also emphasize a balance of performance, range, and intelligent features. As the high-performance version of BMW's all-electric 5 Series, the 2023 BMW i5 M60 xDrive Limousine not only continues the luxury positioning of the 5 Series but also boasts a dual-motor system with 601 horsepower and an official range of 516 kilometers, making it a noteworthy option in the D-segment electric sedan market. In this test drive, we will focus on verifying whether its performance matches the sporty DNA of the M series, while also assessing its practicality and comfort in daily driving, to provide potential buyers with an intuitive reference.

From the exterior, the new car maintains the elongated proportions of the 5 Series family. With dimensions of 5060mm in length, 1900mm in width, and 1515mm in height, the vehicle appears steady and imposing. The front features BMW's signature closed double-kidney grille for electric models, paired with slim adaptive LED headlights, offering high recognizability. Chrome trims around the grille and aerodynamic kits on both sides of the front bumper enhance its sporty appeal. The side profile features smooth lines with a waistline running from the front to the rear, complemented by 19-inch M-series exclusive wheels, further emphasizing its high-performance characteristics. At the rear, the 3D-designed LED taillights echo the front, while the small lip spoiler on the trunk lid and the rear diffuser highlight its M model identity.

Inside the vehicle, the interior continues BMW's latest family design, with a simple yet technologically advanced style. The center console is wrapped in soft-touch materials, combined with metallic accents and piano black trim, offering a refined texture. A 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch floating central control screen form a dual-screen setup, equipped with the iDrive 8.5 intelligent system, which supports voice control, wireless CarPlay, and Android Auto, offering smooth operation and fast response. The steering wheel is an exclusive three-spoke M-series design, featuring paddle shifters and buttons for driving mode selection, providing a comfortable grip. The seats are wrapped in Nappa leather, with the front seats offering electric adjustment, heating, and memory functions. The lateral support is excellent, ensuring comfort during long drives.

In terms of space performance, the 2995mm wheelbase provides ample room for passengers. Front-row passengers enjoy a headroom of about one fist and two fingers, with generous legroom, while rear passengers have about one fist of headroom and more than two fists of legroom. Even passengers as tall as 180cm can sit comfortably. The trunk has a capacity of 490 liters, with a well-designed opening, making it easy to store suitcases or strollers for daily use. The rear seats support split-folding, further enhancing storage capacity. Additionally, the interior offers abundant storage spaces, including a front central armrest box, door panel compartments, and a wireless charging pad, all of which are very practical for everyday use.

In terms of power, the new car is equipped with dual motors at the front and rear, delivering a combined system output of 601 horsepower and a peak torque of 795 Nm. Officially, it can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds. During actual driving, when switching to sport mode, the power response is very quick. The moment the accelerator pedal is pressed, you can feel a strong sense of pushback, making overtaking extremely confident. Even in comfort mode, the power delivery remains smooth, suitable for daily commuting. The chassis adopts a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension system, paired with the M adaptive suspension system. The tuning leans towards sportiness while maintaining comfort. When driving on bumpy roads, the suspension effectively filters out minor vibrations from the road, keeping the body stable. During cornering, the suspension provides good support, controlling body roll effectively. The steering is precise, giving the driver strong confidence in handling.

In terms of range and charging, the new car is equipped with an 81.2kWh battery pack, with an official power consumption of 18.2kWh per 100 kilometers and a comprehensive range of 516 kilometers. In our actual test, with 60% urban road usage and 40% highway usage, and with the air conditioning and audio system turned on, the power consumption was approximately 19.5kWh per 100 kilometers, achieving about 93% of the range. In fast charging mode, it takes only about 40 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%, while slow charging requires about 11 hours.

In terms of driving comfort, the new car has good sound insulation. At low speeds, almost no motor noise can be heard, and at high speeds, wind and tire noise are controlled within a reasonable range. The energy recovery system has three adjustable levels, with significantly noticeable deceleration in the highest setting, enabling single-pedal operation; the lowest setting provides a coasting feeling similar to that of a fuel car, catering to different driving preferences. Additionally, the inclusion of rear air conditioning vents, USB-C charging ports, and a panoramic sunroof further enhances the comfort of rear passengers.

Overall, the 2023 BMW i5 M60 xDrive Limousine strikes a good balance between performance, luxury, and practicality. Compared to its classmate, the Mercedes EQE 53, it offers better power specifications and acceleration performance; while in comparison to the Tesla Model S, its interior luxury and brand identity are more aligned with the tastes of traditional luxury car users. However, its price is expected to be higher than the standard version of the i5, making it suitable for consumers with a generous budget who seek both performance and luxury.

In conclusion, this car is an excellent choice both as a luxurious daily commuter and for occasional performance driving needs. If you are a consumer who values brand reputation, pursues performance, and also needs to consider family use, the 2023 BMW i5 M60 xDrive Limousine is worth considering. It is not only a high-performance all-electric sedan but also a luxurious vehicle that meets the demands of various use scenarios.