BMW has been spotted testing and honing prototypes of the highly-anticipated 2025 ‘G90’ M5 out on the Nurburgring, wearing ‘electrified’ warning stickers confirming a hybrid powertrain, which we all suspected.
The next-gen M5 will be based on the recently-revealed G60 5 Series and is set to bring across some of its technologies. Such as, the company’s latest 8.5 operating system incorporating a 14.9-inch curved display and 12.3-inch gauge cluster – as seen below in the 2024 i5 M60.
Following in tradition for the M5, the interior will showcase a high degree of luxury that’s blended with a thick layer of performance and sportiness. Expect carbon fibre trimmings, bespoke M steering wheel, shifter and pedals, and an assortment of M badges and logos.
Of course, the most important part of any M5 is the driving experience. We spotted a number of different M5 prototypes on the Nurburgring recently, likely being tested for various systems.
One example is seen wearing wheel speed sensors and special antennas. This equipment is usually used for precise control and programming of the stability and traction control, among other drive systems.
The powertrain is set to be taken from the XM Label Red, which pairs a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with a 145kW/450Nm electric motor. Combined, the system develops a colossal 550kW and 1000Nm, and is officially the most powerful stock BMW engine in history.
It’s understood this circa-550kW tune will be the base setup for the G90 M5. Unlike the regular XM (non Label Red), which produces 485kW. There’s talk of an even more potent variation of the M5 further down the track, although, a lot more power will reportedly come in the form of a fully electric ‘i5 M’ as well.
According to a Car and Driver report, there is an i5 M is in the works and in line for a 2026 debut. It’ll apparently come with a quad-motor fully electric system that develops around 847kW (1136hp). An i5 M60 with 440kW is set to launch first.
With the assistance of an electric motor, the G90 M5 will no doubt be packed to the brim with special driving modes and unique new driving capabilities. All-wheel drive will continue, with an M Sport differential to sort out the distribution. We suspect the RWD mode switch will continue to be offered (hopefully).
For the first time, M5 drivers will also get to drive under fully electric power. Range figures are yet to be officially confirmed, but somewhere around the 90-100km mark is likely (XM Label Red offers a 83km range). With all systems running, 0-100km/h is expected to come up in under 3.0 seconds, making it the quickest M5 in history.
BMW has confirmed it is working on an M5 Touring wagon for the new-generation model as well, which is sure to make it the most practical M5 ever. Like the new M3 Touring wagon, the M5 Touring could be offered in Australia at some point.
In the meantime, click play below for a preview. An initial debut might take place late this year but production is not set to begin until the second half of 2024.
