2026 BMW i5 Touring review

The BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring is an all-electric, all-wheel drive wagon designed to ferry cargo, electrons and five passengers in style and comfort, and at speeds approaching Voyager 2.

Its only obvious rival is the Porsche Taycan, which costs $10k less, has a longer range and that famous badge from Stuttgart, but is this Munich mile-mauler a better bet?

Within its own stable, the i5 M60 xDrive Touring has some serious cred. 

Forget the M5 Touring: the i5 is lighter, costs $47k less – and, if you’re looking for a practical reason to spend $220k on a wagon, it has a bigger boot than the M5 wagon, too. 

Perhaps if you’re barred from owning an M5, an i5 M60 xDrive Touring is not a bad consolation prize – or is it actually the grand poobah of BMW’s wild wagons?

The formula is simple. The i5 M60 Touring is the more cargo-capable version of the i5 M60 xDrive sedan – and cooler, simply because it’s a wagon.

The Touring costs $4000 more than the sedan using the same powertrain, but adds 1210 litres of additional cargo capacity (up to 1700L against the sedan’s 490L) for an extra 45kg, yet is only 0.1 seconds slower to 100km/h with a claimed time of just 3.9 seconds. 

Put plainly, the i5 M60 sedan isn’t cool enough and can’t offer the volume inside, while the M5 Touring needs an extra few coins and weighs more – although the sedan shades the i5 M60 Touring by 0.3 seconds to 100km/h. But you call that shading?

If you think the M5 is a bit too obvious, provocative – an obvious target – despite being an absolute weapon, the i5’s level of stealth, mystery and pure-electric energy may be your thing. 

And in the Tanzanite Blue metallic paintwork of our test car, it just looks the business, doesn’t it?

How much does the BMW i5 cost?

The BMW i5 M60 Touring xDrive’s list price of $219,900 before on-road costs is $4000 higher than that of its sedan equivalent, but it’s still more affordable than the flagship BMW M5 Touring, which offers V8 hybrid power from $263,900 before on-roads.

Our test car’s metallic paint costs an additional $2400, while it’s also fitted with an M Sport Plus Package priced at $3000, bringing the total price to $225,300 before on-road costs.

The M Sport Plus Package adds:

• 21-inch M Aerodynamic wheels
• M Sport Pro including M Lights Shadow Line pack, red M brake calipers, M seatbelts
• BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line pack including grille frame, tail-light trims
• M Carbon Exterior Package including M carbon exterior mirror caps

To see how the BMW i5 M60 Touring lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What is the BMW i5 like on the inside?

The i5’s cabin is excellent, blending roomy front and second-row accommodation with comfortable yet firm leather-trimmed seats, surrounded by soft carpets, lashings of carbon-fibre, quality switchgear and the latest tech – including a bit of a light show. 

The overall feeling is of a high-end cabin that is understated and efficient – nowhere does it scream at you or attempt to show off with over-the-top showiness – it’s simply a smart combination that achieves a confident, well-executed result. 

Its sporting pretensions as a BMW M model bring perforated white leather seat upholstery, and the front seats themselves are wide and comfortable yet offer good bolstering, but they’re not so tight that you feel like you’re being squeezed into a vice. 

While being supportive and a little firm, the electrically adjustable front seats proved comfortable on short jaunts as well as longer journeys – more on that in the driving section below.

The i5 also has a playful light band extending across its 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen, which changes with the drive mode as per other BMWs. 

In Efficient mode, it has a calming blue light theme, while Sport changes it to vibrant red to imitate your own red mist – accompanied by a deeper synthesised ‘engine’ note and sharper throttle response. 

Other modes include Relaxed, bringing wild purple designs, but you can customise the themes however you like. 

You can tie in functions, like whether the sunroof is open or closed, into each mode, and of course there’s a Personal setting for this, with a setup menu allowing you to choose the default mode for when you start the i5.

The centre console includes the start button and jewel-like gear selector, and it’s much better than in smaller BMWs as the individual buttons are better isolated, so you don’t see the entire panel move whenever any are pushed. 

The roller volume knob sits ahead of a reasonably sized centre console, and closer to the dash there are two wireless smartphone charging spaces – although we had to remove the covers from some of our smartphones for them to operate, unlike in some cheaper cars. 

The central multimedia screen – which hosts wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – works well with good, clear graphics, but some controls would be better as physical buttons, even if they are only one step into the touchscreen menu. 

As with other 5ers, there are haptic demister and fan-speed buttons below the screen, where there are some smartly integrated air-conditioning vents that we love. 

The image quality of the front, rear and 360-degree cameras is excellent, and this combines with light low-speed steering to make parking easier and add confidence in tricky streets. 

