BMW i5 M60 Touring Electrifies the Estate Game: A 593 HP Beast!
The electric revolution continues to charge forward, and BMW is not pulling any punches. With the curtain rising on the 2024 BMW i5 M60 Touring, the automotive world is buzzing with excitement. This isn't just any electric vehicle (EV); it's a performance estate with a heart-pounding 593 horsepower, ready to redefine family road trips and grocery runs.
The Brave New World of Electric Estates
While the world patiently awaits the unveiling of the G99 BMW M5 wagon, BMW has tossed its fans a tantalizing electric bone: the 2024 i5 M60 Touring. This move isn't just about innovation; it's about adding a layer of practicality that has often been missing in the performance segment, particularly within the niche of electric performance estates. And let's be clear, with Porsche's Taycan Sport Turismo as its closest rival, the i5 M60 Touring is in exclusive company.
A Behemoth on Wheels
Don't let its size fool you. Yes, the i5 M60 Touring is a heavyweight, tipping the scales at a hefty 2,350 kilograms, with dimensions that stretch beyond what one might expect from a 5 Series. However, it compensates with a suite of features designed for performance and comfort: a massive wheelbase, optional 21-inch wheels, standard air suspension, electronically controlled shock absorbers, and all-wheel steering. The result is a driving experience that, while not as nimble as a sports car, offers incredible stability and comfort.
Performance Meets Practicality
One might assume that adding muscle to a vehicle could compromise its day-to-day usability. Not so with the i5 M60 Touring. It retains a cargo capacity rivaling its ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) counterparts, ensuring that the transition to electric loses none of the functionality estate car buyers value.
Speed Without the Scream
The electric motors on the i5 M60 Touring whisper rather than roar, yet make no mistake—their message is powerful. Accelerating from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.9 seconds, this electric wagon doesn’t just aim to keep up; it seeks to lead, bringing sportiness to sustainability. While its efficiency slightly trails behind the sedan variant, the difference is minimal, paving the way for an exhilarating yet eco-conscious drive.
Design Cues: A Glimpse of the Future
Visually, the i5 M60 Touring inherits its sedan sibling's dynamic aesthetics. The sporty grille, glossy black mirror caps, and standard 19-inch M wheels all indicate its performance pedigree, while offering hints of the upcoming M5 Touring's design language. Optional packages, like the M Sport Package Pro and M Carbon Exterior Package, promise to dial up the visual drama even further.
An Unattainable Dream Stateside
Unfortunately for American enthusiasts, BMW USA has opted to keep the i5 M60 Touring off the local market. However, a hint of hope lingers with the potential arrival of the M5 Touring, which would introduce a long-awaited contender to the estates racing across the U.S. market.
What’s Next for BMW’s Electric Estates?
While we might have to wait a bit longer for a full-fledged M electric wagon, BMW's plans don't stop with the i5 M60 Touring. Anticipation is already building for future models, including a speculated electric M3 Touring. In the meantime, BMW continues to cater to wagon aficionados with an impressive lineup, affirming its commitment to both sustainable mobility and performance.
In an era where SUVs dominate the market, the 2024 i5 M60 Touring stands as a bold statement from BMW. It champions not just the future of electric mobility but the enduring appeal of the performance estate. For enthusiasts and eco-conscious drivers alike, it represents a thrilling glimpse into what the future holds.