The 2025 BMW M5 is Almost Here: What to Expect From This Hybrid Beast
BMW is on the brink of unveiling the highly anticipated 2025 M5, and the excitement is palpable. The official debut is set for the last week of June, culminating in a much-awaited reveal that will only feature the sedan (G90) for now, with the wagon (G99) following in 2024. Car enthusiasts from all over the world are marking their calendars for the M Festival in Poland, happening on July 19-20, where the new M5 will be displayed for the public for the first time.
This isn't just any M5; this model is set to be the second M division vehicle incorporating a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup. Borrowing the electrified V8 from the contentious BMW XM, the 2025 M5 retains an element of traditional power with the added benefits of modern hybrid technology. Remarkably, this will also be the only 5 Series of its generation to boast an eight-cylinder engine, as the M550i has been discontinued. As downsizing and electrification trends take hold, this could very well be the final M5 to feature a V8 engine, making it a likely collector's item.
The buzz around the car hints at a staggering 700+ horsepower, but this power comes with a hefty weight. Rumors suggest the new M5 could weigh in at nearly 5,400 pounds (2,400 kilograms), although these figures aren't officially confirmed. The prototype showcased last month in Austria at the Salzburgring event provided a sneak peek into the wheel and tire combination: 20-inch front wheels equipped with 285/40 ZR20 tires and 21-inch rear alloys wrapped in 295/35 Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 rubber, all rounded out by carbon-ceramic brakes.
The exterior design maintains the aggressive and sporty aesthetics we expect from an M model, yet incorporates subtle hints of the latest automotive advancements. There's still some debate over whether a carbon roof will be featured, but given the weight, it may not make a significant difference. The new M5 is expected to be slightly larger than the standard 5 Series G60, potentially boasting a longer wheelbase due to its distinctive suspension geometry.
As a plug-in hybrid, the 2025 M5 won't just be about muscle; it promises some electric efficiency too. BMW CEO Oliver Zipse has hinted that this AMG E63 adversary will offer 43 miles (70 kilometers) of electric-only range. Speculation suggests that the engineers are likely integrating an 18.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, a bit smaller than the 25.7 kWh pack used in the XM, but still sufficient for a notable electric range. This shift towards electrification doesn't just mark a step forward for BMW but a significant evolution in what we consider high-performance driving.
The unveiling of the 2025 BMW M5 is just around the corner, promising to blend performance, luxury, and advanced technology like never before. Stay tuned as we pave the way toward a new era for one of BMW's most iconic models.