2025 BMW M5 reveals off a variety of personalities

• Street testing within the redesigned M5 reveals a broader vary of efficiency and luxury
• Plug-in hybrid sedan has a 0-60 mph time of three.4 seconds
• It prices $120,675, whereas the Touring wagon variant provides $2,000

Two Rolls-Royce Spectres flanked a $600,000 Cullinan Black Badge Collection II, glinting like royalty within the South Carolina solar. Beside it, the cutesy new Mini Cooper S Convertible seemed just like the Cullinan’s chew toy. 4 generations of the BMW X5 courted those that love automotive historical past, the fourth-generation X3 injected new life into the model’s bestseller, however of the handfuls of latest autos to drive at BMW’s Efficiency Middle in Spartanburg, I couldn’t—I wouldn’t—steer my consideration away from the brand new M5.

The monitor past the staging space was closed to me, so I examined it on the economic backroads knotting BMW’s largest manufacturing unit on the earth. Surrounded by semis, redirected by roundabouts, deflected by potholes, the seventh-generation M5 inspired me to take it for a second and ultimately a seventh drive not simply because it was one of the best efficiency car to play with however as a result of it demonstrated how BMW manages V-8 efficiency in an more and more electrified world. 

Sure, the efficiency mannequin of the 5-Collection that was redesigned for 2024 (the M5 skipped 2024) adopts V-8 plug-in hybrid powertrain much like the XM SUV however with a smaller battery pack. When you’ve pushed that unsorted beast and also you’re porting these perceptions over to the M5 sedan, don’t. 

The powertrain is tuned and calibrated in a different way, with a 577-hp twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 mainlined with a 194-hp electrical motor built-in into the model’s ubiquitous 8-speed computerized. Collectively, the brand new M5 places down 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque—efficiency EV numbers, but with the primal name of a V-8 and the moment torque of electrical propulsion.

2025 M5 electrifies launch management

The M5 obscures its mechanical complexity with a easy dance transfer. Take it out anyplace, say on a rolling stretch of shiny new asphalt close to an industrial complicated serving BMW and its many native suppliers. Push the crimson M2 toggle on the steering wheel, notice the steadiness management button flip off (it’s dialed again), mash the brake pedal, and mash the throttle. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster turns roundel blue, and a 10-second timer seems within the cluster. 

Let go. And maintain on. 

It felt as if all 4 tires chirped letting off the brake, however perhaps it was simply the bigger 295/35-21s on the rear (Hankook Ventus A1 evo Zs from the manufacturing unit). The all-wheel-drive system shifts to a rear bias when in Sport or Sport+ mode, that are mandatory for launch management. A full rear-wheel-drive setting might be chosen nevertheless it didn’t. Between the 2 M settings, the Consolation, Sport, and Sport Plus drive modes, and the 4 electrical drivetrain settings, I had my palms full, delightfully so.

Earlier than I had the prospect to look down on the speedometer or to exhale, the M5 was at 75 mph. I couldn’t flirt with the highest velocity of 155 mph, however BMW’s 0-60 mph time of three.4 seconds felt conservative. That twin-turbo V-8 is so rattling visceral and so rattling good, even via all of the sound deadening so there’s actually no want for the augmented sound via the audio system. Including at the least 1,150 kilos, or about 23% extra physique mass due partly to the usable 14.8-kwh battery pack, can weigh you down. 

Good factor for the huge 16.1-inch rotors and 6-piston brake calipers up entrance—painted crimson on the tester as a substitute of ordinary blue—and 15.7-inch rear rotors with single-piston floating calipers. Carbon ceramic brakes are non-obligatory and reduce 55 kilos however add $8,500. When you’re monitoring it repeatedly, I think about it’s value it. On run after run, the brakes grabbed with out hesitation or pulsing, and every flip I went deeper down this closed off entry street than within the earlier trial. 

