BMW 1-Series F70

The BMW 1-Series F70 may look new but it's a rehashed version of its F40 predecessor. The front-wheel-drive Bimmer just got improved and ready to draw some more flak from Bimmer purists everywhere...or will they?

2025 BMW 1-Series

Starting at 32,900 Euros plus additional costs, the F70 BMW 1-Series is a rehashed version of its F40 predecessor in the same way the Mini F66 model is a heavily revised F56 model. Long story short, here comes the real kicker; the F70 model rewrites the rules of BMW's trim naming scheme. Starting with this model, all petrol-powered BMW models will ditch the letter "i" at the end of the trim name because the letter "i" is officially exclusive to all-electric models such as the i4, the i5, and the i7. It's complicated but it goes a long way.

2025 BMW 1-Series

Beginning with the design, the F70 1-Series features a sharper front face compared to its predecessor and donning rear lamps shaped like the one from the Nissan Skyline V37, although the side view from the previous F40 model remains. The front grille can be configured to either weird or weirder but either way, this is still a Bimmer not suitable for purists wailing over the fact that this is a front-wheel-drive car with bits from the current Mini.

2025 BMW 1-Series interior

2025 BMW 1-Series interior

The revised interior features the new dashboard and center console, including a 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a 10.7-inch infotainment touchscreen powered by the latest Android-based BMW Operating System 9. Although more user-friendly than the previous model, some would have a hard time mastering it just like a newly-bought smartphone with advanced features. As for space and comfort, it accommodates up to five people. With the rear seats folded down, it has up to 1135L of boot space. Nice.

2025 BMW 1-Series

Like the F40 predecessor, the F70 1-Series still runs on the front-wheel-drive FAAR platform, making it mild on the corners and easy to drive everywhere.

As told earlier, the F70 model rewrites the BMW rules for time names as it is the first BMW model to ditch the "i" lettering at the end of the trim name for petrol-powered models while the "d" for diesel and "e" for PHEV models remain. There's no PHEV model for now. Only the 1.5L petrol and the 2.0L diesel are available in this model with various configurations.

The range-topper of the F70 1-Series is the M135 with 300PS of power and 400Nm of torque. With the available xDrive all-wheel-drive system, it does 0-100kph in 4.9 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250kph. This is your go-to hot hatch worthy of redemption from its purist-unfriendly platform.

As for safety, the new 1-Series features the Driving Assistant package and Parking Assist with a reversing assist that is now part of the standard specification. Customers can opt for the Driving Assistant Professional which adds adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centering assist, and speed limit assist, while the Parking Assist Professional enables remote park assist.

The previous F40 1-Series was one of the worst offenders from BMW because of the un-BMW-ish dynamics that upset longtime fans. With the F70 model, BMW's worst offender just got slightly improved for better and for worse.

Available colors: M Brooklyn Grau metallic, Skyscraper Grau metallic, Thundernight metallic, Fire Red metallic, Saphirschwarz metallic, M Portimao Blau metallic, BMW Individual Storm Bay metallic, BMW Individual Tansanitblau metallic, BMW Individual Frozen Portimao Blau metallic, BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey metallic, and Alpinweiß uni.

Photo: BMW AG

BMW X2 U10 and iX2

The BMW X2 is now in its second generation and it gained its all-electric iX2 equivalent. So, what's it all about the all-new X2 and the first-ever iX2? Come here and let's explain.

2025 BMW X2

2025 BMW iX2

The BMW X2 U10, starting at 47,500 Euros plus additional costs, and the first-ever BMW iX2, starting at 49,900 Euros plus additional costs, showcased something that the predecessor failed to be, a proper coupe-crossover sized to X1 proportions.

While the coupe-crossover is something the all-new X2 wanted to be, there's something about its new looks. It looks like a mini-me XM, especially the crazy XM-styled front face. At the back, BMW borrowed something from Mazda's design department for the taillights.

