2025 BMW M5

First introduced in 1972, the BMW 5-Series has long been a benchmark in the midsize luxury sedan segment. The high-performance M5 variant arrived in 1985, blending executive-class comfort with motorsport DNA. For 2025, the 5-Series and accompanying M5 enters its seventh generation with a bold redesign that introduces hybrid power for the first time. The BMW 5-Series seats five passengers and is available in two body styles: a traditional sedan and-for the first time in the U.S.-a Touring (wagon) model. Key rivals include the Audi A6, Cadillac CT5, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Porsche Taycan, all vying for dominance in the high-performance luxury space.

The 2025 BMW M5 marks a major shift for the iconic performance sedan by introducing a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The electric motor is integrated into the 8-speed automatic transmission and produces 194 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, contributing to the M5's total system output of 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft when combined with the twin-turbo 4.4-lilter V8 engine. Powering the electric motor is a 18.6 kWh battery. This setup allows for an estimated all-electric range of up to 25 miles under EPA testing. Standard is BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Unique to the M5 is a driver-selectable rear-wheel-drive mode.

BMW offers the 2025 M5 in a single, fully equipped trim level. Pricing starts at $120,675 for the M5 Sedan and around $122,675 for the Touring model. Standard safety features include forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. Optional packages include the Driving Assistance Professional Package ($1,700) with adaptive cruise control and hands-free driving, the Executive Package ($1,850) with ventilated seats and a surround-view camera, and the Carbon Package ($3,100) featuring carbon fiber trim. For track enthusiasts, the M Driver's Package ($2,500) adds performance driving instruction and raises the top speed limit.

As in past generations, the 2025 BMW M5 delivers a jaw-dropping blend of brute force and refined engineering. It rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds, thanks to its 717-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain. Passing power that feels nearly instantaneous-whether you're overtaking on the highway or launching from a standstill, the M5 responds with a ferocity that belies its 5,400-pound curb weight.

Unlike typical hybrids, the M5's powertrain isn't about efficiency-it's a performance enhancer. The electric motor delivers torque instantly, smoothing out throttle response and eliminating turbo lag. In real-world driving, this means the M5 surges forward with authority even at midrange speeds, making highway merges and two-lane passes feel effortless. The hybrid setup also allows for up to 25 miles of electric-only driving, and in EV mode, the car can reach speeds of up to 87 mph without firing up the V8.

BMW gives you a full suite of engine modes to tailor the experience. The default Hybrid mode balances power and efficiency, while Electric mode prioritizes silent, emissions-free driving. eControl maintains battery charge for later use, and Dynamic and Dynamic Plus (available with the M Drive Professional package) unleash the full fury of the powertrain for spirited driving. The Boost Control feature preps the drivetrain for maximum acceleration with a long pull of the left paddle shifter. As for smoothness, the 8-speed automatic transmission is impressively refined in Comfort mode, delivering seamless shifts. In Sport or Sport Plus, it tightens up for snappier gear changes, though some testers noted a bit of harshness under full-throttle upshifts-more muscle car than luxury cruiser. Still, for a car this powerful, the M5 remains remarkably composed and polished.

According to the EPA, the '25 M5 achieves 50 MPGe when combining electric and gasoline power, and 14 MPG when running on gas alone. It requires premium unleaded fuel and features a 15.9-gallon fuel tank, which gives it a highway driving range of approximately 270 miles when the battery is depleted. Charging the M5's 14.8 kWh usable battery takes about 4 hours using a 240V Level 2 charger. However, BMW has recently upgraded the onboard charger to support up to 11 kW, which can reduce charge time to just over 3 hours under optimal conditions.

As for real-world fuel economy, expect averages between 13-17 MPG when relying solely on the gas engine, depending on driving style and conditions. With regular charging and short commutes, many owners may see significantly better efficiency by maximizing electric-only driving.

The 2025 BMW M5 delivers a surprisingly agile and composed driving experience, especially considering its hefty curb weight of over 5,300 pounds. The steering is precise if not a bit light, with BMW's M Servotronic system adapting effort based on speed and drive mode. It's not overly communicative, but it's accurate and confidence-inspiring, especially in Sport and Sport Plus modes.

A major contributor to the M5's agility is its rear-wheel steering system, a first for the M5. At low speeds (under 35 mph), the rear wheels turn opposite the fronts to reduce the turning circle and improve maneuverability. At higher speeds, they turn in the same direction for enhanced stability during lane changes and sweeping curves. This tech helps the M5 feel more nimble than its size suggests, especially on tight roads or in urban environments.

