What Happened To The 5 Series?!?! 1st Drive BMW i5 M60 | 4k

[@JoeAchilles1]

I don't understand why many of the German manufacturer's have lost sight on the here and now, the political EV narrative is coming, but give us (the customers) what we want today, not what we will be forced to have in 2030-2035.... And a 520i.

[@Sagoir]

Many of us think the same way, thats why the second hand market is completely broken right now. Talking of which, your motorbike videos are making me consider getting into that world, feels like the only "free" space we motorheads still have. Cheers from Spain, love your content mate.

[@G82Watts]

I agree I hate EVs we should be getting the best of the best engines we can get RIGHT NOW! Before we are forced into a less visceral duller car experience. But I do love the look of the new 5 series the m5 will look beastly. The new design looks like a big bulky BMW muscle car. The m5 is going to be insane. Atleast bmw has kept their performance unlike mercedes who is selling 4 cylinders for 100k now. The m3 and m4 are absolutely insanity when it comes to a well rounded driver's car. Hopefully the m5 does what the bigger brother M usually does.

[@beatles4sale2007]

BMW has 89 different starting iterations on their website, Mercedes has dozens and the same for Audi. A lot of the pure EV manufacturers have a simple selection of vehicles aand choices….when you have 100 years of culture, manufacturing plants, supply chain etc, trying to create a product to compete with companies that aren’t weighed down like this is a problem. Bit like British Leyland in the 60s, when a new breed of competitors came in…dare I say it.

[@benjones7117]

Exactly right Joe

[@Kelveron]

Agreed Joe. Also, very disappointing to see that, with the G60 model, BMW are no longer bringing 520d to the UK! Modern diesels are much cleaner than they used to be and this would've been very useful for people regularly driving long distances.

[@uldons]

Joe, been watching your content for a couple years now and I definitely keep comming back for your honest opinion. I wish you to remain as you are and many more good thrills in your journey. Regarding the G60 5er, last week I went to pick up few bits and pieces from BMW in Northampton and while waiting I took a chance to have a look at the new 5. And it was a really sad feeling, there was no angle from which it looked good or given me any excitement. I love BMW and I have been lucky enough to own 3 of them, however I refuse to accept the ideology that something should grow on me... You are right, inside out it looks like it has no soul and if I would see this car in my rear view mirrors, I would never have such thrill or respect as it is for G30 or Previous/current gen m3/m4 or specially F90 M5. When I left the delaer and saw my 2022 G30 I realized how much in love I am and why I keep looking back every time I leave her parked. I am sorry to say, but more and more new BMW`s start to challenge my love to them.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@DeeKay1911]

I've had 7 BMWs and to be honest, they have fallen very far from what I used to be a massive fan of. The design on almost all models looks either weird, cheap or directly crappy. The models and how they design the i-models on combustion platforms makes them a compromise overall, compared to a full-on EV maker. And at that price?!

[@pedalpetter5865]

I do have a E91 320xd from 2010 and a G31 530xd from 2020. I try to keep them as long as it is possible.

[@rocus80m]

Agree 100% driving G30 530E xdrive and love the ex- and interior, I hate the small gas tank xD and it feels like it has a hole in it xD

[@MadDaCube]

Biggest disappointment for me is the quality of the materials used. I couldn't believe my eyes when I first sat in one at the dealership. Some of the plastics around the door cards or the sun visors feel like they come straight out of a delivery van. Some stuff is less obvious but just as annoying. You don't get stitching on the airbag covers anymore, the optional HK speaker covers are now all plastic no metall, no lining in the door pockets. Seems like one big cost cutting exercise compared to previous models :/

[@Chris-yg3nj]

I agree, the new 1 series seems to be following suite. The new X1 also has seem a similar decline in the interior materials...

[@The_Stanman]

For what it's worth, my wife and I felt the exact opposite in-person (and my wife hated it in pics). While the material quality didn't blow me away, I think it's the most successful take on super "techy" car interior yet. An interesting mix of textures, design, colors, and materials that cohesively come rogether to create something far more unique and interesting than minimalist designs from Merc EQ or Tesla.

[@JS-ll8nk]

Sounds like bs.. bmw has the highest quality interiors of Merc, Audi Tesla etc.

[@Jadajada1000]

Had the same feeling, agree on all.

[@The_Stanman]

@@JS-ll8nk agreed. BMW interior became highest interior quality (vs Audi/Merc) starting with the G-series cars. Prior to that, was Audi.

[@dunkelheit6341]

Previous shape 540i Touring for me, and save the money. Good old B58 💪

[@JoeAchilles1]

Absolutely!

[@Kurlach]

That B58 never gets old. I’ll stick with my M340i rather than have one of these!

[@Loudn4ss]

Picked up my new M440i in Frozen Pure Silver in July last year. What a brilliant engine it is! I hope I can enjoy it for a lot of years. ❤

[@hydraflyer]

£118k for that is a joke. No BMW is worth that much, you're in Porsche territory at that point. I bet it'll depreciate like a bomb in three years.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Agreed!