2025 BMW X2 interior

Like its X1 equivalent, the all-new BMW X2 has an interior similar to the latest 2-Series Active Tourer. It has the new BMW Curved Display, which takes center stage on the driver's side. The display runs on the latest BMW Operating System 9, which has noticeable features, including voice control that works like Alexa. Unfortunately, the new model has a floating center console that removes the storage space under the armrest, making it more difficult to store your stuff. On the plus side, the X2 has more interior space than the previous model.

2025 BMW iX2

Because it runs on the improved FF platform just like its X1 equivalent, the X2 U10 feels slightly improved compared to the previous model, although unhappy about it.

Under the hood, the X2 is offered with the choice of a 1.5L petrol with 48V mild hybrid system, a 1.5L diesel, and exclusive to the M35i xDrive variant, a 2.0L turbo engine with 300PS of power. Mated to a seven-speed DCT, it does 0-100kph in 5.4 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 250kph.

The iX2, with its 64.8kWh lithium battery pack, is offered with a choice from a 150kW eDrive20 with 459km of driving range up to the 230kW xDrive30 variant that propels this SUV to a 0-100kph time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of a Japanesey 180kph. If the iX2 is good enough on the streets of Tokyo, it's good enough on the streets of Berlin.

Both the new X2 and the iX2 are armed with the most advanced safety features offered. These include the Driving Assistant package with AEB, passive cruise control, and Parking Assistant, among others.

The X2 is the coupe-crossover equivalent of the X1 and this new version is literal indeed, although the XM-styled nose is something the neighborhood should look out for. Still, with its slightly improved packaging and the addition of the iX2 made the all-new X2 worth noticeable from top to bottom. In the end, this is the new normal, after all.

Photo: BMW AG 

My FH5 Log: Sludge Wave

Forza Horizon 5’s Horizon Retrowave update has just been hit with a sludge wave bringing with it three old cars from the 1980s. It’s the same story as last time, the cars came from the salvage yard and into the game. It’s just one more thing that makes it seem like the Forza franchise is on a path to self-destruction. We’ve seen enough old cars already.

First up, the BMW M635CSi that I've salvaged from the update's Storm Season Playlist.

The BMW M635CSi was revealed at the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show and is based on the E24 6-Series. The M635CSI features an upgraded six-cylinder engine that was used to power the BMW M1. This engine generates 286 PS (210 kW; 282 hp) of power, and it is mated with a Getrag 280/5 five-speed manual gearbox. 

In the United States, the M635CSi is known as the M6 and uses a catalyzed S38B35 motor engine. This engine produces 256bhp, which is less than the Euro-spec version due to stricter emissions regulations in North America. The M6 was built at BMW's Dingolfing plant from 1983 to 1989 with body shells sourced from Osnabruck-based Karmann works.

There are several versions of the M635CSi and M6. Two non-catalyst models were produced for the European market, one with left-hand drive and one with right-hand drive. There are also three distinct catalyst versions for Europe, North America, and Japan, all of which are left-hand drive.

Our second offender in this recent mess is the Lotus Esprit Series 2 that I've salvaged from the update's Dry Season Playlist.

The Lotus Esprit Series 2 is a cool sports car with a great history and a unique design. It has taillights from the Rover SD1 and an interior with Morris Marina switches. There’s even a special model that commemorates Lotus’ victory at the 1978 Formula One championship. It was originally limited to 300 units, but nearly half of it was made and sold.

In 1980, the Essex Turbo Esprit was launched. Finished in the livery of Essex Overseas Petroleum Corporation, which was Team Lotus' sponsor from 1979 to 1981, the Essex Turbo Esprit is the first-ever turbocharged Esprit, powered by a 2.2L type 910 engine which produces 210hp of power and 271Nm of torque. It goes from 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds and flat-out in 150mph. It even comes with a revised chassis rear suspension setup and improved braking.

Last but not least, the Citroen BX4TC that I've salvaged from the Hot Season Playlist.

Developed for the 1985 World Rally Championship, the Citroën BX 4TC is a rally car derived from the Citroën BX production model. It was designed for Group B rallying in the World Rally Championship.

Sharing little resemblance to the normal BX, the 4TC features a longer nose due to the use of the slightly smaller 2.1L Simca Type 180 engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox sourced from the SM.

