2025 BMW M5 -What's new this year (First Drive)

Описание: Full Review available at www.DriveChicago.com

2025 BMW M5
BMW’s electrified M5 blends brutal power with everyday precision

Test Vehicle:

2025 BMW M5 Sedan
Powertrain: 4.4L M TwinPower Turbo V8
Exterior Color: Sepia Metallic
Interior Color: Silver/Black Merino Leather
Options: Sepia Metallic Paint ($5,000), Driving Assistance Pro ($1,700), Executive Package ($1,850), Carbon Package ($3,100), M Carbon Ceramic Brakes ($8,500), Carbon Fiber Silver Thread ($300), M Driver’s Package ($2,500)
MSRP as tested: $146,225 (With Delivery/Destination: $1,175 + Gas Guzzler’s Tax: $2,500)

Pros: Power & Performance, Everyday usability, Modern Technology
Cons: Low fuel economy, High Cost, Complexity

The BMW M5 is based on the mid-size BMW 5-Series sedan and has been around since 1984. The car is now in its seventh generation, which debuted for 2025 and is the first plug-in hybrid M5 ever that combines a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with an electric motor. The combination pushes out an impressive 717 horsepower and 738 lb.-ft. of torque as it re-defines BMW's classic performance line. It mates to an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and comes standard with the M xDrive all-wheel drive system. It also gets a newly developed sport exhaust system with electronically controlled and continuously adjustable flaps, summoning a rich aural accompaniment to the engine’s power delivery. The engine note is very distinctive, as is the appearance of the two pairs of dual 4-inch diameter tailpipes integrated into the rear apron.

The M5 is available in a traditional 5-passenger 4-door sedan or as a 5-door Touring wagon body style. Sedans start at $121,900 and can climb into the $150k range after adding some options. Touring models start slightly higher at $123,900.

Competition includes other performance sedans such as the Mercedes-AMG E63, Audi RS7 Sportback, Cadillac CT5-V, and Tesla Model S Plaid. I spent a week in a fully optioned M5 Sedan that checked in at $146,225.

At the heart of the car is a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 delivering 577 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque from the internal combustion side alone. That engine is paired with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system, a permanently synchronous electric motor that adds 194 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. Combined system output is 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque — making this the most powerful M5 at its launch. It pairs with an 8-speed “M Steptronic” automatic. Drive goes through the AWD system (M xDrive) with the ability to switch modes (including rear-wheel drive bias) for more dynamic driving. BMW estimates that it will get from 0-60 MPH in around 3.4 seconds, but others have seen faster times. Top speed in standard form is around 155 MPH, but BMW claims up to 190 MPH with the optional M Driver’s Package.

This has been one of my favorite vehicles to review of all time. It is a true enthusiasts’ sedan that is engaging, yet still practical for your everyday life. The addition of the hybrid powertrain only enhances this car’s performance capabilities with even more of a boost than expected. This vehicle can truly be personalized to your driving and comfort preferences, almost to a fault. It can be overwhelming with the amount of technology features and options. That said, it’s just as easy to ignore some of them and enjoy the thrill of driving.