[@shiugen676]

Can confirm insane depreciation on my i4 M50, on a lot of these high spec performance evs. @@JoeAchilles1 around 3k euros a month depreciation on my car since purchase.... 1 yr

[@PrinceBarin77]

Utter madness. It’s not like they are offering super cheap finance now. Coupled with increasing cost of living makes me wonder how many individuals are walking into dealerships with an appetite for these vehicles.

[@xzst]

@@PrinceBarin77 Probably >90% of customers are leasing them as firm property and taking use of the tax discounts. I cant imagine a lot of private buyers going out and spending that much on this plastic monstrosity. For the price there are better EV and better ICE vechiles.

[@andrewhurstcars]

Standby for some old school 7 series sized discounts, and depreciation that will make a Taycan look like a great investment!

[@blakspark6825]

I remember when we all were shocked at a 40k golf but a 120 grand 5 series!

[@jamesholman952]

prices are out of control

[@TrueFilter]

And a shitty ev 5 series at that. Joke.

[@Astke]

@@TrueFilter still better car than most

[@clutchbangers8790]

Inflation plays a big role here.

[@Astke]

@@clutchbangers8790 yes indeed. Normal mainstream cars are now 40-50k often

[@johngoodwin1710]

I’ll take the 530d please - what a glorious car that was 👊

[@JoeAchilles1]

Yep, best powerplant ever 👌🏼

[@fabriceopeta]

I've had the 530d. Now I have the 535d but I still prefer the 530d, it's the best!

[@PaulL42654]

@@fabriceopetaWhat’s your thoughts on preferring the 30d to the 35d?

[@fabriceopeta]

@@PaulL42654 I find it just drinks more fuel! To be fair it has 312bhp. I think the 530d had that balance between power and fuel economy just right. Here am I complaining about fuel and I want an M5 or 540i haha.

[@institutmorningkiss]

Happy with my charismatic E34 540i, bought for 10% of the outlay required for this iPhone on wheels. Thanks for the honest review Joe

[@Ripperx121]

I just got a new m240i. I charged it yesterday. Only took me 2.5 minutes to bring it to full. 300+ range every time on full. Cold weather doesn't effect it. It's great!

[@JoeAchilles1]

🤣👌🏽

[@CoopersSpecC]

You spend way longer over a year filling up than I do waiting for my car to charge. Think about all that time you'd get back.

[@Ripperx121]

@@CoopersSpecC I don't have anything nice to say. So I won't say anything at all.

[@final_mile_music9713]

Who, in their right mind, would pay £120k for that?!

[@yaxo11]

obviously a lot of people

[@N1ckZ]

BMW sold more cars in 2023 than in any other year in their entire history, so yeah a lot of people.

[@Mrrlamb1]

​@@N1ckZ They also weren't as impacted by the chip shortage as other European manufacturers--Porsches, Audis, and Mercs were virtually unavailable.

[@bd8594]

That’s a UK problem, not BMW’s. It’s so much cheaper anywhere else in the world.

[@thoos192]

Exactly. 120k for a glorified microwave. Give me a straight six for crying out loud

[@alexrogers7988]

Great video as always Joe! But what in the holy is going on with car prices!? £118K for a 5 series hurts my head

[@JoeAchilles1]

I know buddy, it's out of control!

[@stu4181]

Who’s buying these cars ? Like seriously they say you should spend no more than 10% of gross salary on a car. The payments are going to be north of 1k a month so you are looking at people who earn 120k a year or more. To run a 5 series 😮 According to a quick Google search 100k is top 4% so 120 must be top 2-2.5% surely. I can say this much even if I made 120 a year, I wouldn’t be blowing 118k on that

[@SDK2006b]

Most people don’t add £20k of options though. The base spec i5 M60 on my company scheme is £870 per month, which is all in (insurance, tyres and maintenance), show me another 600bhp car with this spec for that price 🤔

[@stu4181]

@@SDK2006b Surely nobody can have a base bmw a lot of things you’d expect to be standard are not. Surely with a few options that’s going to be over 900 a month - that’s more than the average mortgage payment of £712 a month 😂 I’m still not used to these prices, love cars and used to be a bmw fan boy, but 900 a month extra into the pension I reckon you’d retire 5-10 years earlier, I don’t like them that much 😂

[@SDK2006b]

@@stu4181 - you probably need to add about £3k of options to get a good spec. Also, it’ll be saving the user a couple hundred on fuel each month, so realistically it’s £500-£600 per month, if you were getting an ICE car. For that money this performance, spec and badge is hard to beat !

[@jagman999]

Used G30 520d for £18k, keep the change. And it looks better.

[@dnlmch]

Totally agree with what you said in the video. I just went to the dealership for an oil change (guess what? Every 3,000km!) and I got sometime to take a look at the G60. God it looked miserable, especially the rear end, even uglier than a KIA! Anyway it was a 520i and BMW even decided not to give it an exhaust! What a disgrace! Needless to say the interior is a joke. I am gonna keep my G22 M440i Coupé forever.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thanks you! Enjoy the M440i 🙂

[@WordsRelyReal]

The car does not look good, agreed. also, how is your 4 series?

