2025 BMW M5: A High-Performance Plug-In Hybrid
The 2025 BMW M5 marks a new chapter in the legacy of BMW’s high-performance sedans. Staying true to its roots as the ultimate version of the 5-Series, the new M5 boasts an upgraded chassis, an aggressive design, and enhanced performance. However, in a surprising twist, BMW has made the 2025 M5 a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), combining a twin-turbo V-8 engine with an electric motor. Despite this change, performance remains top-tier with an impressive 717 horsepower, a top speed of 190 mph, and an estimated electric driving range of 25 miles. The M5 continues to offer an array of advanced driving features, including adaptive dampers, optional carbon-ceramic brakes, and multiple drive modes that transform the driving experience from refined luxury to track-ready aggression.
What’s New for 2025?
The 2025 BMW M5 undergoes a full redesign, now exclusively available as a plug-in hybrid. Built on the latest 5-Series platform, it introduces the M5 Touring, a wagon variant set to arrive in the U.S. market. The first production model, a one-of-a-kind Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance special edition, will be auctioned for charity on August 16th.
2025 BMW M5: Pricing and Trim Options
The base price for the 2025 BMW M5 starts at $123,275. While only one trim level is available, BMW offers several premium packages to enhance performance and luxury:
- Carbon-ceramic brakes: $8,500
- M Drive Professional package: $900 (adds additional drive modes)
- M Driver’s package: $2,500 (raises top speed from 155 mph to 190 mph)
- Executive package: $1,850 (includes ventilated front seats, rear-seat sunshades, park-assist system, and heated rear seats)
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2025 BMW M5 features a new plug-in hybrid powertrain, pairing a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine with an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivers a combined 717 horsepower, a significant increase from the previous generation’s unassisted V-8. All-wheel drive is standard, with customizable drive modes, including a rear-biased drift mode. Adaptive dampers, rear-wheel steering, and high-performance brakes come standard, ensuring a balance of power and handling. During initial test drives in Europe, the M5 impressed with its powerful acceleration and sharp handling while maintaining a refined ride quality in Comfort mode. However, some drivers found the steering feel too light and lacking feedback.
2025 BMW M5: Acceleration and 0-60 MPH Time
During track testing, the 2025 BMW M5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds. While this is exceptionally quick, it falls slightly behind the previous generation’s time of 2.8 seconds.
Electric Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The M5’s 14.8-kWh battery provides approximately 25 miles of electric driving range on a full charge. Charging at a maximum rate of 7.4 kilowatts, BMW has yet to release detailed charging times for the new M5.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
According to EPA estimates, the 2025 BMW M5 achieves 12 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. Despite the hybrid powertrain, these figures fall short of the previous generation’s ratings of 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. For more details, check the EPA’s website.
2025 BMW M5: Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Space
The cabin of the 2025 BMW M5 retains the luxurious design of the 5-Series but includes several M-specific upgrades. Notable enhancements include a flat-bottom M steering wheel with customizable M buttons, a red center hash mark, and large shift paddles. Sport seats provide additional support during spirited driving, while ambient lighting and unique M animations enhance the interior ambiance. Buyers can choose from various leather, wood, and aluminum trim options. Standard features include a panoramic sunroof and a premium Bowers & Wilkins audio system. Those looking for a performance-focused setup can opt for a lightweight carbon-fiber roof, which removes the sunroof for a lower center of gravity.
The 2025 BMW M5 seamlessly blends high-performance engineering with modern hybrid technology, offering a unique combination of power, efficiency, and luxury.
Advanced Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2025 BMW M5 is equipped with a state-of-the-art infotainment system designed to enhance the driving experience. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen provide a wealth of customizable information. Running BMW’s iDrive 8.5 software, the system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. Additional connectivity features, such as video streaming and gaming, are available but can only be accessed while the vehicle is parked.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
BMW prioritizes safety in the 2025 M5, equipping it with an array of driver-assistance technologies. Standard features include automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, ensuring a secure driving experience. More advanced options, such as BMW’s hands-free driving mode, are available through the Driving Assistant Professional package. For comprehensive crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Key Safety Features:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
BMW offers competitive warranty and maintenance coverage for the 2025 M5, aligning with industry standards in the luxury segment.
- Limited warranty: Covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty: Covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance: Covered for three years or 36,000 miles
2025 BMW M5 Specifications
Vehicle Type: Front-engine, front-motor, rear/all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
Price:
- Base: $123,275
- As Tested: $146,225
- Options:
- Carbon-ceramic brakes: $8,500
- Santorini Blue paint: $5,000
- Carbon fiber exterior trim: $3,100
- M Driver’s package (increases top speed to 190 mph, includes one-day driving school): $2,500
- Executive package (illuminated grille, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, interior camera, parking assistant plus): $1,850
- Driving Assistance Professional package (lane centering, lane-change assist, emergency stop and evasion assist): $1,700
- Carbon-fiber interior trim: $300
Powertrain and Performance
- Engine: Twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve 4.4-liter V-8
- Horsepower: 577 hp (V-8) + 194 hp (electric motor); combined output: 717 hp, 738 lb-ft torque
- Battery: 14.8-kWh lithium-ion
- Charger: 7.4-kW onboard
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Chassis and Handling
- Suspension (F/R): Multilink/multilink
- Brakes (F/R): 16.5-in vented, cross-drilled, carbon-ceramic disc / 15.7-in vented, cross-drilled, carbon-ceramic disc
- Tires: Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z
- Front: HL285/40ZR-20 (111Y)
- Rear: HL295/35ZR-21 (110Y)
Dimensions and Weight
- Wheelbase: 118.3 in
- Length: 200.6 in
- Width: 77.6 in
- Height: 59.4 in
- Passenger Volume (F/R): 57/45 ft³
- Trunk Volume: 17 ft³
- Curb Weight: 5,251 lb
Performance Metrics
- 0-60 mph: 3.0 sec
- 0-100 mph: 6.7 sec
- 0-130 mph: 10.9 sec
- 1/4 Mile: 10.9 sec @ 130 mph
- 0-150 mph: 15.0 sec
- Rolling Start (5-60 mph): 3.5 sec
- Top Gear Acceleration (30-50 mph): 2.1 sec
- Top Gear Acceleration (50-70 mph): 2.3 sec
- Top Speed (manufacturer claim): 190 mph
- Braking (70-0 mph): 157 ft
- Braking (100-0 mph): 324 ft
- Roadholding (300-ft Skidpad): 0.98 g
Fuel Economy
- Observed Fuel Economy: 18 mpg
- EPA Estimates:
- Combined: 14 mpg
- City: 12 mpg
- Highway: 17 mpg
- Combined Gasoline + Electricity: 50 MPGe
- EV Range: 25 miles
The 2025 BMW M5 sets a new benchmark for performance sedans, combining electrified efficiency with exhilarating power and advanced technology.
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