The 4TC is proven to be a difficult contender due to its weight, small power, and hydraulic suspensions causing understeer. The best result it has done is a sixth-place finish in Sweden with Jean-Claude Andruet. Citroen withdrew from the 1985 WRC to make revisions but the end of Group B racing threw a wrench to BX 4TC's debut.

Citroen produced 200 road-legal versions to comply with Group B regulations, each costing 248,500 francs. Due to its expensive price tag, only 86 were sold.

Although scarred by the corrosion of the past, I've given these three toxic wastes on wheels for a quick race across Horizon Mexico's finest just to see how much poison has left after being salvaged by the Forza producers from the scrapyard to the game. Roll the tapes.

Looks like Horizon Retrowave's very own Toxic Crusaders win the day.

The Horizon Retrowave update in Forza Horizon 5 is just another stark reminder that a racing game franchise like Forza often prefers featuring old cars rather than the latest and the hottest cars. This is a huge bummer because, while it may be a lot of fun to look at classic cars, racing games are supposed to be about having the latest and greatest vehicles, which is something that Forza is sorely lacking.

The next update is called “Modern Horizons” and I can’t help but hope that it will do the exact opposite of the current update. It would be so refreshing to see some modern-day cars coming to the game. I know I’m not the only one who thinks this, so here’s to hoping.

It’s not like there aren’t enough old cars in Forza already. How many more do we need? How long is this going to go on? I want to race in modern cars, and I want to race in them now. If Forza isn’t going to do it, I hope someone else will.

Please, please, Forza producers, bring us more modern present-day cars!

My FM Log: Trackside Litters

Two rather unnecessary trackside litterbugs have invaded Forza Motorsport's Update 8, the Porsche 935 and the BMW 1M Coupe. Having fought my way to swat these two down, it's time to have a lowdown with the latest trackside vermins.

Let's begin with the BMW 1-Series M Coupe that I salvaged from the Update 8 Open Class Tour until the June 12, 2024 deadline.

Anyone wondering why the M version of the 1-Series Coupe is called “1-Series M Coupe” instead of “M1” is because it's supposed to avoid confusion with the original BMW M1, the only mid-engined M-developed sportscar from BMW M Power built from the 1970s. 

The BMW 1-Series M Coupe has a turbocharged 3.0L engine with direct injection that produces 335hp of power and 450Nm of torque. It can go 0-60m in 4.7 seconds, and top speed is limited to 155mph. The 6-speed manual gearbox is the only gearbox available for the 1M Coupe.

Now, let's get to know about the Porsche 935 that was salvaged from the time-limited Track Toys tour until the June 26, 2024 deadline.

The reborn 935 is essentially a track-only version of the 991-spec Porsche 911 GT2 RS, although there is already a track-only version of the said car, the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport. However, this is the extreme version of Porsche's Nürburgring beater, and because it isn't homologated, the modern 935 is all about pushing itself to the very limit on the track. It made its world premiere at the 2019 Rennsport Reunion VI at Laguna Seca.

Donning its iconic design, the 935 is bigger than the 911 GT2 RS it was based on, but despite its neo-classic exterior design, it still runs on the same 3.8L twin-turbo flat-six engine from the said car, meaning it produces 700hp of power while mated to a 7-speed PDK. It also packs similar features such as LSD, electromechanical steering with variable ratio, front McPherson struts, and rear multi-link setup. Unlike the 911 GT2 RS, the 935 uses three-way adjustable racing dampers as well as front six-piston aluminum monobloc brake calipers and rear four-piston aluminum monobloc brake calipers.

Production is limited to 77 units, each costing 701,948 euros plus additional costs.

Let's push these pests to the limit around Brands Hatch to showcase their trackside potential. Roll the tapes.

These lab rats sure know how to handle a race track like a track toy but still, I'm not satisfied about these two vermins on steroids.

Enjoy your new ride.

BMW 5-Series Touring G61 & i5 Touring

The G60 BMW 5-Series. Despite its minimalist approach on the inside and the questionable rear view, the improved design, dynamics, and technology made the new model a serious premium executive midsize saloon. Those who are asking for more space should consider the Touring version of the all-new BMW 5-Series as well as the first-ever, all-electric, BMW i5.