[@jamiebird8302]

So glad I’ve got one of the last m5’s, what value this is now looking compared this!!! And it’s a V8. Bund quality on my F90 feels better than the one I’ve looked at in my local dealership. And mine has buttons!!!

[@berniehf]

In my opinion, BMW has lost its way with some of the new models. I've been fortunate to own several BMWs since 2022, starting with two M3s (E46), then a 2008 X6 30d, 2010 X6M, 2014 M4, X5 F15 30d, and now a 2020 X5 G05 30d. Every time I've looked to buy a new car, there were always options that made me unsure of what to choose. But lately, BMW's product range, in my personal opinion, has narrowed down to mainly M3/M4 or X5/X6. I'm not a fan of electric technology, and I share your view that electric isn't necessarily the "future" as they want to sell it to us. But everyone has their own preferences...

[@pato10111]

The idea that “electric cars are bad and aren’t the future, and new cars are worse than the cars that preceded them” is a common misconception. In reality, both statements are false and stem from a temporary mindset of people who are resistant to change and skeptical of new technologies.

[@sloww320d]

@@pato10111 no thats not true at all, im a tech fan and a big car guy.. But for example when you compare engines like M47 and M57 that are pretty much indestructible and compare them with their replacements like N47 N57 with chains that snap all the time, all the plastics used in engines to make them more efficient and eco friendly but more and more unreliable..

[@pato10111]

@@sloww320d it's all b****x. It's like old toys very new toys. Materials change and get updated and also interior trends in cars are evolving all the time. Consider that cars are getting more and more like computers so a bit of cost cutting here and there is normal to include the tech required in cars today. The new 5 series is a better car than the old one. No car maker ever has downgraded a car to save money. They've just adapted it for the current market.

[@CPTLYNXY]

​@@pato10111it's shite

[@davidperry3531]

At least BMW have not committed to an end date for production of IC cars and we will still have options to buy a petrol car, although the range is being reduced. The worldwide reduced demand for EVs is now starting to bite due to withdrawal of incentives and people now looking at the realities of owning a EV but Governments will have to start looking at what consumers really want and not force them into expensive EVs.

[@craig1175]

I've had a G30 for the past 2 years, well built, handling is great and looks good. That i5 M60 is an over priced fridge albeit a fast one 😁

[@myporscheadventures]

if only everybody would be that honest.. great video, as always 👌

[@JoeAchilles1]

If only mate, manufacturers would be forced into listening and then get themselves back on track... 👊🏽

[@alancobbin]

RIP 5 Series 😢

[@richardstreet2104]

Another great video Joe, I can't get over the range of this car, a realistic range of 200 miles is just not good enough for a big luxury car. The issue is it only has a 80Kw battery when it needs 100-110Kw but then it would be over 2.5 tons??!! We all know ICE can get much better range and you showed this with the 730d that did around 1,000 miles on a tank. However, I can get 500 miles out of my BMW M5 on long journeys driven at 70mph and I can have a lot more fun than I would imagine I could have in the i5 M60 and don't even get me started on the price of the i5, what are BMW thinking??!!!🙄

[@JoeAchilles1]

It's hard to comprehend isn't it, the likes of BMW must be gutted about the current direction.

[@jesselee3827]

The eDrive40 is a much better choice. Weighs 175 kg less, has only one electric engine, with an output of 340 hp. Less is more.

[@Lkpumpin]

The range indicator in BMWs and most EVs are always conservative. More importantly Joe drove in sport+ mode for understandably driving speed reviews within a 24hours window. I guarantee you will surely get close to 250-280miles in real world driving. I get 300miles in winter and more in summer out of my i4 and in my opinion the best EV from BMW at the right price point.

[@dlevi67]

It's not so much the range, it's the speed of refuelling vs. recharging and the availability of infrastructure

[@Lkpumpin]

The infrastructure issue is a complete myth. I’ve been driving EV for over a year now and I’ve only ever charged my car once outside my own house. I agree this isn’t for everyone, but it’s important you don’t get an EV without making sure you can have your own infrastructure at home. You need your own charge point at home and make sure to consider EVs with at least 250miles range. My BMW i4 boast 350miles and I average over 300miles in real world. Except I need to drive from Scotland to London. I’m not sure why I need to do a round trip over 300miles. You should never buy an EV if you plan to fully rely on charging outside. It’s expensive and inconvenient. You’re better sticking with your ICE car.

[@keino111689]

2:50 that front overhang profile has been driving me absolutely nuts from the first time I saw this car. It has too much front overhang and it looks slightly concave or somewhat sloping backwards. It’s like a piece of the front was sliced off by a sword.

[@Murtayafourfun]

A really honest review mate, I can’t get over the price but worse still the looks. BMW used to be so unique and desirable, this is just so bland. I would definitely take the bargain M5 comp, big saving over this and and an awesome car.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Couldn't agree more

[@MrBulletpoint]

Thats a first..a car manufacturer that is indirectly promoting the previous generation by fucking up the new gen and cancelling their legendary straight 6 engines. Thank you BMW for making me appreciate my G31 530d. I think i'll be sticking with it for a while 🙂

[@Astke]

The age of 6 cyl is over. Accept it m8. Either stop complaining and silently enjoy your old tech or move on. The world is not going to change back to old tech for a few screaming enthusiasts.

