2025 BMW M5 revealed as plug-in hybrid

The seventh-generation 2025 BMW M5 super sedan has sent outputs into the stratosphere by embracing electrification, thanks to its mammoth 535kW/1000Nm plug-in hybrid V8 powertrain.

Unusually for such a performance-focused model, the most important figures aren’t the swollen outputs but the miniscule emissions – the primary reason for the adoption of the hybrid system.

So while the new BMW M5 can bolt from 0-100km/h in a claimed 3.5sec and on to a top speed of 305km/h, it can also claim combined fuel consumption of less than 2L/100km (final figures to be confirmed) and CO2 emissions of just 39g/km.

This allows it to do its bit in BMW meeting tough fleet average emissions regulations, both in Europe and Australia from 2025.

Key to this is the new M5’s 18.6kW (useable) lithium-ion battery pack located under the floor, which feeds a 145kW/280Nm electric motor installed in the eight-speed automatic gearbox.

This motor has its own pre-gearing for an effective torque rating of 450Nm, allowing the new BMW M5 to travel up to 140km/h on electric power alone, while the maximum claimed range is 67km.

From launch, the battery’s maximum AC charging rate is 7.4kW, at which it takes 3.25 hours to charge from 0-100 per cent, though this will fall from November production, when the maximum rate increases to 11kW.

But the electrification is not only an economy tool, in addition aiding the familiar 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. This now produces 430kW/750Nm – a slight drop over the 441kW of the standard F90 predecessor, let alone the 460kW in the outgoing M5 Competition, but peak power is produced over a wider range and the compression ratio has increased from 10 to 10.5:1.

Currently, there are no plans to introduce a Competition variant of the new M5 as the overwhelming majority of F90 buyers chose the higher-spec car, so it’s effectively become the default option.

All-wheel drive remains standard with three modes: the regular 4WD, the more rear-biased 4WD Sport and the tyre-frying 2WD.

There are also multiple modes for the adaptive suspension, gearbox, throttle response, steering, brake feel and energy recuperation, with the driver’s two favoured combination of settings able to be saved to toggles on the steering wheel.

Two new powertrain modes debut: Dynamic and Dynamic Plus, the former balancing power output to ensure the maximum 535kW/1000Nm is available for as long as possible, while the latter makes it available at all times but for a limited period (<10mins).

Another M5 first is the addition of rear-wheel steering to increase agility at low speeds and stability at high speeds, while wheel sizes are now staggered at 20-inch front and 21-inch rear, wearing tyres that are 10mm wider than before at each corner (285/40 front; 295/35 rear).

The standard brakes are 410mm front rotors with six-piston callipers and a 398mm/single-piston combo at the rear. Optional carbon-ceramics not only use the composite material at both ends but increase the front rotor size to 420mm and are around 10 per cent thicker.

As with the standard 5 Series it’s based on, the new G90 M5 is bigger than its predecessor by some margin: 113mm longer, 65mm wider and 37mm taller. The wheelbase has stretched by 24mm the tracks are wider by 58mm at the front and 66mm at the rear.

Combine this added size with an extraordinary amount of bracing and that hybrid system, and weight has ballooned to 2435kg – an increase of 540kg over its predecessor.

It’s for this reason that the claimed 0-100km/h time of 3.5sec, while extremely fast, is actually 0.1sec slower than the previous F90, though we suspect the new claim might be on the conservative side.

The benefit of the new 5 Series’ larger dimensions is more interior space, especially in the rear, and the new M5 will come loaded to the hilt with gear, including quad-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, Bowers & Wilkins surround sound, electric boot operation, an enormous head-up display and a carbon-fibre roof.

Every possible active safety system is included, including Level 2 autonomous driving functionality and 360-degree parking cameras, though Parking Assistant Professional – which allows up to 200 metres of parking manoeuvres to be remembered by the car and controlled either inside the car or by smartphone – will be an optional extra.

Infotainment is provided by Operating System 8.5, which includes gaming, video streaming, wireless smartphone mirroring, app connectivity, augmented reality navigation and the option of voice, gesture or touch control.

The new BMW M5 arrives in Australia during the fourth quarter of this year, but the one big unknown remains the price.

Whenever batteries are included, pricing usually increases substantially and, with the outgoing M5 Competition currently listing at $269,900 plus on-road costs, we’d expect the new car to be around the $300,000 mark, with the forthcoming M5 Touring attracting a 10 per cent premium.

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