Top Car

Bmw M5, the new one: a plug-in hybrid 'monster' with 727 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque

It will make its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England from 11 to 14 July and go on sale from November.

by Corrado Canali

26 June 2024

3' min read

Only few cars arouse the enthusiasm of enthusiasts like the BMW 5. After a long elaboration, the latest super saloon from the Munich brand has arrived. The new M5 is not only the most powerful car to have adopted the iconic badge. It is also the heaviest M5 of all time because it is combined with the plug-in hybrid mode. As expected, under the bonnet is the XM's DNA, namely the 585bhp twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 to which is added a single 197bhp electric motor fed into the 8-speed transmission. Total system output is 727 hp and up to 1,000 Nm of torque, the electric motor is the same as the XM's while the battery is smaller than the XM's, namely 14.8 kWh.

La nuova Bmw M5

Exceptional performance and unprecedented comfort

The new M5 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h, although it goes up to 305 km/h with the M Driver package. The flip side of this speed is the silent, purely electric operation provided by a plug-in hybrid. In electric mode, in fact, the new M5 provides up to 67 or 69 km of silent range on battery power alone. However, if you step on the accelerator or decide to change the M Steptronic transmission, the new M5 will turn on the engine for more power.

Driving dynamics at the highest level

Speaking of driving dynamics, there are three standard driving modes for the new M5. Sport and Sport Plus liven things up by keeping the engine revved up, but the optional Dynamic and Dynamic Plus settings are essential for the most complete M5 experience. These modes optimise the powertrain for maximum power and increase cooling on the track. Dynamic is also how you switch from the xDrive all-wheel drive system to rear-wheel drive. This can be achieved by deactivating the stability control, for an unprecedented experience.

An unprecedented driving experience

There is 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 not unlike a stability control system. The difference here is that power, not brakes, is used to keep the M5 on the road. This results in faster and safer cornering, further aided by active rear steering that turns up to 1.5 degrees.

Bmw M5, tutte le foto della nuova superca vestita da berlina
Photogallery28 foto

A braking system at the highest level

Stopping the new M5 are six-piston calipers on 16.1-inch discs at the front, with single-piston floating calipers biting 15.7-inch discs at the rear. Carbon ceramic M brakes are optional, increasing the front disc size to 16.5 inches. Behind a set of staggered wheels measuring 20 inches in front and 21 in the rear. This is all part of the M5's bespoke drivetrain configuration, which goes far beyond the stiffer springs of the 5 Series. The five-link rear axle is model-specific and uses reinforced control arms, camber control arms and steering arms designed for higher g-loads.

M adoptive suspensions are standard

The double wishbone front axle is more rigid and uses specific M5 hubs. There are extra reinforcements for the strut towers, reinforcements under the floor and supports for various chassis components are stronger. Of course, BMW's adaptive M suspension is standard, with electronically controlled dampers that drivers can fine-tune.

The 8.5 operating system is standard on board

And there are many optimisations available. In addition to the driving modes mentioned, the new M5 allows individual settings for suspension, brakes, steering, transmission and the xDrive all-wheel drive system. Still on the subject of technology, on board the new M5 is the BMW 8.5 operating system with M-specific displays for the driver and front seat passengers. The head-up display is standard and, in those moments when you don't feel like driving, you can stream videos or play AirConsole selections.

The unmistakable four tailpipes

Visually speaking, the M5 is unmistakable with its four exhaust tailpipes at the rear. It is also slightly wider at the front and rear: 3.0 inches at the front and 1.9 inches at the rear. The sides of the new M5 have been redesigned compared to the 5 Series to give it a more aggressive appearance. The front fascia is full of air intakes and contrasting angles, while a subtle lip spoiler adds character to the rear. Nine colours are available at launch, but buyers have access to numerous other shades in the Bmw Individual programme.

Public debut at Goodwood 2024

The world debut of the new BMW M5 will take place at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England in July 2024, with production starting in the same month at the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing. The global launch of the new M5 is scheduled for November 2024, at which time the new BMW M5 Touring will also be introduced. Key markets for the high-performance sedan include North America and Europe, with the United States leading as the single most important market, followed by the United Kingdom, Germany and South Korea.