Next BMW M5 to electrify

Work has already begun on a state-of-the-art replacement for the current BMW M5 that will revolutionise the performance sedan class, according to

When the next-generation BMW M5, developed under the G60 codename, arrives in 2024 it will reportedly offer buyers the choice of not one but two advanced electrified powertrains.

The first, says CAR, will be a plug-in hybrid that combines a twin-turbocharged V8 with at least two compact electric motors to produce a total of at least 560kW of power and around 1000Nm of torque.

Dubbed BMW M 'Power PHEV', the plug-in V8 will be previewed in the upcoming X8 M and should ensure the seventh instalment of the BMW M5 will be capable of launching to 100km/h in just three seconds and top out at more than 330km/h.

If you think that's fast, BMW is set to roll out an even quicker pure-electric version of its Mercedes-AMG E 63-rivalling sedan that pumps out even more power and torque, says the Brit mag.

Thanks to the BMW M5's flexible CLAR platform, the battery-powered BMW M5 will muster at least 750kW and be capable of a 0-100km/h sprint of less than 2.9 seconds.

Powered by a 135kWh lithium-ion battery, the zero-emission BMW M5 has a target range of more than 700km between charges.

Initially, the BMW M5 EV will get the car-maker's current fifth-generation pouch-type batteries that can only be topped up using a 400V charger, but later on in its life BMW is set to upgrade the M5 by swapping out the old lithium-ion cells for next-gen batteries that can be charged using an 800V charger.

According to CAR, the electric BMW M5 will gets three electric motor -- two driving the rear wheels and one responsible for spinning up the front axle.

An insider speaking to the Brit mag said engineers are currently grappling with the enormity of a battery-powered performance sedan, and the biggest obstacle is the high cost of developing it.

“The Bavarian Motor Works are latecomers to the EV scene, and the same applies unfortunately to autonomous driving. Mid-term, our only stable competitive advantage is ride, handling and roadholding. But the biggest challenge by far is cost, which is why the board has buried the projected halo car.”

The reference to the cancelled halo car is the production version of the Vision M that was set to replace the i8.

Helping share the high cost of development, it's believed the electric M5 will, beneath its skin, share much with the battery-powered BMW 7 Series eDrive that arrives in 2023 to battle it out with the all-new Jaguar XJ EV.

Pipping the 7 Series e Drive to the post, BMW-owned luxury car brand Rolls-Royce will debut the all-new pure-electric powertrain by launching a limited-run Phantom EV in 2022, ahead of a battery-powered Cullinan in 2027.