2024 BMW 5-Series Touring

2024 BMW i5 Touring

The all-new 5-Series Touring G61, starting at 61,750 Euros plus additional costs, and the first-ever BMW i5 Touring, starting at 72,200 Euros plus additional costs offer the same stuff as their sedan equivalents but with the added boot space to store the goods. After all, the goods must be crazy for these wagons.

The new BMW 5-Series Touring has a clean, minimalist look, which I like. It's a departure from the "new normal" Bimmers with their monster grilles. While the front view is pleasant, the rear lamps look like they belong on a facelifted fifth-generation Camaro.

Inside, the new model showcases the business-end behind the wheel, such as the available HUD and augmented view, a 12.3-inch info display and 14.9-inch control display, BMW Live Cockpit Plus, BMW Drive with "QuickSelect" and BMW OS 8.5. 

Because of the new model's minimalist approach, which resorts to the reduced number of buttons and controls, it's going to be difficult to figure out where the volume controls and the climate controls are. That's the new normal for you, but still, the added in-car gaming is a flashy gimmick for this one.

Space-wise, both the ICE-powered G61 5-Series Touring and the fully electric i5 Touring can accommodate up to 1700 liters of boot space with the rear seats folded down. Ideal if you're in the business of delivering the goods or while in the middle of a hiking trip.

The normal G61 5-Series Touring is offered with two diesel variants, the 520d and the 540d, and a sole PHEV variant, the 530e. The 540d's 3.0L diesel engine bolted with mild-hybrid tech produces 316PS of power and 650Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 5.4 seconds and is electronically limited to 250kph. That's all you need to about the most powerful in the range.

The i5 Touring, meanwhile, features a rear-wheel drive eDrive40 variant with 340PS of power output and the all-wheel-drive M60 variant with 601PS of power output, making it capable of hitting 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 230kph, the same as the 520i. The i5 eDrive40 is good for 582km while the i5 M60 does 510km in one full charge.

The BMW 5-Series Touring is a familiar ride. It handles like a proper BMW, thanks to its near-perfect weight distribution, front double wishbones, and rear five-link suspension. You can get the most out of it by adding electronically controlled shock absorbers, Integral Active Steering, and new vertical dynamics management. And don't forget the Adaptive M Suspension Professional.

As for safety, the G61 5-Series Touring comes with the available Driving Assistant Professional with Steering and Lane Control Assist and Distance Control, with Stop & Go, Highway Assistant, the world's first Active Lane Change Assistant, and the available Parking Assist Professional.

Like the sedan equivalents, the all-new BMW 5-Series Touring G61 and the first-ever i5 Touring are still textbook BMW business-end courtesy of its minimalist approach on the inside and the questionable rear view, the improved design, dynamics, and technology.

Photo: BMW AG

Mini Cooper F66 and Cooper E J01

Welcome to the all-new Mini Cooper which now comes in two distinct flavors; the electric (J01) and the ICE-powered one (F66). Whichever Mini you choose, these new versions fit the "new normal".

2024 Mini Cooper

2024 Mini Cooper E

The "new normal" MINI Cooper starts at £23,135 plus additional costs while the electric version, imported from China, starts at £30,000 plus additional fees, making them the must-have bargain of 2024 and beyond. These new models still boast the classic MINI design while incorporating new and interesting ways to make them suitable for the "new normal" lifestyle.

2024 Mini Cooper

2024 Mini Cooper E

Beginning with the design, the all-new Mini Cooper retains the iconic design fans love but for the sake of MINIMALISM, pun intended, the new model sheds away the predecessor's fender flares and side scuttles while retaining the signature three-part paint scheme and flush door handles for better aerodynamics. Although the front view is as MINI as it should be, the new triangular taillights are a radical departure from its predecessors. Kind of a sacrilege, I dare say.

To differentiate the two models, they've been given different bonnet mechanisms. The J01 MINI Cooper E uses a conventional bonnet, while the F66 MINI Cooper uses the same clamshell bonnet as its F56 predecessor.

