SPY PICS: BMW M5 plug-in hybrid caught testing

Widespread speculation that the next-generation BMW M5 due in 2024 will be powered by a high-performance plug-in hybrid powertrain has now been all but confirmed after our spy photographers snapped a heavily camouflaged development car fitted with ‘Hybrid Test Vehicle’ badging leaving a BMW facility in Europe.

Look closely at the front left wing and through the busy and contrasting camo wrap you’ll see the unmistakeable lines of a charge port cover, pointing to the next super-sedan’s identity as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) – a move that should result in outputs of up to 560kW/1000Nm.

Those monstrous figures are widely expected to be the end result of combining the current twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with a pair of electric motors and a generously sized battery.

The finer details of this bahn-storming new powertrain will be revealed later this year with the reveal of the BMW X8 M – the production version of the recent BMW Concept XM.

For reference, the current F90 M5 Competition churns out 460kW/750Nm, which compares to the 450kW/850Nm produced by the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S (which is also set for monstrous plug-in hybrid power).

Due to the elaborate and abundance of camouflaging, it’s hard to draw any meaningful conclusions about the next-gen BMW M5’s design, and thereby the incoming 2023 BMW 5 Series, however at face value it seems the large luxury sedan will adopt smoother looks overall with fewer creases and a sleeker silhouette.

Many of the familiar contours and parabolic lines are present, but to our eyes they seem to have been softened, even on the aggro M5.

That said, the performance car’s disguise runs a bit deeper than a simple camo wrap and covered-over intakes.

Look closely at the bonnet and you’ll see the middle section is actually a separate piece, indicating the presence of a vent, bulge or channelling similar to the current model or even the ballistic BMW M5 CS.

There’s also massive ventilated brake rotors lurking behind an unassuming set of five-spoke alloy wheels, while quad exhaust tips are found at the rear-end.

According to overseas reports, the new M5 is scheduled to launch in 2024 – around 12 months after regular versions of the next-generation BMW 5 Series.