Two Rolls-Royce Spectres stood proudly alongside a stunning $600,000 Cullinan Black Badge Series II, shimmering like aristocracy under the South Carolina sun. Nearby, the quirky new Mini Cooper S Convertible appeared diminutive, almost like a toy beside the imposing Cullinan. Four generations of the BMW X5 beckoned car enthusiasts reminiscing about automotive heritage, while the fourth-generation X3 revitalized the brand’s best-seller. Yet, amid the multitude of new cars available for driving at BMW’s Performance Center in Spartanburg, my focus was irresistibly drawn to the latest M5.
Although access to the track was denied, I ventured onto the industrial backroads weaving around BMW’s largest global factory. Surrounded by tractor trailers, maneuvering through roundabouts, and avoiding potholes, the seventh-generation M5 compelled me to take it for not just one, but several drives—its exhilarating performance capturing my attention. It truly showcased how BMW is handling V-8 power in an era increasingly focused on electrification.
The performance variant of the redesigned 5-Series for 2024 (the M5 skipped that year) features a V-8 plug-in hybrid powertrain akin to the XM SUV, albeit with a smaller battery pack. If you’ve had an experience with that less refined beast, disregard those impressions when considering the M5 sedan.
This powertrain is meticulously tuned, boasting a 577-hp twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 paired with a 194-hp electric motor, seamlessly integrated into the brand’s familiar 8-speed automatic transmission. Collectively, the new M5 generates 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque—performance metrics typical of an electric vehicle, yet accompanied by the raw appeal of a V-8 and the immediate torque offered by electric propulsion.
2025 M5 electrifies launch control
The M5 camouflages its mechanical intricacies with a simple yet captivating performance ritual. Drive it anywhere—perhaps along a freshly paved stretch near an industrial area serving BMW and its numerous local partners. Engage the red M2 toggle on the steering wheel, observe as the stability control light deactivates (it’s dialed back), press down hard on the brake, and then the accelerator. A 12.3-inch digital readout brightens to roundel blue, and a 10-second countdown appears.
Release the brake. Hold on tight.
It felt as if all four tires protested as I lifted my foot off the brake, though it could have simply been the larger 295/35-21 rear tires (Hankook Ventus A1 evo Zs installed at the factory). The all-wheel-drive system shifts to rear bias in Sport or Sport+ modes, which are vital for launch control. While a full rear-wheel-drive setting is an option, my experience didn’t require it. With a combination of two M settings, the Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus drive modes, plus four electric drivetrain configurations, I found myself thoroughly engaged.
Before I could glance at the speedometer or exhale, I was hitting 75 mph. Although I didn’t reach the peak speed of 155 mph, BMW’s 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds felt quite conservative. The twin-turbo V-8 is incredibly visceral and impressively responsive, minimizing the need for artificial sound enhancement through the speakers. Weighing in at approximately 1,150 extra pounds, or around 23% more due to the usable 14.8-kwh battery pack, could easily burden a car, yet it doesn’t detract from the driving experience.
Luckily, the imposing 16.1-inch front rotors and six-piston brake calipers—painted red on this model instead of the standard blue—paired with 15.7-inch rear rotors featuring single-piston floating calipers, offer immense stopping power. Carbon ceramic brakes can reduce weight by 55 pounds but come at an additional cost of $8,500. If you’re a regular on the racetrack, that investment likely pays off. Time after time, the brakes gripped eagerly without hesitation or vibration, and I pushed harder into every corner on each subsequent lap.
2025 M5: Mastering the M Hybrid powertrain settings and M Mode drive options
The prior M5 Competition, equipped with its 627-hp V-8, achieved an estimated 0-60 time of 3.1 seconds. While there are fully electric vehicles that can outpace it with straightforward acceleration, the new M5 presents a significantly wider range of performance and comfort settings compared to its predecessor. Furthermore, the efficiency improvements allow BMW to still deliver a V-8 performance sedan suited for a global audience.
The M5 begins in Hybrid mode upon startup, and if already in any Sport modes, the 4.4-liter V-8 prominently leads the charge within the M Hybrid powertrain. The Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus drive modes can be accessed through an M Mode button. In Comfort mode, the electric motor takes precedence unless the throttle is pressed. It can function solely on electric power for a complete 25-mile range or switch to Electric mode for fully emission-free driving until the battery is depleted. While operating under electric power, gear changes from the 8-speed automatic may surprise those accustomed to electric vehicles, but I appreciated its consistent response throughout the drive settings.
An eControl mode serves as a battery conservation feature, relying exclusively on engine power.
Despite the tire noise inherent in electric mode, the M5 effectively provides a well-insulated experience from the road’s disturbances. Its independent multi-link front and rear suspension system, equipped with steel springs and adaptive dampers, further enhances road isolation, especially in Comfort mode. These settings lend the M5 a dual identity, blending the elegance of a grand tourer with a strong performance ethos.
Switching to Sport mode adds more rigidity, and the additional bracing and reinforcements over the standard 5-Series transform the vehicle into a decidedly sportier machine.
Over potholes or railway crossings, the ride felt a bit jumpy, so adjusting the settings became essential.
To find your ideal preferences while driving, it’s advisable to experiment with the powertrain settings and drive modes on the console. After pulling over, you can take a more thorough look at personalizing your driver profile through the expansive 14.9-inch touchscreen. This allows you to modify the drive system, transmission shifts, suspension settings, steering feel, and regenerative brake configurations, all of which can be adjusted in three levels. A dedicated button for regenerative settings would be preferable, but you can assign these custom settings to the M1 button on the steering wheel for easier access.
On twisting roads affected by heavy truck usage, the suspension effectively managed the uneven terrain, fostering a stable feel that encouraged spirited driving on the more accessible state highways.
I found the variable-ratio steering especially enjoyable at higher speeds, as the robust steering wheel provided substantial resistance, resulting in precise turns backed by the support of rear-axle steering. This steering only adjusts in-phase by 1.5 degrees, eliminating concerns about oversteering or taking curves too narrowly. It serves as a much-appreciated, discreet assistant. At cruising speeds and within Comfort mode, the steering became almost imperceptible, making the road feel distant.
2025 M5 Specifications and Pricing
Similar to the revamped 5-Series for 2025, the M5 spans 200.6 inches in length, about a foot shorter than the 7-Series, alongside a generous wheelbase measuring 118.3 inches. This represents an increase of 4.2 inches in length and nearly an inch in wheelbase compared to the 2023 M5, resulting in a slightly more spacious cabin that comfortably accommodates four adults. Additionally, it is 2.7 inches wider and exceeds the previous model’s height by more than an inch.
The 2025 BMW M5 is offered in a single configuration, starting at **$120,675** plus an additional $1,175 destination fee; however, the M5 Touring wagon—featuring a stylish design and crossover cargo space—begins at **$122,675**. My experience with the Touring was limited to a guided loop, so I cannot comment on its dynamic characteristics compared to the sedan. The pricing allows consumers to choose from a wide range of exterior colors and interior finishes, as well as three wheel and tire combinations, all at no extra charge.
Adding features like adaptive cruise control with limited hands-free driving will cost you an extra $1,700, which seems excessive, especially considering that many mainstream models, such as the Toyota RAV4, include adaptive cruise control as standard equipment.
Although the EPA has yet to certify it and BMW hasn’t provided specific details, the M5 represents a significant step forward in BMW’s performance lineup for the electric era, broadening its appeal and usability compared to a solely V-8-powered model. This makes it attractive to a wider range of drivers and applicable across various driving scenarios, including navigating industrial roads.
Image Source: Veyron Photo / Shutterstock