The leather-wrapped steering wheel rim has tri-colour M stitching – as do the seatbelt edges – and solid thickness, delivering a feeling of quality and giving the i5 M60 Touring a substantial feel on the road. 

That solid yet lithe feel is matched by the switchgear and other physical buttons. 

There’s also a head-up display which changes with the drive modes, shows sat-nav and vitals such as speed, complementing the crisp digital instruments. 

The second row offers excellent legroom, ample shoulder room and plenty of overall comfort, and the 60:40-split/folding rear seat has a centre armrest with a pair of cupholders. 

Rear-seat passengers also benefit from air vents in the B-pillar as well as two more in the centre console – with their own digital dual-zone temperature adjustment – and USB-C ports in the back of each front seat.

The panoramic roof extends above the rear occupants, too, while the seatbacks can be folded via levers in the boot, and the electric tailgate can be operated via the key fob.

BMW claims the same cargo space for all 5 Series Touring models regardless of powertrain (up to 1700L), so the i5’s packaging is not hampered by its electric powertrain and all-wheel drive. 

To see how the BMW i5 M60 Touring lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

A massive black plastic shroud festooned with an M badge masquerading as an engine cover hides the electric gubbins. There’s an electric motor mounted on each axle to deliver all-wheel drive, as well as stonking outputs of 442kW of power and 820Nm of torque. And there’s a claimed 503km (WLTP) of range from a big 84kWh lithium-ion battery.

For an EV, it’s thirsty, and our real-world figures reflected BMW’s claims.

To see how the BMW i5 M60 Touring lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How does the BMW i5 drive?

The i5 M60 is an absolute master on the road. While other EVs deliver rapid acceleration, the M60 mixes this and its near-instant response – leading to a claimed 0-100km/h time of 3.9 seconds – with sharp and engaging point-to-point capability.

Despite the fact this is a 2350kg station wagon, its weight is never overly apparent, even the first time you get behind the wheel, making it an even more impressive feat.

As you approach the sleeping BMW, its kidney grille and lights illuminate – because its proximity key actually works – then you grab the recessed door handle. Inside, our test car presents well with white perforated leather seat trim in the roomy cabin.

As you slide into the electric driver’s seat, adjust the mirrors and set the classic BMW M steering wheel to your liking, you’ll find the driving position is excellent, the thick-rimmed wheel oozing with quality, and the BMW fit and finish typically high-end. The cabin isn’t over the top, but subtle, smooth and elegant – apart from the wild light band around the dash, which changes with the driver modes.

There’s theatre even before you move off. Hit the start button on the centre console – where a jewel-like gear selector is located alongside a rotary mode selector, volume roller and electric park brake – and there’s a satisfying warbly start-up noise. 

BMW’s ‘iconic sounds’ can be switched off, yet the opening notes are a prelude – a welcome – to the performance the i5 M60 Touring is about to deliver. And it’s a performance for the ages. 

The acceleration comes with no wheelspin, no jerkiness and absolute efficiency: this thing is quick – amazingly quick. Even in its Efficiency setting – one of six drive modes, in which the throttle pedal is easy to modulate – a stab of the throttle unleashes a fury of power and movement, yet it’s intelligently contained.

There’s nose lift, but it’s quickly controlled as the i5 moves forward like it’s being controlled by your mind – and with its accurate steering and great rearward vision, it’s easy to place in traffic. It’s almost like the vehicles around you are slow-moving movie props – lane merges become easy and previously tricky intersections become a doddle as gaps grow larger, given the i5’s launch capability. 

Find a winding road and the thorough execution of this car becomes even more apparent. Hit the Sport button, and the interior light band switches to red, almost egging you on, while the seat bolsters tighten almost like the i5 is flexing its muscle. 

With Sport mode’s sharper throttle response, that blinding acceleration is matched by seemingly infinite lateral grip – this wagon holds on and on around corners, allowing you to add, add and add some more power. The accuracy of the steering – a boon in traffic – makes positioning the BMW on a narrow winding road easy, with small adjustments easily made if needed. 

Yet there’s not much reason to adjust your line; the i5 is so poised and so unshakable around corners, yet its compliant ride takes the edge off bumps, and never lets bumps, ruts or anything else interrupt its flow.

When the i5 M60 wants a corner, nothing stands in its way. Well, apart from the laws of physics. The car’s acceleration cannot be matched by the brakes, which we never had an issue with, but the brake pedal feel isn’t as strong a reply to the throttle as we’d like.

