The 2025 BMW M5 Plug-In Hybrid: A Game-Changer or A Misstep?
The seventh-generation BMW M5 has arrived, embodying BMW's march into the hybrid future but with a twist. This iteration, known as the G90, combines a robust twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor integrated into the ZF-supplied automatic transmission. Anticipate its dynamic debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed before it hits production lines in July 2024 for the 2025 model year.
The new M5 model will be joined by the G99 M5 Touring in November 2024, extending BMW's high-performance lineage. The sedan, identified simply as 'Sedan' in BMW parlance, will sit alongside the forthcoming Touring variant. A legacy of excellence is on the line as it follows in the footsteps of the legendary six-cylinder E34 and the V10-powered E61 Touring models.
Heart and Soul: The Engine
The heart of the G90 M5 is a plug-in hybrid system ostensibly borrowed from the BMW M Hybrid V8 endurance racer. However, the reality isn't quite that simple. The racing car's 4.0L twin-turbo V8, designed explicitly for motorsport, is not a perfect match for the series-production 4.4L twin-turbo V8 used here. But worry not, BMW enthusiasts; the German automaker assures that the 2025 M5 delivers a blend of performance and efficiency like never before.
Boasting 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, this powertrain should be more than enough to satiate your need for speed. Yet, compared to its predecessor, the F90 M5, the G90 appears slightly sluggish. Where the F90 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds (3.1 seconds in Competition guise, and an astonishing 2.9 seconds for the CS version), the G90 takes a more measured 3.4 seconds. This raises questions among eager M5 purists.
Size Does Matter
The added bulk is part of the equation. The G90 M5 tips the scales at 5,390 pounds (2,435 kilograms in Europe), making it a significantly heavier vehicle than its predecessor. The hybrid powertrain accounts for this weight gain, but compromise seems to be the name of the game when it comes to reducing carbon footprints.
Off-the-line acceleration might not dazzle, but the new M5 redeems itself in at-speed acceleration. Going from 50 to 75 miles per hour takes just 2.9 seconds in fifth gear and a blistering 2.2 seconds in fourth, proving that the G90 isn't merely about raw sprint times. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, or a tantalizing 190 mph with the optional M Driver's Package.
A Technological Marvel
The combination of BMW’s classic V8 engine, now producing 577 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque on its own, and the electric motor generating an additional 194 horsepower and 207 lb-ft, results in a harmonious yet thrilling drive. The effective torque, thanks to pre-gearing, amplifies the experience, delivering a punchy 332 lb-ft of torque.
Eco-friendly credentials don't end with the hybrid powertrain. Expect an official estimate of 1.7 to 1.6 liters per 100 kilometers in WLTP testing, although real-world figures will likely be less rosy. Even fully depleted, the G90 achieves respectable fuel economy compared to its predecessor. Electric-only range stands at up to 43 miles on the WLTP cycle, with North American versions targeting around 25 miles.
Design and Luxury: A Class Apart
From the outside, the G90 stands out with its distinctive M5-specific styling cues, from the surfacing around the C pillars to the bold wheel arches. Wheels range from 20 to 21 inches, wrapped in either Hankook or Michelin rubber. Carbon-ceramic brakes, a carbon roof, and an illuminated kidney grille are among the other standout features.
Inside, the cabin incorporates design elements from the G60, including the M560e xDrive and the i5 M60 xDrive. The BMW Curved Display, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen for the iDrive 8.5 infotainment system, makes navigating this technological marvel a breeze. Comfort and performance converge with M5-specific seats and illuminated M5 badges.
Price and Value
Starting at $119,500, plus a $1,175 destination charge, the new M5 is not just a high-performance machine; it's an investment. Adjusted for inflation, the price is more reasonable than it might initially seem, but prepare to dig deep into your pockets.
The 2025 BMW M5 isn’t just about speed. It's a comprehensive package combining advanced technology, luxury, and eco-conscious engineering. Whether this hybrid iteration can keep die-hard M5 enthusiasts enamored will be an intriguing story to follow.