[@cyberpope2137]

⁠@@AstkeYoure the one that should stay silent. Straight six BMWs is where it’s at. Especially the 3 liter diesel.

[@Astke]

@@cyberpope2137 i am at least not driving ancient tech 😜. Anyway, no manufacturer is unwise enough to keep investing in tech that has almost no improving left and will be unsellable (new) in a few years. Just plain a poor investment.

[@Astke]

@@cyberpope2137 Also why should I stay silent. Things are moving away from fossils. Screaming about how you love your old engine will do nothing. It is over. Accept it. Even Toyota and BMW who have always had a fairly anti EV leadership are turning around now. BMW is noticing very high EV interest growth, they are stopping ICE production in Germany completely in the near future. Their next platform is EV only and if what they say is correct will have insane potential. Toyota, THE anti ev lobbying company, is investing a lot in battery tech and EV platforms. Again, The end is near for new ICE tech. Keep your old ICE forever if you want. But accept that the prime time for that tech is no longer. EV tech still has loads of potential to become great (it is already very good) meanwhile ICE has already peaked years ago.

[@MrBulletpoint]

@@Astke you sound like a virgin in his 40s in denial of basic human nature

[@brianiswrong]

Now thats an honest review, as you could be called a bmw " fan boy" you certainly pointed out the bad much as the good 👍

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thank you!

[@PetrolPed]

Great review mate. Well balanced and full of interesting stuff 👍

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thank you legend!

[@MaciekSzymanik]

Let’s not forget cost cutting when it comes to available extras too. Night Vision is not available in new BMWs anymore. Same comes to multi-contour seats that have lost some of their settings. Unfortunately, price goes up with quality going down. It’s a pity since G30 was such a great car…

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Wow, I surely appreciate your style that includes honesty in it. Also hope that no manufacturer will punish that and I fully support your approach. The semi-sponsored reviews and videos made by full-time journalists are the worst that can happen to all of us. Cheers and thanks a lot!

[@meech3889]

As a BMW i5 M60 owner I can say that the car is actually amazing. I got mines for 85k. $7500 EV tax credit and I worked them down some more (buying at the end of the year is the best way to go). It’s a bigger vehicle which is good I’m 6’7. The Porsche EV, Audi EV are both really small I test drove them both. Not to mention the Porsche & Audi cost 120k plus for the top spec and have worse range

[@a124as]

So many better cars at The price range

[@meech3889]

@@a124as besides a Tesla show me a better EV car at that price range.

[@utlord]

@@meech3889 Zeekr 001, NIO, XPENG and many more.

[@krugmeup2162]

@@meech3889he said car not ev pos

[@simonxii3566]

Off to look for nearly new M5’s!

[@fps4506]

The new 5 series is tragic. They are stacking up at my local dealer with ridiculous sticker prices and seem to be finding few buyers. We need a revised, better looking LCI version stat! I'm keeping my G30 M550iX.

[@FATTYDH216]

Joe, you are one of the finest reviewers in KZbin-land no question. You tell us like it is, and you think like us. Your videos aren’t just a “Press pack” by another name . Nice one 👏 as always.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thank you Chris, glad you appreciate that 🙏🏽

[@oliviugavrilescu]

Thanks for your honest reporting.

[@johnthebimmerman1406]

As a g30 520d owner, and the owner of every 5 series since the E34, I'm hugely disappointed with this version. It looks bloated, bulky, and bland to my eyes. I recently drove a 520i and while it was a very relaxing drive, the interior quality has dropped. Hard plastic on the door pockets, and lower central console. Two holes in the rear armrest for cup holders, no pockets to the back of the front seats. The generic design and feel is no better than a Kia sportage interior. No diesel's coming to Ireland either, despite the fact that the vast majority of g30's on the road are diesel. Don't understand what BMW are playing at. Over priced cars, getting uglier with each new version, and quality dropping of. Needless to say I won't be buying one.

[@SimJoy]

I am glad that someone else noticed these and are just a few, the list is longer. Enjoy your G30, is a better car.

[@PhilDiasPJD]

120 grand for Skoda is just ludicrous! Awesome video Joe. I do love your content. I feel we are all being duped into buying extremely expensive electric cars that are soulless boring, compromised (range), with worser materials and ultimately terrible for the environment. The idea of a car we all used to know and love is unfortunately gone. 😢

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thank you and very true!

[@AM-vb9uy]

Exactly my thought when I saw it, from the sides it really looks like a skoda! It's ridiculous!

[@valicourt]

At least on the Skoda you get a free fridge, spare wheel, leather , cargo straps, electric mirrors etc. All things that normally needed to be ticked with bmw unfortunately

[@lequnsu4689]

Indeed, those cheap plastics at this price range is totally unacceptable. What on earth is BMW doing??? And you don't even get electronically adjusted headrest and leg support.