2024 Mini Cooper E interior

2024 Mini Cooper interior

True to the new model's character is the all-new interior that is as minimal as you can feel. Again, pun intended. On the driver's side, you are greeted by the new round 9.4-inch OLED touchscreen on the dashboard that works as a speedometer also, backed by MINI Operating System 9. This OLED touchscreen features an onscreen mascot named Spike and he pops up upon using the rather annoying and Alexa-ish MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant feature.

There are switches below the screen that can control the power, the volume, the air conditioning, and of course, seven MINI Experience Modes that each have a specific user interface design that also affects the lighting inside the vehicle.

Spacing issues, the petrol-powered MINI Cooper can accommodate up to 725L of boot space with the rear seats folded down while the Cooper E can do up to 800L, which is surprisingly more.

2024 Mini Cooper

2024 Mini Cooper E

Behind the wheel, both the Mini Cooper F66 and the Mini Cooper E J01 have different driving experiences judging from how they're made. The F66 model feels more of an improvement from its F56 predecessor while the J01 model, the electric one, is about as exciting as an ORA Good Cat. Thank you, BMW Group-Great Wall Motor joint venture.

The Mini Cooper F66 has two versions; the C and the S. The Cooper C has a 1.5L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that produces 181HP of power and it will go from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 99mph. The range-topping Cooper S, meanwhile, has a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 215HP of power. 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds and flat-out in 106mph seconds. All are mated to a 7-speed DCT.

The Mini Cooper E J01, meanwhile, features two battery packs; a 40.7kWh one for the base Cooper E and a 54.2kWh one for the Cooper SE. The latter produces 218PS of power, 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds, and a top speed of 112mph. The driving range is around 250 miles on one full charge.

For safety, the all-new Mini Cooper range features 12 ultrasonic sensors and four surround-view cameras that take advantage of its Parking Assistant and optional Parking Assistant Plus systems. It even comes with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and Remote 360, among others.

Love it or hate it, the Mini Cooper F66 and Cooper E J01 are two different all-new Minis built for the new normal. From its revamped iconic looks, new interior, dynamics with different variables per Mini, and an array of safety features, not to mention a run for your money, the "new normal" Mini sends a clear message to the motoring world that this legend has turned.

Photo: MINI

My FH5 Log: Sea Breeze Flowing To the Stars

Have you heard the story of the sea that loved the moon? Of course, you do. I mean, everybody's familiar with the Legend of the Moon and the Sea. It's a love story a thousand years in the making and making the most out of the "Sea and Moon" vibe, I decided to let Forza Horizon 5's finest grand tourers do the singing and dancing.

If you are in the middle of a drive from the sea to the moon, which GT car is your pick? The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera? The third-generation Bentley Continental GTC? Or the BMW M8? This is exactly the question this game was designed to answer but first, let's get to know the GT cars.

Beginning with the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, this potent version of the DB11 is the ultimate grand tourer designed from the ground up. Underneath its muscular shape and seductive curves, the DBS Superleggera carries the same 5.0L V12 Twin Turbo engine as the DB11 but uprooted to produce 725PS of power and 900Nm of torque while mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox, it can get from 0-60mph in three and a half seconds and onwards to 211mph. It even comes with torque vectoring, a mechanical LSD, and F1-inspired aerodynamics to make it more track-honed while retaining its grand tourer status.

The Bentley Continental GT's styling is inspired by the EXP 10 Speed 6 Concept, giving it a fresh new take on Bentley's iconic two-door grand tourer. The third-generation Continental GT runs on the same platform as the second-generation Porsche Panamera and is powered by a brand new 6.0L W12 TSI engine producing 626HP of power and 900Nm of torque. With the 8-speed DCT and 4WD system it does 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and onwards to 207mph. The GT Convertible follows the same recipe as the hardtop variant but has a roof that can be opened or closed in 19 seconds even while traveling at residential speeds.

The BMW M8 Competition Coupe is the coupe version of the BMW M5 F90. It has the same 4.4L V8 turbo engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. It produces 625PS of power and 750Nm of torque, and can go from 0 to 100kph in up to 3.2 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250kph, but an optional extra can raise it to 305kph. Like the M5 F90, the M8 comes with an M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with M Dynamic mode that behaves like a rear-wheel-drive car.

