In a trend that is rapidly becoming common during new model debuts, BMW is unveiling both gasoline versions of its brand-new 2024 BMW 5 Series (530i, 530i xDrive, and 540i xDrive) and some innovative electrified models (i5 eDrive40 and i5 M60 xDrive) simultaneously. However, BMW Canada is currently importing only the 530i xDrive and the i5 M60 xDrive models, with the latter, being the top-tier trim, confirming the dominance of the electric variants.
Powertrains
The 2024 BMW i5 M60 is powered by an 84.3 kWh (usable) battery made up of 324 cells distributed across seven modules along the platform floor. An electric motor producing 335 horsepower on the rear axle and another one with 257 hp at the front combine to generate a total of 590 horsepower, as per BMW. It also boasts a torque of 547 pound-feet (605 lb-ft when M Sport Boost or M Launch Control functions are activated), not to mention its all-wheel-drive capability. BMW asserts that, again, when M Launch Control is activated, this combination can accelerate to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.
Range and Charging
Not surprisingly, since they share the same battery, the more subdued eDrive40 boasts a superior range (295 miles or 478 kilometers) compared to the M60 (256 mi/412 km). It's worth noting here that BMW's range estimates are more accurate than most other brands. For instance, when the 105.2 kWh battery-powered iX M60 SUV was tested, it achieved a real-world range of 414 kilometers at a constant speed of 125 km/h, compared to an official range of 463 km. This suggests that the BMW i5 M60 should be capable of covering up to 350 kilometers on a single charge - an impressive feat for its 84.3 kWh battery.
As for charging, BMW specifies a peak charging rate of 205 kilowatts. While an improvement over the iX M60's 190 kW peak, it's not particularly exceptional. BMW states that the i5 models can recharge from 10 percent to 80 percent of their battery capacity in 30 minutes, which averages out to around 118 kilowatts. This is not especially fast and is a result of BMW using a 400-volt architecture instead of the more cutting-edge 800-volt systems used by Porsche and Hyundai. If you're seeking BMW's weakness, look no further.
Internal Combustion Engine
The 2024 BMW 530i's 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine utilizes the Miller-cycle combustion, which involves delaying the closing of the intake valve and compensating for the loss of compression with increased turbo boost. This results in improved efficiency and more power. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder gains seven horsepower and 38 lb-ft of torque over its predecessor, now producing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to its Launch Control system, it can accelerate to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds.
Plug & Charge
The 2024 BMW i5 M60 xDrive will also be the first BMW EV to feature Plug & Charge. This contactless authentication system eliminates the need for owners to use an app or card when utilizing public fast charging stations. Customers can store up to five individual Plug & Charge-enabled accounts from various providers in BMW's iDrive system. Upon connecting the vehicle to the charging point, the necessary account access and payment data are sent to the vehicle via the charging cable. The authentication required to initiate charging and process payment then takes place automatically at any of the stored charging locations.
Canadian Pricing
The 2024 BMW 530i xDrive will start at $70,500, while the top-of-the-line i5 M60 xDrive will retail for exactly $95,000. Both models are set to arrive at dealerships in October 2023.