The 2025 BMW M5 has arrived, and it’s not the car anyone expected. This is the first M5 to pair a twin-turbocharged V8 with a plug-in hybrid system, creating a 717-horsepower beast that can silently glide through neighborhoods on electric power before unleashing supercar-level acceleration. At nearly 5,500 pounds, it’s also the heaviest M5 ever built, which raises an obvious question: can a car this big still deliver the driving thrills BMW’s performance flagship is known for?
The answer turned out to be more complicated and more interesting than a simple yes or no. After spending time behind the wheel, it became clear that BMW has created something that redefines what a performance sedan can be, even if it means sacrificing some of the raw, unruly character that made earlier generations so beloved. This isn’t just an evolution of the M5—it’s a complete reimagining of the formula.
From its aggressive styling to its mind-melting speed and refinement, the new M5 manages to be both a comfortable daily driver and a tire-shredding performance machine. The question isn’t whether it’s fast—it absolutely is—but whether the added technology and weight have fundamentally changed what it means to drive an M5.
The 2025 BMW M5: Powertrain and Performance
The new M5 delivers 717 horsepower through a plug-in hybrid system that combines electric efficiency with traditional V8 muscle. This represents BMW’s most significant transformation of the M5 formula in its 40-year history.
Plug-In Hybrid Technology and Electric Driving
BMW equipped the 2025 M5 with a 14.8-kWh battery pack that provides an estimated 25 miles of electric-only range. The electric motor integrates directly into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, producing 194 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque on its own.
Drivers can select from multiple drive modes that control how the car uses its dual power sources. In Comfort mode, the plug-in hybrid prioritizes electric driving for daily commutes and city traffic. The battery charges at a maximum rate of 7.4 kilowatts, though BMW hasn’t released detailed charging times yet.
The hybrid system adds considerable weight to the platform. The M5 now tips the scales at 5,390 pounds, gaining over 1,000 pounds compared to the previous generation.
Twin-Turbo V8 and System Output
The heart of the new M5 remains a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 577 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. When combined with the electric motor, total system output reaches 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque—roughly 100 horsepower more than the outgoing model.
All-wheel drive comes standard, with a drift mode that biases power toward the rear wheels for enthusiasts. The M Steptronic transmission delivers quick shifts through large paddle shifters mounted behind the M steering wheel.
Despite the significant power increase, the M5 hit 60 mph in 3.0 seconds during testing, which is actually slower than the previous generation’s 2.8-second sprint. The added weight offset the gains in horsepower. BMW claims a top speed of 190 mph with the optional M Driver’s package, which costs $2,500.
Acceleration, Speed, and Driving Dynamics
The high-performance sedan demonstrates impressive capabilities on track despite its heft. Testing at locations like Salzburgring revealed the car’s ability to handle spirited driving, though the weight becomes noticeable in certain situations.
The new M5 achieved 0.98 g on the skidpad and stopped from 70 mph in 157 feet with the optional carbon-ceramic brakes. Quarter-mile times came in at 10.9 seconds at 130 mph. The car reached 100 mph in 6.7 seconds and 150 mph in 15.0 seconds.
Handling reveals some compromises from the added mass. Some understeer appears when pushing hard through corners, and the performance sedan feels less nimble than lighter competitors like the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing.
Chassis, Suspension, and Steering Innovations
BMW fitted the M5 with adaptive suspension that adjusts damping based on driving conditions and selected modes. Rear-wheel steering helps the 200.6-inch-long sedan feel more agile during parking and tighter turns at speed.
The carbon-ceramic brakes cost $8,500 but provide exceptional stopping power and fade resistance. Standard steel brakes measure 16.5 inches up front and 15.7 inches at the rear.
The steering drew criticism for feeling overly light and lacking road feedback. While precise, it doesn’t communicate what the front wheels are doing as clearly as enthusiasts might prefer. The wide range of adjustable settings can feel overwhelming, though drivers eventually find their preferred setup.
Design, Comfort, and Technology
The new M5 sedan commands attention with its aggressive styling while delivering a surprisingly refined interior experience. BMW has equipped this plug-in hybrid sports sedan with cutting-edge tech and premium materials that justify its six-figure price tag.
Exterior Styling and Carbon Enhancements
The G90 generation takes a bold departure from the understated elegance of models like the E39 M5. Finished in striking Daytona Violet, the test vehicle showcases BMW’s commitment to dramatic styling with squared-off lines and muscular proportions that spark conversations even among non-enthusiasts.
BMW offers a carbon exterior package that includes lightweight components designed to offset some of the hybrid system’s substantial mass. The carbon-fiber roof comes standard, helping lower the center of gravity despite the car’s 5,390-pound curb weight. Massive wheel options—20-inch front and 21-inch rear—fill the arches and hint at the performance lurking beneath.
The design initially polarized critics, but it grows on drivers after spending time with the vehicle. The aggressive appearance feels purposeful rather than excessive, distinguishing this sport sedan from more conservative luxury competitors.
Interior Features and Driving Experience
Inside, the M5 blends performance focus with luxury-car comfort. The cabin feels tech-forward with ambient lighting and premium materials throughout, though BMW continues using piano black plastics that quickly attract fingerprints and scratches on the dash and door sills.
Seating comfort remains excellent up front, while rear passengers experience slightly reduced space compared to the previous generation due to battery placement beneath the floor. The rear-wheel steering significantly enhances urban maneuverability, making tight turns and parallel parking remarkably easy for such a large vehicle.
Daily drivability surpasses the outgoing F90 model, with Comfort mode delivering balanced ride quality and Sport mode replicating the previous generation’s comfort setting. The M xDrive system works seamlessly with adaptive suspension to manage the car’s considerable weight during commutes and highway cruising.
Infotainment, Audio, and Digital Systems
The latest iDrive 8.5 infotainment system finally matches expectations for a $120,675 performance sedan. The interface responds quickly and navigates intuitively despite its complexity, though it lacks BMW’s forthcoming large language model capabilities. Voice commands work reliably once drivers learn the proper structure.
BMW equipped this M5 prototype with the premium Bowers & Wilkins audio system, delivering concert-quality sound that complements both spirited driving and relaxed cruising. Interestingly, BMW omitted Level 2+ Highway Assistant, limiting hands-free driving to 40 mph for brief durations—a decision reinforcing the car’s driver-focused mission. The programmable M1 and M2 buttons allow quick switching between personalized driving modes, transforming the character of this sport sedan instantly.
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