2025 BMW M5 is the Most Powerful Yet

The BMW M5 is entering its seventh generation, and with it comes the most potent powertrain ever implanted in this bona fide sport sedan. Not only is it the most powerful, but it’s also the first plug-in hybrid M5.

The days of plug-in hybrids signifying pure eco-consciousness are over; not to say that a PHEV isn’t more environmentally polite than a pure internal-combustion engine, sure, but the main draw here is the power. The 2025 BMW M5 is rated at a total system output of 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. That “total system” consists of a 4.4-liter V8 engine, high-revving and twin-turboed to produce 577 horses and 553 lb-ft on its own. Integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission is an electric motor, responsible for reaching that calculated output and doing its part to reach 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. In typical BMW fashion, an optimal M Driver’s Package will up the top speed from 155 to 190 mph.

Fantastic as on-tap power might be, another advantage of PHEVs actually is the increased efficiency. Here, the M5’s 14.8-kWh battery stores enough juice for up to 25 miles of all-electric range, ideal for when you need to keep things quiet and subtle.

And subtle may be an apt way to describe the all-new looks, as the M5 isn’t egregiously aggressive, though it is tough enough thanks to some muscular sculpting. The front is spearheaded by large air intakes; the kidney grille’s openings channel airflow to a pair of radiators, part of an elaborate cooling system for the engine and electric motor getup, and the AC condenser. The wheel arches are flared out more than a typical 5 Series, joined by bespoke side skirts and a C-pillar garnish. You can opt for some extra carbon fiber bits, different wheel designs and 10 different exterior colors, nine of which are metallic.

Overall, the new M5 is larger, now 4 inches longer and nearly 3 inches wider, resting on a wheelbase that has grown about an inch. At 200 inches, it’s a large sedan, and with a curb weight of 5,390 lbs, it’s a hefty one, too, weighing half a ton more than the previous M5. But under the skin is enough engineering, and inside enough luxury, to make us forget about that.

Along with the PHEV system is a series performance add-ons fit for any highway star. The M xDrive all-wheel drive system is joined by an electronically-controlled locking rear differential, aiding in stability. The M5’s chassis has been stiffened with specially engineered bracing, and tuned with the adaptive suspension in mind. The steering, not to be left untouched, now features “Integral Active Steering,” which changes the direction the rear wheels are during (up to 1.5 degrees) depending on the vehicle’s speed. And although the carbon ceramic brakes are optional, we suspect the standard M Compound brakes will do nicely.

As will the interior, which is about as nice as any reasonable person would desire. The M5’s cabin flaunts model-specific lighting,  the debut of a new Full Merino Metallic leather trim, and a new steering wheel, flat-bottomed and finished by a 12 o’clock marker. The center console gear selector is new, part of the M-specific control panel. And the glass roof, the “Sky Lounge Panoramic Roof,” is also standard. The M-specific touches extend to BMW’s Curved Display, a continuous unit containing a 12.3-inch instrumental panel and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen. This is similar to the units we’ve used in previous M entries, including the rowdy two-door M2.

The 2025 BMW M5 is expected to launch worldwide by the end of the year, starting at $120,675 with destination attached.