[alewifebp]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

Just picked up my i5 M60 that I custom ordered. Carbon black with black merino, carbon fiber trim. 20" 930M all seasons, M sport pro with red calipers, Executive package, driving assistance and front ventilated seats. Came from an X5 M50.

Had a nice long trip with mostly highway miles to bring it home. Overall, really loving it!

As expected, first things first, this thing moves! Put it in sport mode and it really moves. But acceleration is just effortless all throughout the power band. And even though the car is heavy, I didn't really feel it. Now, I'm coming from the X5 with a V8, and I had two F10s with the V8, so I'm kind of used to heavy cars. The suspension was very compliant and had a comfortable ride. But when pushed in to the corners, it was firmly planted. Overall, for the kind of driving I do, and the desire to have a mixture of luxury and sport, this really hits all of the right buttons for me. It also feels extremely tight and put together. So for me, driving dynamics are excellent.

First electric car for me, so I'm having a little bit of a paradigm shift in that area. Of course not specific to the i5, but the range isn't superb. Mind you, I rarely drive such long distances these days, and I do a lot of local driving, 800-900 miles per month. I was able to perform two complimentary charging sessions today. Between Baltimore and home, stopped at a Wawa in Deleware, charged and picked up something to eat. While I could have made it all the way home, I still wanted to drive more and didn't want to have to plug it in until I get the wall box installed. The Electrify America chargers seem to be very popular. I think many manufacturers have a complimentary period with them, so it was a little crowded. I've seen other chargers that aren't as busy, and the Electrify American network isn't all too large in NJ. EVgo is more popular around here. Then fulled up to 80% eating some dinner. The saving grace is being able to do other things while in the car with heat or A/C running.

One of my biggest concerns was the cheap(er) materials inside. While I'm not going to say it's amazing, I will say it feels solid, but also doesn't feel all too luxurious for the price point either. Harder plastic pieces, the cheaper looking grille right on the top of the dash you see all the time. And the door armrest is not all too comfortable on longer trips. However, at least things like interaction bar look good, plastic doesn't creak or give way. Looks to be a combination of cost cutting, emphasis on recycled materials, and maybe even some weight savings. It's good enough, but wish it was better.

Technology is pretty great all around. Wanted to get more used to how the highway assistant worked, but did use it for a little bit, and the hands free driving is really very relaxing. Glad to finally see BMW actually have more customization available in the gauge cluster, and overall iDrive 8.5 is pretty easy to use. Google Maps with Android Auto integrates very seamlessly, allowing you to not only have to see Android Auto or car functions, can see both at the same time, which is really nice. Waze doesn't integrate quite as nice though.

What could be better? I wish I could have ordered massaging seats, that's for sure. I don't like all of the shiny black plastic, that's going to be a pain to keep clean. No comfort access sensors on the rear door, but the phone integration and auto unlock works pretty damn well though mitigating that somewhat. And since I've drunk the Kool-Aid, wish you could get the traditional BMW gong. Given everything is just code anyway, don't see why they couldn't offer that. Would even be cool to see like a retro gauge cluster from the E39, kind of like what Ford has done with the Mustang.

While it's only been one day, it has been 250+ miles, and I'm definitely happy overall.

[RichardInCA]

Originally Posted by alewifebp

…wish you could get the traditional BMW gong. Given everything is just code anyway, don't see why they couldn't offer that.

Great review and couldn’t agree more - very happy with my M60. The gong would be nice - the start button sound makes me think I’m sitting down to watch HBO.

[DHDCF]

Nice write up, and glad you're happy with it so far. This car is amazing and I'm glad and thankful that I own one. Realllly thought that I'd miss the amazing v8 twin turbo sound but I don't at all.

I think the only thing I'm not liking - and this is very minor - is not having ability on the steering wheel to skip to next song (arrows, not head up scrolls). Not a big deal in the end, but I miss having that option available.

Something I'm really starting to like, but didn't think I would, is the the rolling volume button. The placement works well in a certain and often used situation.

[RichardInCA]

Originally Posted by DHDCF

Nice write up, and glad you're happy with it so far. This car is amazing and I'm glad and thankful that I own one. Realllly thought that I'd miss the amazing v8 twin turbo sound but I don't at all.

I think the only thing I'm not liking - and this is very minor - is not having ability on the steering wheel to skip to next song (arrows, not head up scrolls). Not a big deal in the end, but I miss having that option available.

Something I'm really starting to like, but didn't think I would, is the the rolling volume button. The placement works well in a certain and often used situation.

Agree - I started using the right and left hand gestures to do that instead and it works pretty well. (Rightward pointing “thumbs up” to move forward, leftward points to move back)

[wagonallterrain]

Good review and right on point!

I just came back from a work trip and Hertz gave me a Tesla. I was surprised how basic Tesla is and totally ddon't get the hype some people have on this forum. How someone would pick a Tesla over i5 is totally beyond me!

[alewifebp]

Originally Posted by RichardInCA

Great review and couldn’t agree more - very happy with my M60. The gong would be nice - the start button sound makes me think I’m sitting down to watch HBO.

I always think of the old Verizon "DROID" sound.

While a total gimmick, I do kind of think the expressive mode is pretty fun and cool. Wouldn't want to have it on all of the time, but cool for short periods.

[bmwterp]

Originally Posted by wagonallterrain

Good review and right on point!

I just came back from a work trip and Hertz gave me a Tesla. I was surprised how basic Tesla is and totally ddon't get the hype some people have on this forum. How someone would pick a Tesla over i5 is totally beyond me!