[@bektash6649]

You are completely right, the previous 5 series was better and more luxury car.

[@johnkennedy2570]

Joe, love the honesty. That’s why I watch all your content. Keep it up please, it’s refreshing. B W

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thanks, will do!

[@Fc-cb3tn]

As a huge fan of the 5 series (an owner of an E39 and having driven the quite amazing F10), this thing is just a joke. This car is obviously trying to appeal to a younger crowd yet completely forgetting all the needs and wants of their long time customers: something that is different to drive than the equivalent Merc and Audi yet simple, elegant and gimmick-free. It’s not like young people can buy one either as they spend £118, not £118k on a car.

[@rickdias08]

Also owned an E39 drove it for 200K miles. Great car, current BMW's are a disaster of design.

[@louisebiber]

Grateful indeed Joe for such a frank and to the point testing. However you forgot to mention that the seats, even the comfort ones (btw in all BMW models) are tight that I sat on the seat and not in the seat, getting a sciatic nerv attack while test driving. The cheap materials are a disgrace. Consequence: Instead of ordering a fully loaded new 5 or the X5 PHEV, I went for the new PHEV Cayenne with a sober elegant finish and less bling bling flashy lighting interior.

[@p0sitiv467]

I hope that BMW will take the feedback from the clients and from you guys seriously. The BMW owners forums are full of complaints about quality decrees in G60.

[@pato10111]

It's only people who are stuck in the past that don't like BMWs new cars.

[@dawn-moon]

You're 100% correct on the silly pricing. It's just not worth it. My company car is an i4 edrive 40 mpack and I would never spend that amount of money on a car myself. This i5 is even worse compared to an i4. It makes absolutely no sense other than for business cars, IMHO it looks less nice compared to an i4 as well, the edrive 40 have the same drivetrain, but i5 has more weight, less trunk space ( i4 has way bigger booth because it's a 5 door coupé car ) etc...

[@daraghmorrissey]

Holy crap, that price tag is totally bonkers. I've owned two F10 fivers and loved both of them. I don't think I will be getting one of these.

[@kenny.gabriel.2]

I saw it. I wanted. I bought it. Now I own it. Everyone has an opinion and not everyone will like everything due to subjectivity. However, I love the vehicle thus far and still have my M550i as well.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Good for you! 👌🏼

[@robertbreakwell3616]

When the first pictures of the new 5 came out I went to order a 530d to replace my then three year old 330d. I’d had 5’s before and liked the idea of a mini 7. Could not believe they were not bringing a 530d to the UK and frankly could not believe how expensive they were. Always thought I was bang on target market (car allowance and opted out but cash buyer). It’s hard to see how private buyers will ever be able to justify these cars any longer unless they are stupidly wealthy. I bought an M340d touring which is perfect but hard to see how I’d ever buy a 5 again. Interestingly it feels like the closer electric cars are making a motoring purchase more like white goods the more tempted I am to get off the merry go round.

[@AliBadman-u9n]

What in the actual F. I loved my G31 530d. I’d still take that over this despite the massive price difference. Sure, it’s quick, engineering wise it’s impressive, can’t deny that.. but it’s a 120k 5 series. Can’t get my head round that

[@sizwe000]

In South Africa we have power cuts. EVs won't work here for the next 12 years at least.

[@christopherdunye2876]

lol power just went out for me. It do be like that sometimes.

[@Chris-yg3nj]

😂

[@krugmeup2162]

They will never work there mate

[@aydnural735]

Such a well-balanced and insightful review! Auto companies should really value people like you well over guys liking everything about anything thrown at them. It’s very seldom I agree that fully with a reviewer’s evaluation, and I watch a lot, having been a car enthusiast since childhood (for more than 55 years) and a retired engineer-manager served in the auto-industry for a long time.

[@Howsitgoingfellas]

I have the 2023 M5 v8 , and now I know I made the right decision 😎👍

[@TrueFilter]

That will be very desirable I bet in ten years. This thjng will be in a landfill.

[@dommo9056]

We all want a truthful review, good or bad. Thanks for the honest and refreshing content. The manufacturers better listen because this will bite them in the ass soon if they don't

[@markr8131]

If BMW think they can sell a car like this for £118k, then they’re going to go bankrupt.

[@AndrewMarritt]

I totally agree with the comments about the most sensible use case for an EV is local / in-town driving. I had an early i3 for this type of use and absolutely loved it. I currently have an old-model B5 Touring and a R53 Mini. I prefer using the Mini for local driving as it's so much smaller than the Alpina whilst having a manual gearbox and steering feel. I rarely do trips of less than 150km in the Alpina and it is brilliant for those, especially 4-up with the dog but it is already bordering on too big for the narrow roads between old stone walls of where I live. I'm also not a fan of all the electronic additions and screens of new cars. I have thought about getting a small EV again but there's little there that matches what I love about the Mini and the total cost of ownership on anything would be significantly more. So even though I like EVs I just don't see us selling either car.