These three grand tourers were proven to be the ideal contenders when you want to take a long drive from the sea to the moon just like the legend itself but if The Sea and The Moon witnessed them, which one is worthy to be a favorite for the ancient couple?

Blessed by the power of The Sea and The Moon, the three grand tourers are in the middle of a one-lap time attack to see which one is the best. Don't worry, nobody's drinking three pints of water just like that Grand Tour episode where they're driving around the racetrack while holding the urge to pee. There's your reference point for you but anyway, let's go!

And now the results...

DBS SL - 56.139s

Continental GTC - 58.959s

M8 - 57.207s

The rear-wheel-drive DBS with its 725PS 5.0L V12 Twin Turbo engine crushed its 4WD opposition but judging by the palindromic results, it's close. Still, these three did a great job pleasing The Sea and The Moon in style and comfort.

The sea breeze flowing to the stars while driving in these grand tourers is a clear reminder of a sad story I just remembered. The DBS Superleggera marked the end of Aston Martin's V12 supremacy, and Bentley ended their 12-cylinder story with cars like the Bentley Continental GT. I don't know what fate's in store for a car like the BMW M8, but some say, it's not going to last long. Whatever the reason, they fought hard until the endgame, and while stories like these plunged speedo boys into an ocean of heartache, they should be thankful to have grand tourers with happy endings worth remembering forever.

That is the sea breeze flowing to the stars. The legend of the sea and the moon is revisited by three dying grand tourers fulfilling their dying wishes to the sea and the moon.

BONUS CHAPTER:

With Hibiki and Michiru done their job, it's time for my Continental GTC to have a one-car show to demonstrate its Bentley-ism. I know this because I got this car from the European Automotive DLC Pack and I loved it, despite its convertible taste.

Before getting its one-car show, some makeover has to be done...

After some extensive makeovers, the Continental GT Convertible is portraying the role of, you guessed it, Shiori from Aikatsu Planet. Suits its personality.

Feeling pleased with this makeover, the Continental GT Convertible is awakened for the clash of the land and the sea with the competition waiting to get a good look at this Bentley. Let's roll the tape.

From the clash of the land and the sea, the Bentley is the summit of its endgame.

Bentley's decision to end the production of the legendary W12 engine has me in an ocean of heartache, just as I was when Aston Martin ended its V12 hierarchy. But bittersweet aside, I'm glad I had a blast playing around with these British-built 12-cylinder wonders alongside a German V8-powered grand tourer nearing its euthanasia while revisiting the legend of the sea and the moon, in my mind.

OK, so we've done our little storytelling. Who wants bream from the Caspian Sea? How about some moonlight cookies or sea fairy cookies?

BMW 5-Series G60 & i5

BMW's premium midsize saloon, the 5-Series, has been regenerated from scratch and it spawned its all-electric derivative, the i5. Time for a little quick dive with the all-new 5-Series.

2024 BMW 5-Series and i5

The 5-Series G60, starting at 57,500 Euros plus additional costs, marked a brave new chapter for BMW's premium midsize saloon, and with the spawning of the first-ever i5 all-electric variant, yours for 70,200 Euros, this is the 5-Series of the new normal, like it or not.

2024 BMW i5 interior

Beginning with the styling, the G60 5-Series prefers to keep it clean, unlike the other "new normal" Bimmers with their monster grilles. While the front view is pleasant for observers, the rear lamps can be utterly mistaken for a facelifted fifth-generation Camaro. Looks odd but this is a clear sign that BMW's designers haven't lost their touch even though the big ones made them lose their minds. 

Step inside, the G60 model showcases the business-end behind the wheel such as the available HUD and augmented view, a 12.3-inch info display and 14.9-inch control display, BMW Live Cockpit Plus, BMW Drive with "QuickSelect" and BMW OS 8.5. 

Because of the new model's minimalist approach which resorts to the reduced number of buttons and controls, it's going to be difficult to figure out where the volume controls and the climate controls are. That's the new normal for you, but still, the added in-car gaming is a flashy gimmick for this one.

