2025 BMW M5: Is the New Hybrid Powertrain Worth the Trade-off?
The BMW M5 has always been a benchmark in the world of super sedans, blending unbridled power with everyday usability. But for 2025, BMW has decided to upend tradition by bestowing the M5 with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. It's a bold move aimed at future-proofing the iconic performance sedan, but it comes with significant changes that could divide hardcore fans.
A Hybrid Heart With Added Weight
The new M5 retains its signature 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, but now it's paired with a hybrid system. The combined output is a towering 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, figures that would have been unthinkable for a production sedan just a few years ago. However, this power upgrade comes at a cost: weight. The new M5 weighs a hefty 5,390 lbs, a 24% increase over its predecessor.
This extra mass has an impact on its performance metrics. Despite the power boost, the 2025 M5 clocks a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds slower than the outgoing model. For context, the previous F90 M5 could achieve this in just 3.2 seconds, and the M5 CS even dipped below the 3-second mark. It appears that all those batteries and electric motors are slowing the beast down, even if only marginally.
Performance Beyond Numbers
While the 0-60 time might not be as eye-catching, BMW promises that the hybrid system adds a layer of usability. The M5 can travel up to 25 miles purely on electric power, allowing for quiet, zero-emission journeys around town. This might not sound like much, but it does provide some eco-friendly flexibility for urban driving.
The V8 engine remains a high-revving marvel, delivering 577 hp on its own. The addition of the electric motor doesn't just add extra power; it enhances torque delivery across the rev range, making acceleration feel more linear and immediate. BMW's 8-speed 'M Steptronic' gearbox and a unique pre-gearing system ensure that power is delivered smoothly to all four wheels.
Driving Dynamics and Technology
Despite its added heft, BMW has worked hard to ensure that the new M5 retains its razor-sharp handling. The car features BMW's 'Active M Differential,' which can manage power distribution between the left and right wheels to optimize grip. If you feel adventurous, the M5 also allows for a rear-biased setup or even a pure rear-wheel-drive mode for some tire-smoking fun.
The suspension has been redesigned with lighter-weight aluminum components, and the brakes are larger than ever. Optionally available carbon-ceramic brakes not only offer better performance but also save 55 lbs in weight.
Interior and Pricing
Inside, the new M5 offers luxury and technology in spades. The cabin features BMW's latest Operating System 8.5, hosted on a curved dual-display setup. M-specific seats provide long-distance comfort and racetrack support, while new bi-color leather options offer a premium feel.
Pricing for the 2025 BMW M5 starts at $119,500, with the first units expected to hit showrooms by the end of the year. This marks a 16% increase over the 2018 model's launch price, which might be a bitter pill for some enthusiasts to swallow.
The Verdict
The transition to a hybrid powertrain marks a significant shift for the BMW M5, one that brings both gains and compromises. While purists might lament the slightly slower acceleration and increased weight, the hybrid system offers a taste of the future with enhanced efficiency and electric-only driving capabilities. Whether these changes will win over traditional M5 fans remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the 2025 BMW M5 is a bold new chapter for an iconic nameplate.