New BMW M5 Revealed With 717 Bhp

The latest generation is the first-ever plug-in hybrid BMW M5.

BMW has revealed its latest sports sedan, the M5. The seventh-generation M5 is also the first ever M5 model to get a plug-in hybrid powertrain and is the most powerful version yet. The M version of the eighth-generation 5 Series comes a year after its global debut. 

The new M5 gets a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine mated to an electric motor that is housed between the engine and the gearbox. While the engine produces 577 bhp and 750 Nm, the electric motor produces 194 bhp and 280 Nm. Combined, the hybrid powertrain produces 717 bhp and 1000 Nm. However, this is not BMW M’s most powerful production car, as that crown goes to the BMW XM Label Red which develops 737 bhp and 1000 Nm. 

BMW claims the new M5 archives 0-100 kmph sprint in 3.5 seconds and 0-200 kmph in 10.9 seconds. While the top speed is limited to 250 kmph, it can be raised to 305 kmph with the optional M Driver’s Package. Power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. 

However, drivers can also manually select rear-wheel drive which disengages the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). It has five drive modes starting with Hybrid which uses both the engine and the electric motor. In Comfort mode, the electric motor is used more to maximise efficiency and then in the Sport as well as Sport Plus modes, the engine is permanently active. In the Electric mode is engine is only activated when needed, that is when the accelerator is pressed in kickdown or through the paddle shifters.

The new M5 has an 18.6 kWh battery that gives it an electric-only range of up to 69 km. Since it is a plug-in hybrid, it supports up to 7.4 kW of AC charging. The M5 can do speeds of up to 140 kmph in electric-only mode. In comparison, the XM has a 25.7 kWh battery which gives it a range of up to 88 km and can do speeds of up to 140 kmph in electric mode. 

It also gets adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers as well as rear-wheel steering. BMW says the drivers will have the ability to adjust each individual damper individually. The new M5 gets Carbon Ceramic brakes as an option and it gets staggered size for the alloy wheels (20-inch at the front, 21-inch at the back).

Cosmetically, the new M5 doesn’t look very different from the regular 5 Series. It still gets the slim headlamps with vertical LED DRLs, illuminated grille surrounds and flush-fitting door handles. However, it gets more aggressive front and rear bumpers, more pronounced side skirts and a massive rear diffuser with four exhaust pipes. While the standard 5 Series gets ‘5’ badging aft of the rear windows, the M5 gets ‘M5’ badging instead. The fuel-filler cap is placed on the right rear fender and the charging port for the battery is on the left rear fender.

Inside, the M5 gets an M-specific steering wheel with illuminated M buttons as well as M-specific seats and the centre console. Even the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen and the head-up display get M-specific graphics. Other features on the M5 include ambient lighting, four-zone climate control, Bowers & Wilkins audio system, a wireless charger and more. 

While there is no confirmation of its launch in India, expect the new BMW M5 to come to our shores sometime next year. The sixth-generation BMW M5 was priced in India at ₹1.73 crore (ex-showroom, India) but the new model could cross the ₹2 crore mark when launched.