The normal G60 5-Series kicks off with the 520i variant with the 208PS 2.0L turbo engine and the 520d with the 197PS 2.0L diesel engine. All of these engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic with the 520i sprints 0-100kph in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 230kph. Come spring, PHEV variants of the G60 5-Series come into play with the most powerful version being the 550e xDrive with the 3.0L PHEV powertrain producing 489PS of power.

The i5, meanwhile, features a rear-wheel drive eDrive40 variant with 340PS of power output and the all-wheel-drive M60 variant with 601PS of power output, making it capable of hitting 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 230kph, the same as the 520i. The i5 eDrive40 is good for 582km while the i5 M60 does 510km in one full charge.

Whichever 5-Series you're on, the G60 model is still the 5-Series we're familiar with; having a near-perfect weight distribution making it capable of handling like a proper BMW, and with the front double wishbones and rear five-link suspension, this is textbook BMW dynamics behind the wheel. To get the most out of it, the G60 5-Series can be fitted with electronically controlled shock absorbers, Integral Active Steering, and new vertical dynamics management, not to mention the Adaptive M Suspension Professional. 

As for safety, the G60 5-Series comes with the available Driving Assistant Professional with Steering and Lane Control Assist and Distance Control, with Stop & Go, Highway Assistant, the world's first Active Lane Change Assistant, and the available Parking Assist Professional.

Thoughts on the G60 5-Series? Despite its minimalist approach on the inside and the questionable rear view, the improved design, dynamics, and technology made the new model a serious premium executive midsize saloon. Although it's not as fancy as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 it has its crosshairs, the G60 BMW 5-Series is still a textbook BMW business end even though it now comes with the all-electric variant. Should the W214 E-Class and the EQE be worrying? Can't say...

Photo: BMW AG

My FH5 Log: Realizing Voltage

The final week of the Forza Horizon 5 Horizon Creatives update featured the last two new-to-Forza electrified prize cars on the list; the BMW i4 and the Rivian R1S.

Yes, both of these prize cars are purely electric; one is a purely electric luxury liftback while the other is the SUV version of the R1T that I obtained a while back. Might be doing some comparisons later but anyway, let's get to know about the other two electric cars, now that I've got my hands on them.

Beginning with the BMW i4, which is the one I've obtained from the Horizon Creatives' Hot Season Playlist, this is basically an all-electric version of the BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe G26. The variant offered in FH5 is the eDrive40 and the electric motor that powers the rear wheels has 335hp of power and 317ft-lb of torque.

Lastly is the Rivian R1S, the PPV equivalent of the R1T. I also obtained from the Horizon Creatives' Hot Season Playlist as well. Like its truck equivalent, the R1S uses a bespoke platform that includes the battery pack, drive units, independent air suspension, active damping, and hydraulic roll control, among others, making it capable of driving through 3+ feet of water and can rock crawl a 100% grade, thanks to its 14.9-inch ground clearance. Seen here is the one with the Quad-Motor AWD with 10 driving modes, producing 835hp of power and 908lb-ft of torque, capable of sprinting from 0-60mph in three seconds and has 11,000lbs of towing strength.

Having got my word on these two electrified prize cars from the said playlist, it's time to give these two an electrifying workout by sending them to those custom EventLab challenges curated by the game masters behind the creations. The i4 will tackle a custom circuit curated by the game master Spacepacas while the R1S will tackle against a group of professional drivers in an offroad course curated by its game master Twisted Knot. Let's roll the tape.

If anyone's interested in one of these EventLab creations, here are the share codes:

Expedition Training Circuit by Twisted Knot: 122 673 472

Kiyosumi Cuircut by Spacepacas: 118 048 070

So, now that the whole Horizon Creatives prize car collection is completed, I guess it's time for me to spend the last days of Horizon Mexico before getting ready for next week's Forza Motorsport game. Oh wait, I did have early access, am I right? Still, that would be spoilers to explain more about the new Forza Motorsport game because of early access but in the meantime, let's spend the final moments of this Horizon Mexico getaway while I still can. Let's party like it's...you get the idea. LET'S iGO!