The BMW M5 is powering into a new era. With 40 years of history under its belt, the legendary high-performance saloon from BMW M GmbH is entering its seventh generation with an electrified drive system for the first time. The model-specific M HYBRID system gives the new BMW M5 a maximum output of 727 hp and a peak torque of 1,000 Nm.
The combination of a high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor, plus power transfer courtesy of an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel drive, enables acceleration of 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.5 seconds.
The imposing power delivery and emotionally engaging performance experience served up by the new BMW M5 are accompanied by a new interpretation of the high-performance car design for which M is renowned. Prominent wheel arch and side skirt extensions, the sculptural front apron and model-specific surfacing around the C-pillar – including an embossed “M5” logo for the Hofmeister kink – give the car an athletic appearance that helps to differentiate it more clearly than ever from the BMW 5 Series Saloon. At the same time, an unusually high proportion of surfaces painted in body colour create a sleek appearance with stylish references to its superior dynamic abilities.
The exterior design – like the ambience of the luxurious interior, which is enhanced with M-specific features – accentuates the multi-layered character of the new BMW M5. Its sense of poise and assurance is fuelled by vast reserves of power that can be summoned at any time. Kept discreetly in reserve during relaxed, electric-only cruises, this performance comes to the fore as the BMW M5 reveals the “sport saloon” side to its personality over longer distances – and is unleashed in full on the track.
The M HYBRID system, power transmission and chassis technology are tuned to give the M5 specific performance characteristics, ensuring transverse and longitudinal dynamics unparalleled in this market segment. Together with its similarly outstanding elasticity, the new BMW M5 takes M performance to a new level.
BMW Retailers are taking orders for the new BMW M5 from today, with the first appearance and world premiere of the vehicle taking place at Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2024. Production of the new BMW M5 will begin at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in the same month, with the first UK customer deliveries from November 2024, which will also be accompanied by the introduction of the new BMW M5 Touring. The most important sales regions for the high-performance saloon are North America and Europe, with the USA expected to be the single biggest individual market by some distance, followed by the UK, Poland, Germany, South Korea, Japan and China.
M HYBRID drive system in the new BMW M5: intoxicating performance, impressive electric range
The M HYBRID drive system in the new BMW M5 brings a 4.4-litre V8 engine with classic high-revving character together with an electric motor, whose performance characteristics are tuned specifically for the M5 and which is integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. The combustion engine benefits from cutting-edge M TwinPower Turbo technology, a cross-bank exhaust manifold and optimised oil separation. It develops maximum output of 585 hp and peak torque of 750 Nm. The electric motor delivers a maximum output of 197 hp and a nominal torque of 280 Nm. However, thanks to a pre-gearing stage, the effective torque at the transmission input is boosted to 450 Nm.
The combination of combustion engine and electric motor adheres to the same principle as the drive system in the BMW M Hybrid V8 endurance racing machine. The ability of the electric motor to generate its power instantly and the intelligently controlled interplay of the combustion engine and motor ensure the M HYBRID system responds without delay to every movement of the accelerator. The linear power delivery typical of BMW M models is found here in particularly compelling form. The eight-cylinder engine can spin to a maximum 7,200 rpm as the new BMW M5 treats its driver to the sensation of relentless power development into the upper reaches of the load and speed ranges. Top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h) as standard, but the limiter can be raised to 189 mph (304 km/h) if the optional M Driver’s Package is specified.
The sports exhaust system fitted in the new BMW M5 underscores the performance experience with a multi-faceted and enthralling engine note. It features electrically controlled, continuously adjustable flaps and the two pairs of dual tailpipes familiar from other M models, each with 100-millimetre trims in Black Chrome.
Providing an acoustic accompaniment to the power delivery of the electric motor is BMW IconicSounds Electric. This M-specific electric drive sound provides authentic responses to movements of the accelerator when the car is operating in all-electric mode. With the relevant drive system configuration, it also generates an engaging boost track to highlight the arrival of extra electric power on top of the output from the V8 engine.
In all-electric operating mode, the new BMW M5 can hit speeds of up to 87 mph (140 km/h). The high-voltage battery located low in the car’s underbody has 18.6 kWh of usable energy, enabling an electric range of 42 – 43 miles (67 – 69 km) (WLTP), which is unmatched by any rival. The Combined Charging Unit allows AC charging at up to 7.4 kW, and from November 2024 production, the maximum charging rate will go up to 11 kW.
The power generated by the combustion engine and electric motor is channelled to the road via the all-wheel-drive M xDrive system, with the rear-biased setup particularly pronounced in 4WD Sport mode. However, the driver can also select 2WD mode which sends power exclusively to the rear wheels with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system switched off, which will appeal to experienced drivers who prefer a pure-bred performance experience. This further developed iteration of M xDrive – like the electronically controlled Active M Differential at the rear axle – is tailored specially to the performance characteristics of the M HYBRID drive system.
