--- title: "2025 BMW M5: The Super Sedan Goes Hybrid With 717 HP" date: "2024-06-25" modified: "2024-06-25" authors: - name: "Chris Tsui" job_title: "Contributor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/chris-tsui" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/2025-bmw-m5" categories: - "BMW News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "BMW" - "luxury" - "M5" - "sedan" - "sports car" --- # 2025 BMW M5: The Super Sedan Goes Hybrid With 717 HP ![Image of 2025 M5 on road with "717 HP" written behind it in large text.]() *\Fabian Kirchbauer/BMW\* The seventh-generation M5 is here, people. As promised, the super sedan is now a plug-in hybrid, using what is essentially the same powertrain as the [XM SUV](). Pairing a 4.4-liter S68 twin-turbo V8 with a transmission-mounted electric motor, the 2025 [BMW]() M5 makes 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. That V8 itself makes 577 hp and 553 lb-ft, while the electric motor contributes 194 hp and 207 lb-ft. This all translates to a top speed of 190 mph with the M Driver's Package (155 mph is standard) but zero to 60 mph takes 3.4 seconds. That 0-60 time is objectively still speedy in the context of a big sedan but it's notably *slower* than the outgoing, non-electrified M5, which hit 60 mph in 3.1 seconds in Competition form and 3.2 in base form (the hardcore [M5 CS](), meanwhile, did it in 2.9.) The reason for this is likely due to weight—the new M5 tips the scales at a massive 5,390 pounds. It's practically 1,000 pounds heavier than the old M5, which was no lightweight itself. [![]()]() *Fabian Kirchbauer* [![]()]() *Fabian Kirchbauer* [![]()]() *Fabian Kirchbauer* Surely responsible for weight gain is that hybrid powertrain which BMW says is "closely related" to the [M Hybrid V8 LMDh]() endurance race car the company takes to places like Le Mans. Electric-only range is said to be about 25 miles and the 14.8-kWh lithium-ion battery is located in the underbody for a low center of gravity. Engine and transmission mounts are specific to this car, while a new Boost Control function yields "instantaneous" speed when at traveling between 20 and 90 mph. A long pull of the downshift paddle puts the entire car into its most aggressive settings. Power travels through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels and gases are expelled through a new sport exhaust system. The weight gained going hybrid may have hurt off-the-line acceleration, but BMW points to already-at-speed acceleration being an advantage of electrification, citing a 50-to-75-mph time of 2.2 seconds in fourth gear. ![]() *Fabian Kirchbauer* [![]()]() *Fabian Kirchbauer* [![]()]() ![]() **BMW** In any case, the new M5's AWD system gets a lighter, more efficient transfer case than before while its Active M Differential can shuffle torque between the rear wheels however it likes. Just like with the last gen, the AWD system has three modes: regular 4WD, 4WD Sport (which directs more torque to the rear), and 2WD (which effectively turns it into a rear-wheel-drive car). As with any new performance car, the body is stiffer than before, both longitudinally and torsionally. A bunch of strengthening beams have been added to the engine compartment including a shear panel between the strut towers. Rear underfloor braces are specific to M5, the aluminum double-wishbone front suspension has been made more rigid, and wheel carriers have been completely redesigned. The five-link rear axle uses its own bits, and it's all said to contribute to this car's ability to straddle handling and ride comfort. Adaptive M suspension is standard with electronic dampers including electromagnetically controlled valves that can adjust damping forces individually "in milliseconds." The power steering system is updated, featuring a variable ratio and speed-sensitive assist. M5 also now gets rear-wheel steering as standard at angles up to 1.5 degrees, giving it a smaller turning circle at low speeds but better stability and comfort at high ones. There's a new integrated braking system and the car comes with M Compound brakes standard with lighter, stronger, and more durable carbon ceramics optional. Staggered wheels measure 20 inches up front and 21 inches in the back. [![]()]() *Fabian Kirchbauer* [![]()]() *Fabian Kirchbauer* [![]()]() *Fabian Kirchbauer* [![]()]() [![]()]() *Fabian Kirchbauer* The M5, naturally, appears more aggressive from the outside. Bigger intakes up front and flared fenders on the sides make the seventh-gen look the business and, breaking out the tape measure, this car is 3 inches wider at the front wheels and 1.9 inches wider at the rear over the regular 5 Series. The 2025 BMW M5 will start at $120,675 and is coming to Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, and dealerships in November. Of course, that [wagon]() version is on the way, too. Stay tuned. *Got a tip or question for the author about the new M5? You can reach him here: chris.tsui@thedrive.com* ## Author Chris Tsui is *The Drive*'s former Reviews Editor and current freelance automotive journalist. He's based in Toronto. ### Author social links [Instagram]()