[@colin5577]

At this point, it’s almost impressive how BMW manage to churn out one new car after another that holds zero interest for me. Impressive because I used to be a very loyal buyer and currently still own 3 older BMWs that I couldn’t bear to part with. (And an i3S just before they stopped making them), Good job, BMW.

[@andrewkashmarek]

very smart regarding the use of this car. nobody is going to spend 120k privately when you could nearly buy an m5cs. great video and great outlook. thank you Joe.

[@Birmingham_racing]

The way things are going we will be paying 60k for a regular 1 series soon

[@Frank-xp3xd]

"We"?? I am definitely not going to pay that...

[@Astke]

So? All prices are going up. Even a nicely specced peugeot 308 is now 45k.... or maybe even more.

[@zaphodbeeblebrox9109]

​@CyAn-e so normal people cant afford it. Being priced out of normal cars like a 308 or a 1 series is not a good thing for anyone

[@Astke]

@@zaphodbeeblebrox9109 Not saying it is good. But it is reality. But even so... An i5 should be bought/leased as eDrive40 anyway. Way cheaper, way more efficient and actually more fun. This 120k i5 is a very poor offering. And I actually like this new 5 series.

[@Cloverleaf7642]

Exceptional review, Joe.

[@Jason-BMWM5]

I can confidently say I’ll hold on to my G30 LCI M550i for another 5-10 years while governments recognize their error of going EV and manufacturers return to ICE powered vehicles.

[@mubblemann]

Oooh, I'm thinking of upgrading my 440i Gran Coupe to a G30 LCI M550i. What are your thoughts on it. How painful is your average MPG?

[@Jason-BMWM5]

@@mubblemann Average fuel consumption city driving is around 11l/100km, country driving at 110-120km/h fuel economy sits around 7-8l/100km. Heaps of power, comfortable cruiser. I change oil and filter every 5000kms as the book servicing is ridiculous.

[@dnlmch]

@@Jason-BMWM5the user manual tells you to have an oil change per 12,000km-15,000km so that you will have to buy a new car from them earlier than expected haha $$$$$$ Btw I change them in every 3,000km.

[@pjmalone-k2k]

Excellent honest review Joe. You hit the nail in the head. The car is soulless(like all EVs) It’s not a BMW in my mind. EVs are a totally different experience than REAL cars! I’ve been buying BMWs for years and my Uncle Q has bought 5s for over 40 years and he’s distraught at the move to EVs by BMW EVs do not project or “save” our planet in any way. It’s a lie to think anything else and I will never personally collude with the climate threat thats being rammed down our throats. Lastly I can sense from your tone at how disappointed you are with this car and with the EV nonsense. Stick to being a petrol head and well done on a brilliant review

[@riccello]

The huge boxy touch screens in todays cars are the biggest mistake. Years from now, we are gonna look back at these and say WTF were they thinking?

[@grayknight836]

There are definitely other i issues to mention. BMW used much higher plastic on the interior B-pillars and when you release your seatbelt it clanks onto the plastic, sounds like you’re gonna break it, feels incredibly cheap. Interior Designer should’ve went lower with the fabric material on the interior B-pillars.

[@kristiant6056]

They even had to put a 5 on the rear window for people to recognize it.

[@R8andGT3Fan]

Brilliant video! The honesty is ALWAYS appreciated! 👏🏾

[@jakemoore1973]

Great review as always Joe, hope BMW take this feedback in the spirit it was given.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thank you!

[@edmardell4137]

Tough review to make and really honest, much appreciated. I think it’s what most people are feeling !

[@srt11111]

the company marketed itself as „The ultimate driving machine“ only couple years ago now chasing the fleet car, EV tax deduction bandwagen. I see a book coming up about this decline.

[@SDK2006b]

One in ten new EV purchases is a private sale. Would you be chasing that 10% of the market 🤔

[@captmcneil]

You're absolutely right about the ride in modern cars. It's just too hard across the board - even the current Mercedes C class ist just hard fullstop. You basically have to go for the E class with the airmatic, and even then you're not on the level of a 20 year old W211 or C219. It's quite funny BMW makes the more comfortable cars nowadays, while their styling department shouts TESTOSTERONE and LOOK AT ME HOW SPORTY I AM. With the spaceship interior and cost cutting on materials that leaves me a bit confused what this car wants to be. What kind of customer do they have in mind? The comfort-loving Mercedes customer? The sporty BMW customer? Or the IT boy in his Audi? All of them will find their problems here - BMWs used to be so focused. Or I just don't get it.

[@Troy-fv9uq]

In the states we have the new 5 series electric, 530i (inline 4 cyinder) and 540i (inline 6 cylinder)

[@JoeAchilles1]

That's what we should have, and the 530d.

[@whippersnapper1989]

@@JoeAchilles1a 540d should come. At least in Germany we will get it 2024

[@christopherborgman4883]

I love my 530i 4cyl, great handling, torque and the mileage is phenomenal. I need to get new tires soon and plan to replace the Continentals with PS4 all seasons. It’s going to be extremely difficult to part ways with it someday 😢

[@PierreLampert]

Appreciate the honesty and perspective please continue to stay true to yourself

[@testdrivermax]

What happened to BMW … my heart is bleeding

[@JoeAchilles1]

Mine too mate!

