Just like its predecessors, the i5 is defined by its kidney grille and elongated proportions this time with a more angular profile (Photo: Quincy Tan/The Edge)
Few car models are as iconic as the BMW 5 Series. Since its inception in 1972, the sporty yet elegant business sedan has been the vehicle of choice for executives and enthusiasts who value luxury, innovation and comfort. So when the marque announced the first fully electric edition of this beloved design, fans bit their nails and held their breath — would electrification be a curse or boon upon this long-respected lineage and, maybe just as importantly, would it look good?
Fortunately, when the EV was revealed, most rejoiced — the BMW i5, which represents the series’ eighth generation, preserves the power, driving experience and most notable characteristics of its predecessors, coupled with several innovative enhancements that will please both driver and passengers. The online consensus was that the G60 eDrive40 and its range-topping M60 maintained a satisfying family resemblance and marked a significant step for the German manufacturer into electric mobility. In fact, the EV even claimed the World Car Awards’ title of World Luxury Car 2024.
In Malaysia, the original G60 was launched in November 2023, ahead of the high-performance model six months later in May 2024. With the 2025 edition not yet available locally, we took the opportunity to get a closer look at what has made the inaugural (and, for now, at least) reigning electric 5 Series so popular.
Visually, the i5 strikes a clean balance between opulence and athleticism: The unmistakable kidney grille, a must-have on any bimmer, is lit up in white by the Iconic Glow highlights, and the illumination follows through to the contours of the headlights for added definition. The grille’s slats are blacked out in the M60 version for a sleeker look albeit, in our opinion, at the cost of that classic BMW appeal. Subtle touches like Dynamic Carpet Lighting, which casts a soft lined glow next to the doors, make for both a safety and style feature. Detractors may insist on the more curvaceous outlines that defined the seventh-generation vehicles but we found the sharper, crisper edges of the i5 cut a rather handsome figure, speaking to the futuristic edge of electrification without the oddly bulbous, sci-fi adjacent silhouettes of some other EVs.
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Where size is concerned, it stands at a commanding 5m in length, 1.9m in width and 1.5m in height, taking up a tad more real estate all around compared to the seventh generation’s G30 but still proportionally retaining the extended bonnet and long wheelbase. Not to worry though — despite the dilated dimensions, we managed to navigate tighter paths and double-parked roads without much fuss. The robust automotive sensor systems and comprehensive high-resolution camera visibility provide peace of mind for those handling a bigger car for the first time. In the back, the 17.3 cu ft trunk also holds a generous 490L, allowing you to fit luggage bags, golf clubs or cooler cases for yourself and the family with ease.
Under the hood, this rear-wheel drive boasts an output of 313PS and 400Nm of torque (340PS and 430Nm with Sport Boost/Launch Control) which enables it to accelerate from 0kph to 100kph in a swift 6.2 seconds, as well as a range of 498km to 582km — the Efficient driving mode can help squeeze a little extra distance out of your charge, sure to be a blessing on longer interstate journeys. While its maximum speed taps out at 193kph, shy of the M60’s eye-watering 230kph, the base model wins out as far as those looking for a practical yet uncompromisingly impressive vehicle that can handle both slow, decadent cruises in the city as well as more demanding drives. On the road, it is a buttery smooth ride thanks to the rear axle air suspension (save for a spot of bounciness when fully braking) and you will hear no complaints from us on the handling and pedal feel either. If you get a hankering for some higher-speed fun, try locking in to the car’s Sport mode for a tighter, more responsive experience.
BMW introduces an added perk — or perhaps quirk — to these modes too. Those invariably unsettled by the utter silence of electric power trains might take comfort in the IconicSounds Electric feature, which pairs each mode with an immersive audioscape composed by legendary musician Andrew Lloyd Webber. Personally, we passed on the opportunity to engage this part of the i5, choosing instead to savour the Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system over the course of our road trip.
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As one settles into the cockpit, BMW’s commitment to creating a truly premium driving ambience is self-evident, most notably in the crystalline Interaction Bar spanning between the dashboard and doors which enables the control of functions like ventilation settings and the front automatic doors. While admittedly largely cosmetic, its glass-like faceted appearance and adjustable ambient lighting colour make it a small but fun personalisable attraction. The bar was originally introduced in the i7 and is soon to be the standard for the i5 and all 5 Series models. Cutting-edge assistive components such as the Lane Change Assist optimise the EV’s long-distance viability, especially when coupled with wellness and quality of life features like Fatigue Alert, an anti-sleep notification that senses shifts in driver responsiveness, and Gesture Control, a contactless and non-distractive way of interacting with the display. Overall, the digital interface offers peak customisability, down to allowing you to save seat configuration presets, but would definitely require some committed time to get familiar with to truly maximise its utility.
Passengers will be happy to know their needs have not taken a back seat. On top of its generous cabin space and symphonic audio quality, the i5 is equipped with a slew of entertainment options when stationary, including fully integrated video, film and TV streaming on the control display. Make the most of charging times with the in-car gaming system, which allows occupants to use their smartphones as controllers thanks to a collaboration with the AirConsole platform. Players may have their rounds cut short though, as the i5 can fill up from 10% to 80% in a swift 30 minutes using a direct current charging station.
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Framing the original against the up-and-coming 2025 model, little is immediately different. As far as pure numbers are concerned, the power, torque and maximum speed are preserved, with a slim 0.2 seconds and approximately 10km shaved off the 0kph to 100kph acceleration and range respectively. The newer generation will be available in plug-in hybrid trims for both M and non-M models. Regardless, the widespread favour surrounding the current G60 is well-deserved. It shines as an everyday companion, and one has everything to gain by adding this electric marvel to their fold.
This article first appeared on May 12, 2025 in The Edge Malaysia.
