Next BMW M5 to get 560kW plug-in hybrid powertrain

Fresh details have surfaced regarding the all-new eighth-generation BMW 5 Series that reveal the German brand will offer both a pure-electric version and a wild 560kW plug-in hybrid M5 flagship.

Set to go on sale by mid-2023, the next BMW 5 Series – developed under the G60 codename – will also see a departure from the traditional sedan silhouette, with the new generation set to morph into a sharper, more rakish four-door coupe, says Autocar.

Based on a heavily revised version of the current CLAR architecture, BMW's perennial Mercedes-Benz E-Class rival will offer a full range of electrified powertrains that will include mild-hybrids and all-electric versions.

Both all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive will be offered, although the fastest EVs and the mighty M5 will come will all-wheel drive.

Most models will use electrified versions of the current turbocharged four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

There's no word on the car-maker's current 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that could be killed off due to the expense involved with making it Euro 7 emissions-compliant.

In its place, models badged M550i are expected to adopt a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain that is expected to produce around 375kW.

It's thought the same electrified inline six-cylinder engine could provide the basis for an even wilder 560kW M5, although Mercedes-AMG's decision to use its M177 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 for the upcoming 600kW GT 73e could see the fellow German brand stick with its S63 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo.

Even without a V8 under its bonnet, the next-gen BMW M5 should be capable of a 0-100km/h sprint of less than 3.0 seconds and a top speed of around 330km/h.

Despite already ruling out a BMW M-developed EV until at least 2025, the new pure-electric all-wheel drive 5 Series will offer astonishing levels of power and could potentially be even quicker to the benchmark 100km/h than the full-fat M5.

Set to be badged the i5 M, the triple-motor zero-emissions performance sedan is expected to churn out around 600kW.

Both the M5 and its pure-electric sibling will come with an advanced traction control system that will offer a drift mode, allowing the driver to dial in slip angles of between 5-45 degrees.

As well as the most powerful i5 M, the pure-electric 5 Series will also come with a single-motor rear-drive version with 250kW (badged i5 eDrive40) and a more powerful dual-motor all-wheel drive i5 M50 xDrive that should produce 400kW.

Likely to use the same 80.7kWh power pack from the i4, long-range versions of the i5 should be capable of covering up to 560km between top-ups.

Digital image: Kolesa.ru