The BMW M5 arrives at the seventh generation of a model with four decades of history, time for the German brand to bring the well-known model into the electrified era.
In this way, the renewed M5 debuts a plug-in hybrid system, with the same engine already used in the BMW XM. That is, it is equipped with a 4.4-liter V8 engine with 585 hp and an electric motor with 197 hp, integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission, which is powered by an 18.6 kWh battery, which promises a range in 100% electric mode of up to 69 km, and charging up to 7.4 kW in alternating current.
This way the combined power is 727 hp, the maximum torque is 1000 Nm, and the M xDrive system manages 4WD Sport and 2WD modes, with the latter allowing power to be directed only to the rear wheels and disabling stability control.
The refreshed M5 includes as standard an active rear axle limited-slip differential and variable stiffness damping, 20” alloy wheels at the front and 21” at the rear axle, a standard M Compound braking system, and the option of M Carbon brakes.
With a weight of 2445 kg, the refreshed BMW M5 is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, falling short of its predecessor’s time of 3 seconds, and announces a top speed of 250 km/h, which can reach 305 km/h with the M Driver’s Package.
With a length of 5.09 meters and a width of 1.97 meters, the renewed M5 is 78 millimeters wider at the front and 45 millimeters wider at the rear than the conventional 5 Series.
Aesthetically, the renewed M5 features a front section marked by a “closed” grille in glossy black, with the center equipped with driver assistance systems. The rear receives an M spoiler and black chrome dual M exhaust tips.
Inside, the highlight is the new BMW 8.5 operating system, with a curved screen that displays M-specific graphics and consists of a 12.3” instrument panel and a larger 14.9” infotainment system.
Also noteworthy is a new M steering wheel with a flattened bottom and incorporating red M buttons, which can be used to access the preset driving mode settings, along with the paddle shifters behind the black steering wheel with red accents.
In addition, the refreshed M5 is equipped with M multifunction seats, four-zone climate control, a panoramic Sky Lounge roof, and an optional 30kg lighter carbon fiber roof. It also features specific interior lighting and comes standard with a Bowers & Wilkins Surround sound system.
BMW has announced that the refreshed M5 has a recommended price of €168,000 and will enter production in July at the Dingolfing factory in Germany. It is expected to be available in the market in November 2024, along with the BMW M5 Touring.