I disagree. I love my I5 and it's perfect for me. But, if you need to drive long distances frequently, are concerned about range value, or like the pure speed, its a good car too. Its also comfortable and practical. Plus, a lot of people like the way the car looks.

Otherwise, yes. The I5 is way more refined, has more tech, and is has a much more luxurious feel. I'm very happy but understand why others would choose a Tesla.

[GOLFFRR]

the massaging seats are cool but to me I never really used them and when I did it wasn't anything that ever gave me a OMG feeling. So dont feel to bad.

great review and congrats again on the new ride.

[wagonallterrain]

Originally Posted by bmwterp

I disagree. I love my I5 and it's perfect for me. But, if you need to drive long distances frequently, are concerned about range value, or like the pure speed, its a good car too. Its also comfortable and practical. Plus, a lot of people like the way the car looks.

Otherwise, yes. The I5 is way more refined, has more tech, and is has a much more luxurious feel. I'm very happy but understand why others would choose a Tesla.

Okay that's fair. I guess it depends on a lot of personal situation and needs. I have other cars I can use if I need long distance drive; I have charger installed at home; and I mainly use the car for my weekly 150 mile highway drive. So in this sense, i5 is the perfect car for me.

[bmwterp]

Originally Posted by wagonallterrain

Okay that's fair. I guess it depends on a lot of personal situation and needs. I have other cars I can use if I need long distance drive; I have charger installed at home; and I mainly use the car for my weekly 150 mile highway drive. So in this sense, i5 is the perfect car for me.

Me too. I canceled my Telsa Plaid once I got over the range, and I am glad I did. The I5 is absolutely fantastic.

[DocWeatherington]

Originally Posted by alewifebp

Just picked up my i5 M60 that I custom ordered. Carbon black with black merino, carbon fiber trim. 20" 930M all seasons, M sport pro with red calipers, Executive package, driving assistance and front ventilated seats. Came from an X5 M50.

Had a nice long trip with mostly highway miles to bring it home. Overall, really loving it!

As expected, first things first, this thing moves! Put it in sport mode and it really moves. But acceleration is just effortless all throughout the power band. And even though the car is heavy, I didn't really feel it. Now, I'm coming from the X5 with a V8, and I had two F10s with the V8, so I'm kind of used to heavy cars. The suspension was very compliant and had a comfortable ride. But when pushed in to the corners, it was firmly planted. Overall, for the kind of driving I do, and the desire to have a mixture of luxury and sport, this really hits all of the right buttons for me. It also feels extremely tight and put together. So for me, driving dynamics are excellent.

First electric car for me, so I'm having a little bit of a paradigm shift in that area. Of course not specific to the i5, but the range isn't superb. Mind you, I rarely drive such long distances these days, and I do a lot of local driving, 800-900 miles per month. I was able to perform two complimentary charging sessions today. Between Baltimore and home, stopped at a Wawa in Deleware, charged and picked up something to eat. While I could have made it all the way home, I still wanted to drive more and didn't want to have to plug it in until I get the wall box [...]

Does your car have the upgrade extended leather?

[Pawtato]

How is the interior and storage space compared to an ICE 5 series?

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by wagonallterrain

Good review and right on point!

I just came back from a work trip and Hertz gave me a Tesla. I was surprised how basic Tesla is and totally ddon't get the hype some people have on this forum. How someone would pick a Tesla over i5 is totally beyond me!

I think we’ve all moved on from the Tesla hype - unfortunately I’m holding on to our model Y since the resale has plummeted. Supercharger network is a plus but basically it’s an economy car. Still think the bimmers are too heavy, but they’ll get that sorted over the next several years.

[snowbimmer]

Coupla pics wouldn't kill anyone

[superchuck500]

Originally Posted by DHDCF

Something I'm really starting to like, but didn't think I would, is the the rolling volume button. The placement works well in a certain and often used situation.

Agree - I have always used volume adjustment on the wheel, but I'm getting used to this roller in the console . . . and I just discovered the skip buttons right behind it.

[alewifebp]

Originally Posted by DocWeatherington

Does your car have the upgrade extended leather?

Yes. Only two options are the standard "vegan" leather and the Merino, which I opted for.

[Nahlem]

Great write up glad to se this things on the roads more and more, and yes i agree BMW for the love of whatever you hold holy, stop using the got darn shiny black plastic everywhere! Just stop! Use something else like brushed aluminium or so, or dry carbon just stop with the black plastic PLEASE!

[SkykingUSA]

Thanks for the great first day review. Glad you love your car.

[DocWeatherington]

Originally Posted by alewifebp

Yes. Only two options are the standard "vegan" leather and the Merino, which I opted for.

The best option currently, then... I will be curious to see when the M5 drops if some of the points you mention get addressed.

Either way, congrats on the car

[Philly3Forty]

Wow. Beautiful car. Congrats!!

[OHV_44]

Originally Posted by Pawtato

How is the interior and storage space compared to an ICE 5 series?

Look here please.

[PingBeamer]

Originally Posted by DHDCF

Nice write up, and glad you're happy with it so far. This car is amazing and I'm glad and thankful that I own one. Realllly thought that I'd miss the amazing v8 twin turbo sound but I don't at all.

I think the only thing I'm not liking - and this is very minor - is not having ability on the steering wheel to skip to next song (arrows, not head up scrolls). Not a big deal in the end, but I miss having that option available.

Something I'm really starting to like, but didn't think I would, is the the rolling volume button. The placement works well in a certain and often used situation.

You can skip to next song on the steering wheel.. the scroll wheel can be pushed to the left or right. 😊