[@G82Watts]

​@@JoeAchilles1what do u mean? U even bought the new m3 becuase of how amazing it is. U just don't like EVs bro. BMW is doing great for their ICE cars.

[@ahlsn7346]

The path BMW has taken just breaks my heart. I hate their new soulless design and I dislike the big wide screen and touch input climate controls etc. I just don't know what else to buy. Probably my next car will be a used BMW instead of a new as I've done for a long time.

[@G82Watts]

The new m3 and m4 are insane brother also the m340i

[@Dasani31]

Own it for 2 months. Love every second of it

[@simoneast3521]

The dullest way to drop £120k. Great review though Joe 👍

[@andywmoffat]

I was at Sytner Nottingham recently I spent the whole day there. Sat in all the new i5's and regardless of being an EV the design - inside and out left me cold.The plastics are cheap and awful, iDrive controller felt stiff and broken in all models. The future is dull as it is and I will be keeping my X4M Comp beyond it's 4 year PCP. I'd love to jump into an M3T but the interest rate and lack of discount means it would be double what I pay now. Bonkers.

[@fifieuskadi]

Top notch review, as always! Great job my friend! 😉 This car is outrageously expensive! Big headed German companies are getting even bigger!

[@j.r.986]

I love how honest you are, Joe, and that you called out the interior cheapness, but I wish you had pointed out the many cost cutting deficiencies in the G60 compared to previous 5-series’. No soft close doors, no door sill plaques, no comfort access on the rear door handles, no fabric lining in the map pockets, no seat back pockets, ambient lighting strip doesn’t continue to the rear doors, no full leather option, and on and on. Also, you made a mistake on the wireless charging pad, which only charges on one side of it, with the other side being a dummy phone holder spot that doesn’t charge… super lame on a $100k car. BMW cheaped out so much on this car 😔

[@jeg569]

Looks like a base Skoda Octavia

[@aldra744]

there is 520d option here in Europe and next year is coming 530d, so no worries but yes G30/31 was last real 5 series, especially inside materials quality

[@drunkenwhiskeyeu]

Whoever came up with the idea to have the "5" embossed in the C-pillar, deserves to be shamed publicly. And whoever okayed that idea deserves the boot. This car isn't for the kids that like to flash their wealth, this car is for the businessman who likes to get to a meeting in style and have mild fun on the way. All of which in my mind has been taken out. Having said that, I currently am shopping for a car that would be my first (that I'd own). In my thirties, I cannot banish my love for the new X5, especially the 50e. It's a petrol engine with a nice push of the EV motor, kinda best of the two worlds, which allows me to benefit from lower combustion charges in our capital city, no road tax, cheapish running costs while driving around town (most of my daily journeys), while still being able to kick up the baby to a 100 in mere 4.8 seconds. It's bloody expensive but there are some reasonably good deals, I think in a year or two the car will still be worth something. Whereas my friends buying Model Y will lose its value within a couple of months when the new model comes out. But you know what they say: you only lose the money once you decide to sell. Back to the point, tho: the X5 is still a good-looking car, not ruined by the snowflake kids in designer clothes and corrupt politicians scared of Greta. Prove me wrong :-D I intend to keep it until demo cars of the upcoming X3 are available; by all leaks, it's gonna be a wonderful car. And again I got derailed in my thoughts, so: this 5-series is awful. I just don't like, it's not worth the money for me. The last bloody sedan/limousine I liked, and they ruined it.

[@robomeara9860]

my X5 50e is fantastic, not sporty but super high quality, ultra practical and like a rolls royce about town. And it’s cheaper than the i5 😅

[@drunkenwhiskeyeu]

@@robomeara9860 Is it cheaper, really? Where are you from? My market has them priced higher than Germany and pretty much every Western market in Europe!:( How is the electric drive, do you get anywhere close to 100?

[@michaelhannah5376]

Talking as a long term BMW fan and current owner of a G31 530D x drive , the G60 5 Series does not float my boat. Living in a rural area I have zero interest in an EV. I have no interest in a heavy car when I have 100 miles of twisty roads to get anywhere.currently I am wondering why I should buy a new 5 series when it will be a massive backward step NOT an upgrade.

[@driver7009]

It might be a rocket ship, but as a car enthusiast would you want one? Err , no. Cheap interiors, no gearlever, no physical buttons for basic tasks, limited range ,ridiculous weight ,oh, and the sound effects, Nana playing her out of tune organ under full acceleration in the iX 40 we have at work. Just awful. Sadly BMW have given up making the ultimate driving machines.

[@grayknight836]

I prefer solid metal or solid carbon fiber roofs over my head. I loathe the panoramic moonroof, due to its weight and all moving parts. At least this moonroof is just solid, less parts equals less future problems.

[@roserstefan]

Going to be a lot of car companies disappearing in the next ten years.

[@JoeAchilles1]

In the next 36 months....

