BMW M5 2025: that’s it

The most powerful M5 in history is also the heaviest, at over 2.5 tonnes.

Few vehicles generate as much enthusiasm among enthusiasts as the BMW M5. After much preparation, the company’s latest super sedan has arrived. The new M5 is the most powerful to ever wear the iconic badge. But it’s also the heaviest M5 ever thanks to its standard hybrid powertrain.

As expected, there’s XM DNA under the skin, namely the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 and a single electric motor sandwiched in the eight-speed transmission. Total system output is 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, a bit less than what you get in the XM label. The engine alone produces 577 horsepower, and an additional 194 horsepower comes from the engine, the same as what is found in the XM. However, the hybrid battery is smaller, at 14.8 kWh.

BMW claims the new M5 can go from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, although it increases to 190 mph with the M Driver package. The flip side of this speed is quiet, electric-only operation that comes with a plug-in hybrid. In electric mode, BMW projects 25 miles of quiet range from the battery alone. However, if you step on the accelerator or decide to manually shift the M Steptronic transmission, the car will assume you’re ready to play and fire up the engine for more power.

Speaking of gaming, there are three standard driving modes for the new M5. Comfort is where gasoline and electricity work to provide the smoothest and most efficient journey possible. The gas engine will shut down more often and the suspension/transmission settings will be kept in their least intrusive settings. Sport and Sport Plus liven things up (while keeping the engine running at all times), but the optional Dynamic and Dynamic Plus settings are necessary to fully enjoy the M5 experience. These modes optimize the powertrain for full power and speed up the cooling system for track duty.

Dynamic is also how you switch the xDrive all-wheel-drive system to rear-wheel drive. You can also get it by turning off stability control, giving drivers “an even more unfiltered performance experience,” according to BMW. There’s an electronically controlled differential lock for the rear that can send power to the left or right as needed to get the job done, functioning much like a stability control system. The difference here is that power, not brakes, is used to keep the M5 tidy. This results in faster cornering with more confidence, which is further aided by active rear steering that turns up to 1.5 degrees.

The M5 is stopped by six-piston calipers on 16.1-inch rotors up front, with single-piston floating calipers biting 15.7-inch rotors in the rear. Carbon-ceramic M brakes are optional, increasing the front disc size to 16.5 inches while shaving 55 pounds in the process. They sit behind a set of offset wheels measuring 20 inches in front and 21 inches in the rear.

It’s all part of the M5’s bespoke drivetrain setup, which goes well beyond the stiffer springs of the 5 Series. The five-link rear axle is model-specific and uses reinforced control arms, camber control and guide arms designed for higher g load. The double wishbone front axle is stiffer and uses specific M5 hubs.

There is additional reinforcement for the support towers, reinforcement under the floor and the supports for various chassis components are stronger. Naturally, BMW’s Adaptive M suspension is standard, with electronically controlled dampers that drivers can fine-tune.

And many settings are available. In addition to the aforementioned driving modes, the new M5 allows individual settings for the suspension, brakes, steering, transmission and the xDrive all-wheel drive system. While we’re talking tech, you’ll find BMW’s 8.5 operating systems with M-specific displays for the driver and front passengers. A head-up display is standard, and for those times when you don’t feel like driving, you can stream videos or play a selection of AirConsole games.

Visually speaking, the M5 is incomparable with its quad exhaust tips at the rear. It’s also a bit wider: 3.0 inches in the front and 1.9 inches in the rear. BMW says the sides of the M5 have been redesigned compared to the 5 Series to give it a more aggressive stance. The front fascia is full of vents and contrasting angles, and a subtle lip spoiler adds character at the rear. Nine standard colors are available at launch, but buyers can look to numerous BMW Individual shades for something unique.

And now the elephant in the room. The 2025 BMW M5 weighs 5,390 pounds. It’s not as much as an actual elephant, but it’s more than a Ford F-150 with four-door cab and four-wheel drive. However, we’ve already driven a pre-production M5 on a track and we’re amazed at how good it is. Weight doesn’t seem to be an issue, but how will that translate to everyday use? This is something we want to look into with more time in the car, so stay tuned.

Or, you can buy one for a starting price of $120,675 and decide for yourself whether the heaviest M5 ever is still a driver’s delight. Deliveries will begin later this year.

Gallery: 2025 BMW M5

Learn more