2025 BMW M5 Gets 717 Hybrid Horsepower, Yet is Slower Than Before
The all-new 2025 BMW M5 has finally arrived, and unlike the previous generations, this one features a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It’s also much more powerful than any other 5 Series model anywhere.
Following its first public appearance at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed in the U.K., the car will enter production later in July at the Dingolfing plant in Germany. Deliveries in most global markets are set to begin in the fall.
- Also: It’s Official: New BMW M5 Touring is Coming to Canada
- Also: 2025 BMW 5 Series Adds Cheaper i5, PHEV Model Returns
Mighty But Heavy
The electrification of the BMW M5 will inevitably anger a number of enthusiasts, especially since performance is sacrified in some ways. Derived from the XM crossover, the turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 is back and paired with an electric motor for a combined output of 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. That is 100 horsepower more than the old, gas-only M5 Competition.
The problem is that the new M5 has gained a whole lot of weight in the process. At 2,445 kg (5,390 lbs), it is 474 kg (1,045 lbs) heavier than before. Heck, even many Ford F-150 trucks are lighter. Despite generating all that torque from just 1,800 rpm, 0-100 km/h acceleration times are actually slower, increasing from 3.3 seconds to 3.5 seconds. And remember that the late M5 CS could achieve similar sprints in 3 seconds flat.
Electric Range
Most of the extra weight carried by the 2025 BMW M5 comes from the high-voltage battery, which boasts a usable capacity of 14.8 kWh. Fortunately, the battery is mounted in the underbody, thus lowering the centre of mass and maximizing handling while also preserving trunk capacity (466 litres).
Zero-emission range is said to be up to 40 km, which admittedly isn’t much by modern PHEV standards but decent enough for such a muscular and heavy sedan.
Need a Boost?
Controlled by an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, the 2025 BMW M5 offers a new Boost Control function that enables a nearly instantaneous burst of speed when travelling between 30-150 km/h. Pulling on the left-hand shift paddle for more than one second prompts all the powertrain and chassis systems to be switched to their sportiest setting.
Meanwhile, the M xDrive all-wheel drive system can be configured to send more power or even all of it to the rear wheels, which sounds awfully exhilarating. An active M differential also takes care of splitting power distribution left and right during corners. Five drive modes are available—Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, Dynamic and Dynamic Plus—with the last two designed for track driving. Unsurprisingly, the entire suspension along with the engine and transmission mounts are uniquely calibrated for the top-line 5 Series, enhancing chassis rigidity.
Pretty or Not, Here it Comes
We’ll let you decide if BMW designers did a good job with the exterior. From our point of view, it’s really not that bad and could have been a lot worse. By the way, the new-look 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels are wrapped in high-performance tires in a size of 285/40ZR20 and 295/35ZR21, respectively, and slowed down by massive 16-inch and 15.7-inch brake discs.
Inside, the M Multifunction seats are designed to provide long-distance comfort and effective support for track driving, BMW claims. The steering wheel is new and ambient lighting is unique to the M5. A Sky Lounge panoramic roof comes standard, but you can replace it with a carbon roof to save 30 kg (66 lbs). As for the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and 14.9-inch touchscreen, both naturally feature M-specific graphics and data.
In Canada, the 2025 BMW M5 will carry a base MSRP of $135,000. Don’t forget the various fees and the federal luxury tax. What about the M5 Touring wagon? This model will get its own official reveal sometime soon, but as BMW previously confirmed, it will be offered in Canada for the first time. Excited yet?