The most powerful M5 in history is also the heaviest, weighing in at over 2.5 tonnes.
June 25, 2024 But 6:01 PM ET
Few vehicles captivate enthusiasts like the BMW M5. After a long period of preparation, the company's latest super sedan is here. The new M5 is the most powerful car ever to wear the iconic badge. But it's also the heaviest M5 ever, thanks to its standard hybrid powertrain.
As expected, it has XM DNA — namely a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 and a single electric motor mated to an eight-speed transmission. Total system output is 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than what's found in the XM label. The engine alone makes 577 hp, and 194 hp comes from the motor, which is similar to the power found in the XM. However, the hybrid battery is smaller, at 14.8 kWh.
BMW says the new M5 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, though that rises to 190 mph with the M Driver's Package. The flip side of that speed is the quiet, electric-only operation that comes with a plug-in hybrid. In electric mode, BMW projects a silent range of 25 miles on battery power alone. However, if you ease off the throttle or decide to manually shift the M Steptronic transmission, the car will assume you're ready to play and will rev the engine for more power.
Speaking of play, there are three standard-issue drive modes for the new M5. Comfort is where gasoline and electricity work together to provide the smoothest, most efficient ride. The gas engine will shut down more often and suspension/transmission settings are kept in their least intrusive configurations. Sport and Sport Plus liven things up (while keeping the engine running all the time), but the optional Dynamic and Dynamic Plus settings are essential to the full M5 experience. These modes optimize the powertrain for full power and ramp up the cooling system for track duty.
Dynamic is also the way you can convert the xDrive all-wheel-drive system to rear-wheel drive. According to BMW, you can even achieve this by turning off the stability control, giving drivers an “even more unfettered performance experience.” There's an electronically controlled differential lock for the rear that can send power left or right as needed to get the job done, which works in much the same way as the stability control system. The difference here is that power, not brakes, is used to keep the M5 nice and tidy. That means faster cornering with more confidence, which is further aided by active rear steering that turns up to 1.5 degrees.
Stopping the M5 are six-piston calipers on 16.1-inch discs up front, while single-piston floating calipers on 15.7-inch discs are available at the rear. M Carbon Ceramic Brakes are optional, which increase the size of the front discs to 16.5 inches while shedding 55 pounds in the process. They sit behind a set of staggered wheels measuring 20 inches up front and 21 inches at the rear.
This is all part of the M5's bespoke driveline setup, which goes far beyond 5-series springs. The five-link rear axle is model-specific and uses stronger control arms, camber control arms and guide arms designed for higher g loadings. The double-wishbone front axle is more rigid and uses M5-specific hubs.
Additional bracing for the strut towers, underfloor bracing and mounts for various chassis components are stronger. Naturally, BMW's Adaptive M Suspension is standard, with electronically controlled dampers that the driver can fine-tune.
And there's plenty of fine-tuning available. In addition to the drive modes mentioned above, the new M5 allows for different settings for the suspension, brakes, steering, transmission, and xDrive all-wheel-drive system. While we're discussing tech, you'll find BMW's 8.5 operating system with M-specific displays for the driver and front seat passenger. A head-up display is standard, and when you don't feel like driving, you can stream a video or play a selection of AirConsole games.
Visually, the M5 stands out with quad exhaust tips at the rear. It's also slightly wider – 3.0 inches at the front and 1.9 inches at the rear. BMW says the M5's sides have been redesigned compared to the 5 Series to give it a more aggressive stance. The front is bristled with vents and contrasting angles, and a subtle lip spoiler adds some flair to the rear. Nine standard colours are available at launch, but buyers can choose from a number of BMW Individual shades to get something unique.
And now for the elephant in the room. The 2025 BMW M5 weighs 5,390 pounds. That's not as much as an actual elephant, but it's more than a Ford F-150 with a four-door cab and four-wheel drive. However, we've already driven a preproduction M5 on the track and we're surprised at how well it handles. Weight doesn't seem to be an issue, but how will it handle in everyday use? That's something we want to check out after spending more time in the car, so stay tuned.
Or, you can buy it for a starting price of $120,675 and decide for yourself if the heaviest M5 ever made is still a driver's delight. Deliveries begin later this year.
Gallery: 2025 BMW M5
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