2025 BMW M5

Enthusiasts celebrate whenever there’s a new BMW M car. This time it’s the fantastic 5 Series undergoing the M transformation. There’s something else as well — this is the first M car with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Admittedly, there’s the BMW XM, but that’s an SUV.

Making the latest M5 a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is radical in a way, yet not so surprising when we look at what else is going on. Porsche has embraced this idea for both its Panamera large luxury sedan and its Cayenne SUV. It was only a matter of time before electricity started supplying at least some of the energy to all those autobahn blasters. BMW has created a new M5 for a new era.

The rest of the combustion-powered BMW 5 Series range is reviewed separately. So is the all-electric BMW i5.

The 2025 BMW M5 is an all-new member of the 5 Series midsize luxury sedan lineup (which is only a year old). In some areas, it’s M business as usual, such as the specially tuned suspension, stronger brakes, and the modified transmission. Where the new M5 breaks new ground is with its hybrid drivetrain, making a massive 717 horsepower, yet still able to travel for about 25 miles on electric power alone. And for the first time in North America, there’s a wagon version — the 2025 M5 Touring.

To get even close to the new M5’s power in the (admittedly larger) Porsche Panamera means going for the Turbo E-Hybrid, which starts at more than $190,000. There’s also the 577-horsepower Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid sedan. Before buying a new M5 midsize luxury performance car, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying.

Resale values of the previous-generation M5 were similar to most contenders in this rarefied class. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The new BMW M5 develops a total of 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful M5 to date. Which is really saying something. This is an awesome amount of muscle, capable of propelling the car from standstill to 60 mph in a rapid 3.4 seconds (the Touring is a tenth slower). And it just keeps dashing, with the ability to thrust from 50 to 75 mph in a mere 2.2 seconds. The M5 also has a 47-horsepower edge over the much pricier Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid, although that doesn’t translate to a faster sprint time. The Porsche does the dash in three seconds flat.

Which brings us to our one minor gripe. For all that impressive muscle, the 2025 M5’s extra hybrid hardware has added weight, making it a couple of tenths of a second slower to 60 mph than its 600-horsepower predecessor. We’re prepared to accept, though, that this may be academic while in the throes of acceleration.

An adaptive M-tuned suspension is part of the whole package, enhancing comfort at one end of the dynamics envelope while containing body roll at the other. Integral Active Steering — BMW’s name for rear-wheel steering — is also standard in the 2025 M5, contributing to agility and maneuverability, and making this midsize sedan feel smaller than it really is.

Fuel Economy

BMW didn’t pair a twin-turbocharged V8 with an electric motor to make the new M5 a fuel-sipper. The idea was to strap together two sources of power for the sheer thrill of it. There is an upshot to having a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, though — it’s possible to travel for up to 25 miles using just the juice in the battery. Imagine making excellent progress on the highway, then completing the last bit of the journey emissions-free.

High tech and fine leather combine with well-cushioned and well-shaped front seats to give the new M5 the upscale air it deserves. We already like the cabin of the regular 5 Series and appreciate its exemplary build quality, as well as the intelligent layout. BMW says the hybrid battery hasn’t encroached upon cabin or cargo space, so the M5 has the same useful 37.5 inches of rear legroom as the rest of the 5 Series, along with a generous 18.4-cubic foot trunk with the sedan. The M5 Touring adds wagon versatility and practicality, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the 40/20/40 rear seats, opening out to 57.6 cubic feet when they’re folded down.

Apart from the obvious difference of a wagon body with the M5 Touring, the new M5 has its own look to differentiate it from the rest of the 5 Series lineup. This includes various aerodynamic additions, a wider body with redesigned wheel arches to accommodate the large wheel/tire combination, and a quad exhaust system — plus a palette of exclusive metallic paint choices that includes Isle of Man Green, Marina Bay Blue, and the matte Frozen Deep Grey.

Under the skin, BMW has increased the body’s rigidity compared with the regular 5 Series. The company also offers an optional carbon roof, reducing weight by 66 pounds and lowering the center of gravity.

BMW Curved Display
A common sight in contemporary BMW vehicles, but — in our opinion — no less impressive because of it. This is the single housing that contains the 12.3-inch configurable instrument cluster and the 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, both with sharp graphics. BMW also offers streaming and gaming in the M5 — when parked, of course.

M Hybrid modes
In Comfort mode, the system leans more on the electric motor. In Sport and Sport Plus, the combustion engine is always in action. The two optional Dynamic and Dynamic Plus modes are for track use, delivering as much power as possible, for either a series of laps (Dynamic) or a quicker burst (Dynamic Plus).

Adaptive LED headlights with cornering function
This is one of those features we’ve really liked in other vehicles and miss when it’s not there. Being able to throw light into corners is especially useful given how fast the M5 can zip around them.

Bowers & Wilkins audio
Often at the pricier end of BMW’s options lists, this 18-speaker/655-watt surround-sound system is standard in the new M5. We love B&W stuff for the clarity, power, and detail.

Carbon ceramic brakes
An expensive option, but one we’d recommend to anyone planning to take their new M5 for a few track-day blasts. They’re strong, fade-free, warp-free, and 55 pounds lighter than the standard setup. These are offered with the M5 Touring as well.

BMW Digital Key Plus
M5 owners and a lucky few friends and family members can access and drive the M5 using an Apple iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android device.

The plug-in hybrid drivetrain in the new 2025 M5 benefits from BMW’s involvement in motorsport, endurance racing in particular. On the combustion side is a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 (a well-known entity in BMW vehicles). An electric motor is integrated into the M-tuned 8-speed automatic transmission. Together, they create a mighty 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, going to a standard M-tuned all-wheel-drive system.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

BMW’s new-vehicle and powertrain warranties last four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This is typical for European luxury car makers. Roadside assistance is included for that period, but with unlimited mileage. Hybrid batteries are covered for eight years or 80,000 miles. Scheduled maintenance is free for three years or 36,000 miles.

Safety Ratings

This current generation of 5 Series has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the agency’s second-highest accolade. Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, and Active Blind Spot Detection with rear cross-traffic alert.