Braking is equally impressive. The standard M Compound brakes offer strong, consistent stopping power, while the optional $8,500 M Carbon Ceramic brakes provide even greater fade resistance and reduced unsprung weight. Roadholding is bolstered by a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, wide Michelin Pilot Sport 5S tires, and an Active M Differential that optimizes traction across the rear axle.

As for suspension, the M5 features a sophisticated adaptive setup with multiple modes: Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus. In Comfort, the ride is surprisingly plush, soaking up bumps and imperfections with grace. Sport tightens things up for more body control, while Sport Plus delivers a taut, track-ready feel with minimal roll and maximum responsiveness. The system is further enhanced by extensive chassis bracing and underbody stiffening, ensuring the M5 remains composed even when pushed hard. It's a masterclass in balancing luxury and performance.

The 2025 BMW M5 strikes a compelling balance between luxury serenity and performance theater when it comes to interior noise. At highway cruising speeds, the cabin remains impressively quiet-thanks to acoustic glass, extensive sound insulation, and the hybrid powertrain's ability to operate in near silence under electric-only mode. But when you want to let it roar, the M5 obliges. It features multiple exhaust modes controlled via the M Sound Control button on the center console. In Comfort or Electric mode, the exhaust valves remain mostly closed, keeping things subdued-ideal for early morning starts or stealthy neighborhood departures. Switch to Sport or Sport Plus, and the valves open up, unleashing a deeper, more aggressive soundtrack that highlights the V8's growl and the hybrid system's punch. The system also integrates with the M Drive modes, so you can customize how loud or quiet the car sounds depending on your preferred setup. BMW also includes Active Sound Design (ASD), which subtly enhances engine noise through the speakers

The interior of the 2025 BMW M5 is a masterclass in blending high-performance intent with luxury craftsmanship. The design is bold yet cohesive, anchored by a slim, driver-focused dashboard that flows into a dramatic "interaction bar" with crystalline lighting elements stretching across the dash and doors. The cabin is dominated by BMW's Curved Display, which merges a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with a 14.9-inch infotainment screen, all powered by BMW Operating System 8.5. Ambient lighting, red-and-blue M-themed seatbelt stitching, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel with a red 12 o'clock marker add visual drama without overwhelming the senses. Materials are top-tier throughout. Standard upholstery is Extended Merino Leather in colors like Silverstone, Aragon Brown, or Kyalami Orange, with optional Full Merino and Individual Full Merino upgrades available. Trim choices include carbon fiber, piano black, and fine wood veneers like Dark Oak. Assembly quality is excellent, with tight panel gaps, soft-touch surfaces, and a solid, creak-free feel even over rough pavement.

Functionality hasn't taken a back seat to style. The M5 seats five in reasonable comfort with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated M sport seats that offer excellent lateral support and long-distance comfort. Tech-wise, the M5 includes a full-color head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a configurable M-specific instrument cluster. Climate controls are integrated into the touchscreen but remain intuitive, and the system supports voice, touch, and iDrive controller inputs. It's a cabin that feels just as ready for a track day as it does for a cross-country road trip.

The M5 Sedan provides 16.5 cubic feet of trunk space, which is generous for a high-performance midsize luxury sedan. If you need even more versatility, the M5 Touring (wagon) is the standout, offering 17.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 57.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat-rivaling some compact SUVs in usable space. Inside the cabin, the M5 is thoughtfully equipped with ample storage solutions. You'll find a deep center console bin, large door pockets with bottle holders, a covered wireless charging tray, and a dual-level glovebox. Rear passengers also benefit from seatback pockets and a fold-down center armrest with cupholders. The Touring model adds a power tailgate and a low load floor for easier cargo access, plus a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat to accommodate longer items like skis or strollers without sacrificing passenger space.

Bottom Line--The 2025 M5 is a technological tour de force that redefines what a super sedan can be. It's not as raw or visceral as past M5s, but it's more versatile, more refined, and arguably more relevant in today's electrified world. If you want a car that can commute in silence, dominate a track day, and haul a family across the country, the new M5 is hard to beat-just be ready to pay for the privilege. Pricing starts at $120,675 for the sedan and around $122,675 for the Touring, placing it at the upper end of the segment. That's notably more than the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing (from ~$95,000) and slightly above the Audi RS7 and Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door, though it undercuts the Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid in most configurations.