[@JoeAchilles1]

In the next 36 months....

[@Lemingtona-x5g]

people realising German car companies robbing them

[@shaheenevans]

Thorough review as always, just don’t know who in Oz with 250k AUD price is going to buy it !

[@chrisstaley176]

M5 everyday. Picked up my 340i Touring, looked at the new i5...and just , "no". Serial bmw owner but this is simply too expensive and bland.

[@mucisibale]

This is great news for ppl like me that buy lightly used cars, 2 - 3 years old. The depreciation of this box is going to be huge. Look at the used 2022 EQS, it lost 50% in 2 years.

[@peterleighton279]

No thanks, a second hand 530d or an M550 x drive for me

[@JoeAchilles1]

You could easily buy both lightly used for the same money 😂

[@MIK23458]

Good choice. As an owner of a G30 530d I can confirm they’re exceptional cars for the money.

[@BaconSandwich72]

Another thorough take. I’m with you on EVs. They’re not moving the climate dial but small ones make sense for inner city life (including peoples lungs). What concerns me is the quality (?) on offer for that amount of cash. Will we be watching this vid in 5 years and saying “yep, this is when we first knew they were taking the piss”

[@hardchemist]

BMW is making a big mistake with this forced adoption of EV tech. What you said about the dismal range explains why. BMW will change their minds after suffering huge losses.

[@denislucey6361]

Good honest review 👏The color is Brutal. New 2024 E class has a diesel, i can see a lot of people moving over. Gutted i won't be driving a BMW forever as my last buy will be a 2023.

[@tellmekazumba4480]

I have to go electric (company policy) but I will trade my BMW 5 series hybrid for a Porsche Tycan. 4-wheel drive is important for me and BMW has gone too far there now - pricing is off this planet. For these prices, I'm now trading my 5 series for a Porsche Taycan. Recent second hand. Loads cheaper and really more fun - delivered next week.

[@Bmwm340i]

You do a very impartial review Joe. I love BMWs but they have lost the plot. I’m sticking with petrol or diesel. Guess I’m not buying a new bmw ever again. Keep up the good work Joe 👌

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thank you!

[@tomashley5869]

Another very interesting and no BS review Joe! Your conclusions totally make sense ! How are you feeling ? Take care mate. Cheers, Tom

[@zoltar808]

I’m going to keep my 340i for as long as possible. ⛽️

[@JoeAchilles1]

Good idea!

[@simongibbs3936]

Absolute madness.

[@colinhardy7203]

Great video as always Joe. But as for that I5 I don’t know where to begin. I watched the whole video in awe at just how awful it is. The price is a bit silly of course but it’s the fact that it’s completely soulless that is so depressing. It’s as interesting to me as a fridge. I wouldn’t even call it a car. It’s a transport device and clearly not a very good one. I’m about to go out in my beloved G82 and will be thinking how on earth can the same company make something so good and so bad? You’re quite right of course - small EVs do have a place but electric cars will make no real difference to the problem they seek to solve. I’m sure in ten years time they’ll be demonised as diesel is today as well for some new political reason. Sorry for the rant but I really hate electric cars ha ha!

[@JoeAchilles1]

Absolutely agree with everything you say! Enjoy the G82, I'm about to head out in my G81 and remind myself that BMW/BMW M can still make brilliant cars 👊🏽

[@jlparsons]

FYI, i worked out 1.3p/mile in my tesla when charging overnight vs 13p/mile in my 320d. Also i drove it to the Alps without issue, the battery outlasted my family's bladder capacity every time and the app is beeping at you to leave before you've finished your coffee. Cost goes up to 16p/mile when using superchargers so more expensive than diesel if youre only using those, but in reality I only use one maybe ten times a year as i rarely drive more than 250 miles a day and the battery is full every morning when i get up. I love petrol engines and really hope they can stick around in some form for enthusiasts, but electric is definitely already at the point where it competes on every level except purchase price.

[@welles28]

An iconic sports sedan has become a bloated cartoon.

[@davidperry3531]

The world's gone mad! This is a very honest review Joe and I can understand the fine line you have to tread when reporting on a car like this. Imagine the depreciation on something like this and you are right in that not many will be personal sales. The glass roof is no good for Australia and the fake engine noises are a complete turn-off. Give me the 2023 M5 any day.

[@jonathangiles4854]

I know car prices have gone up (and cars are no longer £15k new!), but how can they justify the price of that? 🤷

[@SDK2006b]

There aren’t many (if any) other large exec cars, petrol or diesel, with this level of performance, for any cheaper 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@jonathangiles4854]

Fair, but you just don’t need that level of performance imo

[@TheHutchRuns]

No, just no, it's not a bad looking car but over £100k for a 5 series, that is not value for money in any way, shape or form and the car weighs as much as a house! Great video Joe and massive kudos for your honesty.

[@markdean3217]

Sorry Joe your channel is fab, but simply not interested in electric 🤷🏻‍♂️❗️

[@Seeyan86]

thanks for the honest and upfront review, Joe, really laying it out there, BMW have got to listen to this feedback