Turning heads at the Goodwood Festival of Speed with a surprisingly agile ascent up the famed Hillclimb, the new BMW M5 defied initial concerns surrounding its hefty weight. This impressive display of nimbleness hinted at a potentially exhilarating driving experience despite the car packing on a significant number of pounds compared to its predecessor.
To unravel the secrets behind this seemingly contradictory combination, Examining the engine and its supporting components will provide insights into the engineering decisions that shaped the performance characteristics of this latest generation of the legendary M5.
This analysis will reveal the trade-offs made in the pursuit of both unbridled power and improved efficiency, ultimately painting a clearer picture of how the M5 tackles the challenge of balancing exhilarating performance with environmental responsibility.
Boasting a combined output of 717 horsepower and a monstrous 738 lb-ft of torque, the 2025 BMW M5 shatters expectations for performance sedans. This plug-in hybrid rockets from 0 to 60 mph in a scant 2.5 seconds, defying the limitations of luxury car acceleration.
With the M Driver’s Package, the M5 unleashes a hair-raising 190 mph top speed, solidifying its claim as one of the fastest luxury sedans available. However, this exhilarating performance comes with a trade-off the inclusion of an electric motor and battery pack increases the curb weight compared to its predecessors.
While the M5’s design might not evoke universal acclaim, especially amongst those less enthralſed by the audacious XM, it retains a level of sophistication befitting a premium performance car.
Previous generations, particularly the F10, E60, and even the eighties-era E28 have garnered praise for their enduring design language. The 2025 M5 carries the torch, offering a compelling proposition: exhilarating performance, luxurious comfort, and a design that, while perhaps not revolutionary, still embodies the essence of a modern BMW M car.
Moreover, the M5 ushers in a new era of electrified performance for the brand. The seamless integration of the electric motor with the powerful twin-turbocharged V8 promises not only earth-shattering acceleration but also improved fuel efficiency, a crucial aspect in today’s eco-conscious market. This shift towards electrification paves the way for a future where high performance and environmental responsibility can co-exist.
