The BMW M5 was the first M car as we recognize the sub-brand today, and in 2025, the model will get a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time.
The powertrain combines a turbocharged V8 engine with a 194-horsepower electric motor that’s contained within the eight-speed automatic transmission. All in, the system generates a whopping 717 hp between 5,600 and 6,500 rpm, and 738 lb-ft of torque between 1,800 and 5,400 rpm.
That’s enough to get the M5 from zero to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.5 seconds. More useful for drivers will be the tantalizingly named Boost Control function that is engaged by pulling the left-hand shift paddle (labelled "Boost") for more than one second. This puts the sedan in its sportiest mode and briefly maximizes power and torque to help the car accelerate as fast as possible between 30 and 150 km/h. Useful for highway on-ramps and passing manoeuvres, BMW claims the M5 can go from 80 km/h to 120 km/h in just 2.2 seconds when it's in fourth gear, thanks to the PHEV powertrain. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h as standard, or to 305 km/h if the buyer opts for the M Driver’s Package.
The powertrain isn’t exclusively set up for performance driving, though. Equipped with a 14.8 kWh (net) battery pack (located under the car to keep the centre of gravity low), BMW estimates that the M5 will be able to travel about 40 km on electric power alone when fully charged.
By default, the 2025 M5 will send its power to all four wheels, but in the 4WD Sport mode, more of the torque will be sent to the rear tires in order to deliver classic BMW driving dynamics. With the dynamic stability control (DSC) shut off completely, the engine’s link to the front wheels can also be closed off, and 100 per cent of the car’s torque can be sent to the rear wheels to encourage oversteer.
Speaking of the wheels, BMW has opted for a staggered setup, with 20-inch rims at the front and 21-inch rims at the back that are wrapped in 285/40 ZR20 front and 295/35 ZR21 rear performance tires. As standard, these surround drilled brake discs (410 mm at the front and 398 mm at the rear) that are clamped on by six-piston fixed calipers at the front and single-piston floating calipers at the back. These are painted blue by default but owners can opt for black or red paint, too.
If you see a 2025 BMW M5 with golden brake calipers, you will know that the owner has opted for carbon ceramic brake discs. These are also drilled and are slightly larger at the front (420 mm), but they weigh around 25 kg less than the standard discs.
Braking performance will also be improved thanks to BMW’s electronic wizardry. The automaker has integrated the traction control system into the engine management system, which shortens the signal paths of the DSC control unit, allowing the car to react 10 times faster to tricky road conditions, such as rain or snow and to maintain more composed handling qualities.
Together with the Active M Differential, which funnels power to the outside wheels during cornering, and the rear wheel steering, BMW is trying to make the M5 more nimble than its size and 2,445 kg curb weight would suggest it is capable of being.
From a visual standpoint, the 2025 M5 differentiates itself from the humdrum 5 Series with larger rear wheel arches that accentuate the car's widened track width, giving the car a muscular stance. Side skirts help get the sedan closer to the road, and aerodynamic mirror caps can be finished with carbon fibre to help sell the sporty look. A rear spoiler and diffuser also help control airflow over the car. Buyers will be able to select one solid colour and nine metallic paint shades for their M5, including Isle of Man Green Metallic and Marina Bay Blue Metallic and the matte finish Frozen Deep Grey.
Inside, the leather-wrapped steering wheel has a motorsports-inspired red centre marker at the 12-o’clock position and programmable M buttons, while a newly designed gear selector, and an M logo on the iDrive Controller help remind occupants that they're in a very special car. The standard M Multifunction seats can be upholstered in one of four colours, Extended Merino Leather; Black, Silverstone/Black, Red/Black, and Kyalami Orange/Black.
When the M5 isn’t being a sports sedan, it will be a pretty good luxury vehicle thanks to a standard 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System and Sky Lounge Panoramic Roof that stretches from just behind the windshield to just in front of the rear window. If a sunroof in a performance car makes you scoff, you can remove the glass and replace it with a carbon fibre roof, cutting 30 kg from the car, though it will cost you.
Speaking of which, BMW Canada has revealed that the 2025 M5 will have a base price of $135,000 – and we expect more details about options closer to its release date. The worldwide launch of the new high-performance sedan is scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 2024.