This means you end up being judicious with the throttle down a twisty road, because you can pour on such ridiculous doses of power, but the brakes may not always be able to pull the wagon up as well as you’d expect. To be frank, we never had an issue with the stoppers, but the feel didn’t quite match the i5’s supersonic acceleration. 

Ah, yes, this is a wagon. A BMW wagon, too. It’s easy to forget, as the driving experience is so engaging and so complete that it simply doesn’t match the expectations of a standard practical wagon. Impractical power, then.

Yet Clark Kent appears as soon as you lift off, presenting an utterly convincing ruse. Being an EV, there’s no roar to outsiders, so the switch between biblical performance and Sunday churchgoer is rapid. The athleticism is dropped for civility – with no sign of sweat, track shoes or heavy breathing – and the compliant ride now offers impressive smooth sailing, ironing out speed bumps but with a slightly sporting edge given the M60 rides on 21s. 

The driving range, of course, is shattered when the i5 is pushed hard, but even in Efficient mode – with ‘Maximum range’ chosen – the control, poise and power are still there, just with a softer accelerator pedal feel. Yet the fire and brimstone that comes from one stab of the throttle awaits.

It’s an engaging drive from a stunning piece of equipment, which builds trust and confidence from the driver’s seat, and stuns with its capability and competence. There’s still room for more, but the M60 feels only a fraction off a bona-fide M5 EV. 

To see how the BMW i5 M60 Touring lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What do you get?

2026 BMW i5 M60 Touring equipment highlights:

• 21-inch M alloy wheels
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Remote start
• Panoramic glass roof
• Power boot-lid
• BMW Iconic Glow illuminated grille
• M Sport package
• M rear spoiler
• Adaptive Suspension Professional
  • Adaptive suspension
  • Integral Active Steering
  • Active anti-roll bars
• Comfort Access (keyless entry and start)
• BMW IconicSounds Electric
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
  • BMW Operating System 8.5
  • Satellite navigation
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Head-up display
• Gesture control
• BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery
• Interior camera
• Ambient lighting
• Carbon-fibre interior trim
• Four-zone climate control
• Heated/ventilated front sports seats
• Wireless phone charger
• 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system
• Driving Assistant Professional
• Parking Assistant Professional
  • Semi-autonomous parking assist
  • Front and rear parking sensors
• Surround-view cameras
• Travel & Comfort System
• ConnectedDrive
• 22kW onboard AC charger
• Mode 2, Mode 3 charge cables
• 5-year Chargefox subscription

To see how the BMW i5 M60 Touring lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

Is the BMW i5 safe?

The BMW i5 has received a five-star ANCAP safety rating, across both sedan and wagon body styles, based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP in 2023.

Standard safety features include:

• Autonomous emergency braking
  • Pedestrian, Cyclist detection
  • Junction assist
  • Reverse AEB
• Blind-spot monitoring 
• Front, rear cross-traffic alert
• Driving Assistant Professional
  • Lane keep assist
  • Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
• Parking Assistant Professional
  • Semi-autonomous parking assist
  • Reversing assistant
• Front, rear parking sensors
• Surround-view cameras incl. 3D view
• Tyre pressure monitoring

To see how the BMW i5 M60 Touring lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How much does the BMW i5 cost to run?

Buyers have the choice to add a prepaid service package with their i5 M60 xDrive, which is a six-year/unlimited-kilometre plan and costs a total of $3495, which equates to $582.50 a year.

To see how the BMW i5 M60 Touring lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

CarExpert’s Take on the BMW i5

The i5 M60 is a car that plays to its maker’s strengths with incredible acceleration, but takes several steps beyond typical EVs that have a brutal straight-line punch without the follow-up. 

Remarkably, it blends emotive performance – making you want to drive it – with a shockwave of acceleration when you hit the throttle, yet holds onto corners like a US president to import tariffs. 

It carries out orders from the driver’s seat cleanly and quickly, with no fuss and no violence – it makes everything seem easy and then asks for more.

If you’re a die-hard petrol-head and think electric cars cannot facilitate engaging, rewarding and entertaining driving, spend five minutes behind the wheel of the i5 M60 Touring. 

The fact it’s a wagon adds practicality – and it can be passed off as a family purchase, if need be – and its only serious drawback may be the price (and subsequent resale value). 

But while the driving range is good enough, you can see why the BMW M5 Touring uses a hybrid V8 to become a truly intercontinental ballistic missile. And while the i5 sounds meaty and muscular, it still can’t top an old-school bent-eight for a backing track.

Sound aside, the i5 M60 is 90 per cent of the way to an M5 – yes, it’s that good – though it seems BMW has left just a little in reserve to keep room for its iconic hero model. But you may not even notice, or care.

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new BMW i5 M60 Touring. Click here to get a great deal.

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