2025 M5: Studying the M Hybrid powertrain settings and M Mode drive modes

The outgoing M5 Competitors and its 627-hp V-8 did it in an estimated 3.1 seconds. There are pure EVs which can be faster, too, with a better intestine thrust. The brand new M5 has a much wider unfold in its efficiency and luxury settings than its predecessor. Then there are the effectivity features that allow BMW to nonetheless produce a V-8 efficiency sedan for a world market. 

The M5 defaults to Hybrid setting on startup, and if it’s in both of the Sport modes the 4.4-liter V-8 asserts its dominance within the M Hybrid powertrain pairing. The Consolation, Sport, Sport Plus drive modes are designated by an M Mode button. In Consolation mode, the electrical motor guidelines by itself, until you prod the throttle. It’s able to operating its full 25-mile vary, or swap the M Hybrid setting to Electrical for full emission-free driving till the battery runs out. Whereas cruising on electrical energy, shifts from the 8-speed computerized transmission might shock electrical car drivers, however I preferred its constant character all through the drive wheel setting. 

An eControl setting acts as a battery saver, counting on engine energy alone. 

There’s loads of tire noise whereas operating electrical however even at cruising speeds, the M5 is well-insulated from the street. Its impartial multi-link entrance and rear suspension makes use of metal springs and adaptive dampers that mute the street presence much more in Consolation mode. The modes give it the twin nature of a regal grand tourer regardless of its efficiency spine. 

Sport stiffens it, in fact, and the additional bracing and reinforcements over the 5-Collection develop into apparent. Over potholes or railroad grades, it jittered reproachfully, so play with the settings purposefully. 

It’s greatest to play with the console-mounted powertrain settings and drive modes to be taught your required preferences on the go. Then when parked, create a driver profile that most accurately fits you by making a deep dive into the 14.9-inch touchscreen. There, you possibly can alter the drive system, transmission shifts, suspension settings, steering really feel, and regenerative brake settings in three ranges. I would favor a sizzling button for regen settings, however you possibly can set your individual profile for these settings to be accessed by the M1 button on the steering wheel. 

On winding roads pitched by truck use, the suspension counteracted the uneven grades, and the low, planted really feel made me need to push it at increased speeds on the extra accessible state highways. 

I appreciated the variable-ratio steering in these increased velocity sections, the place the chunky steering wheel had some heavy resistance leading to sharp turns, aided by rear-axle steering. It solely turns in-phase by 1.5 levels, so there was no fear about oversteering or wrapping a curve too tightly. It’s a welcome, invisible helper. At cruising speeds, and in Consolation mode, the steering turned an nearly non-entity, the street a distant suggestion.

2025 BMW M5

2025 BMW M5

2025 BMW M5

2025 BMW M5

2025 M5 specs and value

Just like the 5-Collection redesigned for 2025, the M5 measures 200.6 inches lengthy—a couple of foot shorter than the 7-Collection—with a beneficiant wheelbase of 118.3 inches. These are will increase of 4.2 inches in size and practically an inch longer wheelbase than the 2023 M5, so the cabin is barely roomier and may match 4 adults wonderful. It’s additionally 2.7 inches wider and greater than an inch taller. 

The 2025 BMW M5 is available in one configuration beginning at $120,675, with a $1,175 vacation spot price, however the M5 Touring wagon cuts a fantastic form and has crossover cargo house for $122,675. I solely took the Touring on a guided loop, so can’t converse to the dynamic variations from the sedan. For these quantities, BMW allows you to select from most exterior colours and inside trims in addition to three wheel and tire combos for no additional cost. 

Including adaptive cruise management with restricted hands-free driving prices $1,700, which appears like a rip-off, since most mainstream automobiles just like the Toyota RAV4 have adaptive cruise management as customary. 

Though the EPA hasn’t licensed it and BMW’s not mentioning it, the M5 advances BMW’s efficiency portfolio for the electrical age, making it extra related—and potential—than if it had been powered by a V-8 alone. It appeals to a broader kind of driver and in a broader spectrum of driving conditions, even looping round industrial roads.  

BMW flew and housed Motor Authority to a model overview that included drive alternatives within the M5.