2025 BMW M5 Review : The 2025 BMW M5 represents a bold chapter in one of the automotive industry’s most revered performance sedans. For decades, the M5 has been synonymous with a perfect blend of luxury and blistering sports car capability, delivering a driving experience that few can rival. In this latest generation, BMW has pivoted to integrate a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, reshaping the traditional combustion-only formula into an electrified powerhouse that pushes performance boundaries while acknowledging modern environmental consciousness.

The transition to a hybrid system marks a significant evolution. No longer purely gas-powered, the new M5 pairs a robust twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with a high-output electric motor. This synergy results in a combined output of 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, a notable increase from its predecessor’s naturally aspirated and turbocharged V8 variants. The electrification not only boosts raw power but also introduces an estimated 25 miles of electric-only driving range, a first for the M5 lineup, subtly aligning performance with efficiency.

This transformation is polarizing within the purist community but clearly shows BMW’s commitment to future-forward sports sedans without compromising the core essence that defines the M5: precision engineering, dynamic handling, and luxury refinement. The 2025 BMW M5 stands apart not just through numbers but through its technological sophistication and the versatility it affords drivers across various driving environments.

2025 BMW M5: Redefining Power, Luxury, and Hybrid Performance

The 2025 BMW M5 marks a bold shift: for the first time in its lineage, it’s now exclusively a plug-in hybrid. That isn’t just a checkbox to meet emissions rules. BMW’s latest iteration aims to deliver elevated power, modern efficiency, and advanced tech, while retaining the M5’s core identity: grand touring muscle, four-door luxury, plus performance that dares you to overstep the line. But as always, the devil is in the details: what you gain, what you sacrifice, and whether it still feels like an M5.

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Rationale Behind Moving to Plug-In Hybrid

BMW’s decision to make the 2025 M5 a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) reflects tightening global emissions standards, plus a shift in buyer expectations. For a car in this performance tier, pure internal combustion is increasingly expensive to certify and less flexible for urban use. The hybrid system lets BMW deliver a super-saloon that can offer electric-only mobility for short runs, lower emissions during restricted zones, and still unleash V8 power when demanded. It’s a balancing act, not a concession.

Engine Architecture: The S68 V8 + Electric Motor – What’s New

• The traditional twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 underpins the powertrain, but it’s no longer alone. It’s paired with an electric motor integrated into the 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission.
• Combined output: approximately 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft torque.
• The electric motor’s instant torque fills the gap before the turbos spool, giving near-seamless response while mitigating lag. The V8 is tuned with upgraded cooling, optimized variable valve timing (VANOS), and improved thermal management to handle hybrid demands.

Chassis, Weight, and Structural Upgrades

• The body has gained rigidity through revised bracing, strengthened axle mounts, and optional carbon-fiber roof, side mirrors, and spoilers.
• Curb weight exceeds 5,200 pounds, a substantial increase over the outgoing F90 M5 generation.
• Adaptive dampers, rear-wheel steering, and high-load-rated tires help manage the added bulk. Optional carbon-ceramic brakes deliver greater fade resistance and improved stopping power.

Power & Torque in Context

With 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, the 2025 M5 is a powerhouse. The hybrid system delivers torque instantly through the electric motor, while the V8 provides mid-range and high-rpm thrust. This combination eliminates the “laggy” feeling of past turbocharged M5s and gives drivers precise control over acceleration.

0-60, Quarter-Mile, and Braking

• 0-60 mph: 3.0 to 3.1 seconds in independent tests, despite BMW’s conservative claim of 3.4 seconds.
• Quarter-mile: Low 11-second bracket, crossing at approximately 129-130 mph.
• Braking: Around 115 feet from 60-0 mph, especially with carbon-ceramic brakes.

Real-World Driving: Modes, Steering, and Ride

• Comfort Mode: Acts like a luxury sedan, softening suspension, muting exhaust notes, and providing a calm ride for daily commuting.
• Sport and Track Modes: Tighten chassis settings, sharpen throttle response, and open up exhaust valves for a more visceral driving experience.
• Rear-Wheel Bias Mode: Lets experienced drivers engage drift-style maneuvers by sending most of the power to the rear wheels.
• Steering remains precise but lacks some of the feedback and tactile connection of earlier M5 generations.

Electric-Only Range, Battery Size, and Charging

• Battery size is around 14.8-15 kWh.
• Electric-only range: Approximately 25 miles (EPA) or up to 37-45 miles in European WLTP testing.
• AC charging at up to 7.4 kW takes just a few hours for a full charge.

Fuel Economy: MPGe vs Gasoline

• Combined efficiency: Around 50 MPGe when using both electric and gasoline power.
• Gas-only economy: Falls into the low teens (12-15 mpg), particularly during aggressive driving or highway cruising.

Weight Penalty and Performance Impact

• The hybrid system adds over 1,000 pounds, increasing demands on tires, brakes, and handling dynamics.
• While braking remains excellent, emergency maneuvers feel heavier and require more input.
• Hybrid transitions between electric and gasoline modes can sometimes introduce brief hesitation, especially in aggressive driving scenarios.

Design, Comfort, and Technology, Exterior Styling

The 2025 M5 retains the signature kidney grille, now offered with optional illumination. Aggressive fender flares, sculpted lines, and functional air intakes highlight its performance character. Some enthusiasts feel the bulkier proportions hint at its hybrid underpinnings, but aerodynamics and cooling improvements justify the design.

Interior Fit and Comfort

• Increased rear legroom by approximately 20 mm.
• Premium seating with climate control, massage functions, and ventilation.
• High-quality materials, including carbon fiber, aluminum, and premium leather options.
• Rear visibility and urban maneuverability are slightly compromised by the larger body.

Tech and Driver Assistance

• Dual displays: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment system running BMW’s iDrive 8.5.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and advanced voice command capabilities are standard.
• Safety features include adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and hands-free driving in certain conditions.
• Customizable “M buttons” let drivers save preferred driving configurations.

Ownership Realities: Cost and Suitability

Pricing and Options

• Base price: Around $123,000 in the U.S.
• Fully optioned models can exceed $145,000 with upgrades like:
  • Carbon-ceramic brakes (~$8,500)
  • M Driver’s Package (raises top speed to ~190 mph)
  • Carbon-fiber roof
  • Executive comfort packages

Strengths vs Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Exceptional acceleration and highway cruising ability.
• Quiet electric-only operation for city driving.
• Luxury appointments combined with performance flexibility.

Weaknesses:

• Increased weight affects nimbleness and fuel economy.
• Tire and brake wear are costly.
• Urban maneuverability is limited due to size.

Resale and Future-Proofing

• Battery health and software updates will heavily influence resale value.
• Hybrid technology helps it comply with stricter global emissions standards, keeping it relevant in regulatory environments.
• Retaining a V8 engine helps preserve the M brand’s heritage for enthusiasts.

Conclusion: The Verdict on BMW’s Boldest M5

The 2025 BMW M5 is both revolutionary and controversial. By combining a twin-turbo V8 with a powerful electric motor, BMW has created a performance sedan that balances cutting-edge technology with the ferocity of a traditional M car. It’s incredibly quick, luxurious, and adaptable, but also heavier and more complex than any M5 before it.

For buyers who prioritize innovation, raw speed, and everyday versatility, the new M5 stands as one of the most compelling performance sedans available today. Enthusiasts seeking a lightweight, purely mechanical driving experience may prefer older generations, but for a forward-thinking super sedan, the 2025 BMW M5 is unmatched.

2025 BMW M5 Review FAQ