2025 BMW M5 review (video)

The BMW M5 has long stood as a benchmark in the high-performance luxury sedan space, pioneering the balance between outright speed and everyday civility. For 2025, it returns with its most dramatic transformation yet.

Now powered by a 700hp hybrid V8 with electric driving capability, the seventh-generation M5 is easily the most advanced and most powerful iteration yet. But it is significantly heavier. So the main question is, does it still feel like a proper M5?

2025 BMW M5: Specifications

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 plu-in hybrid
Electrical: 18.6kWh battery, 67km range
Output: 535kW / 1000Nm
Gearbox: Eight-speed auto, integrated e-motor
Drive type: 4WD/RWD
Wheels: F: 20×10.5, 285/40 R: 21×11, 295/35
ANCAP: Not tested
Kerb weight: 2435kg
Power-to-weight: 4.55:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 3.2L/100km
Our consumption: 11.7L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 60L/98 RON

Power efficiency: 167.1kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 1.95 seconds*
0-100km/h: 3.53 seconds*
0-200km/h: 10.31 seconds*
60-110km/h: 2.03 seconds*
1/4 mile: 11.30 seconds at 209.1km/h*
Max acceleration: 1.303*
100-0km/h braking: 36.16m in 2.94 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.637g*
Decibel at idle: 54*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 92*
Starting price: $261,700

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2025 BMW M5: How much does it cost?

Prices start from $261,700, which is actually less than the last M5 Competition which started from $269,600 in 2023. It’s not very often prices come down from a previous generation, especially when you factor in the extra level of technology and development.

However, the previous model was the Competition. There is room for a more hardcore version of this new model, which means there is some altitude left in that price tag.

2025 BMW M5: Interior & packaging

One of the most important aspects of any M5 is the interior. It’s always been calm, luxurious, yet with hints of driver-focused attitude and flavour blended in. The new model does carry through those traits with an obvious shift forward in technology. There is a much higher level of technology going on around you.

Merino leather upholstery is standard, available in multiple colourways, and the newly designed flat-bottomed M steering wheel adds a contemporary motorsport edge. Front passengers have traditionally big chairs in the front, with a wide range of adjustment and a perfect driving position. There is no doubt, this is supremely comfortable and ready for a long drive.

You get all the latest BMW Operating System 8.5 tech across a curved, dual-screen setup on the dash, while the ‘Interaction Bar’ adds a bit of flair with changing colour lighting and integrated controls for some climate functions. It would be nice if more climate functions were readily available rather than making you go into the touch-screen.

BMW’s ambient lighting package includes M-specific animations for startup and shutdown, and the Bowers & Wilkins audio system delivers concert-level sound – it’s awesome. Other standard equipment includes four-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, a carbon fibre interior trim option, and a carbon roof.

Storage is decent for a super sedan, with 466L of boot space and a 40:20:40 split-fold rear seat. That capacity is slightly down on the old model’s 530L space, mainly due to increased tech and electrical hardware in this new model. You could fit a golf bag in here with some leftover space.

2025 BMW M5: Powertrain & handling

This is where the new M5 really shakes things up. Under the bonnet is a revised 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 430kW/750Nm, paired with an electric motor for a combined output of 535kW and 1000Nm. That’s over 700hp in old language, and yeah, 1000Nm is insane.

The electric motor is integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, which is great. It means the gearbox works just like a regular torque converter auto, and brings all of the smoothness and behaviours that we’re used to – nothing new to learn here. The electric motor is able to seamlessly provide a boost when needed or commanded.

And a decent boost as well. The motor generates 145kW and 280Nm alone, which is about the same as what a small-to-medium SUV offers with its complete engine. It can be driven in electric-only mode for a range of 67km (WLTP), so you could theoretically drive to the office and back every day without using any fuel.

The official average consumption is 3.2L/100km, but that’s mainly because the official NEDC cycle lasts 20 minutes (30 for WLTP) and most of that is achievable with electric power. Over a week of testing we averaged 11.7L/100km, including one charge up.

But why would you want to drive in electric mode if you have a nice, burbling V8 available? And keep in mind BMW offers its range of i5 fully electric models for that anyway. The novelty of it is good, and it does make sense in some cities around the world that have emissions charges imposed on combustion vehicles.

As usual with modern BMW M models, there are a number of drive modes available including via the M1 and M2 pre-set buttons on the steering wheel. These are basically like radio station pre-sets, with your favourite configurations programmed in. For example, you could have the comfort suspension setting with the sport setting for the powertrain.

It goes further than just sport modes. The latest M5 features four-wheel drive but you can choose between 4WD, 4WD Sport (rear biased), and RWD settings. So, at the touch of the M1/M2 button you could flick this into RWD mode if you want to. You do have to confirm with a double-press as RWD mode also disengages the stability and traction control system.

With the electric motor housed in the gearbox, it provides torque fill during gear changes for absolutely staggering acceleration. Across the usual sprints on a private road with a Racelogic Vbox, we clocked 0-100km/h 3.53 seconds, 0-200km/h in just 10.31 seconds, and the quarter mile in 11.30 seconds at 209.1km/h – it’s almost a 10-second car, with heated seats and the capability of running without petrol.

Yes, the new model is heavy – 2435kg kerb weight – but on the road it feels astoundingly agile. The M xDrive all-wheel drive system and Active M Differential work in harmony to put down the power with incredible precision.

Even in 4WD Sport mode you can steer with the rear and provoke playful sliding, yet, if you stick with 4WD it brings monstrous lateral grip and longitudinal traction. Honestly, this feels like it would be quicker than any high-end super sports car from point to point. It is unbelievably quick.

Steering feel is natural for an electric-assisted system, offering sharp feedback through winding roads and enough engagement to convey all of the important information. It doesn’t suddenly step out sideways, for example, because you’re aware of it before and as it happens.

There are some steering weight modes to play around with as well so you can find your ideal feel. Obviously it’s never going to be as raw as an old-school Beemer, but it is very good for a modern setup in my opinion.

Being an M5 means it’s not just about shredding tyres and carving through corners. It has to be comfortable and relaxing as well. And in that regard the new model probably does better than any previous generation. This is not a firm suspension setup.

With the electronically-controlled dampers in Comfort mode, it glides over patchy surfaces like any other luxury sedan, yet tightens up immediately in Sport or Sport Plus modes for pin-sharp response and minimal body movement.

It really does blend the best of both worlds. Again, it might not be as raw or as hard-edged as previous generations, but I think the majority of buyers will appreciate the increased versatility. And don’t forget there is room for a Competition or CS variant in the future.

2025 BMW M5: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• Epic performance: 535kW and 1000Nm feels as outrageous as it sounds. Top-end grunt in particular is relentless.
• Luxury car roots: As always, the M5 is based on a luxury car and as such it offers a comfortable ride. Probably the most comfortable M5 yet.
• Interior: Build quality, materials, attention to detail, and fit and finish are faultless, and the integration of technology suits the modern-age generation of the latest model.
• Proper driver’s car fun: Yes it is heavy (noted below) but you can throw this around like an E36 if you want to, and it doesn’t feel cumbersome or un-agile. And there’s a RWD mode.

2025 BMW M5: Key considerations before you buy

• Weight: This is very heavy, tipping the scales over 2400kg. It’s the heaviest M5 ever. That’s going to impact tyre wear and sheer track-driving performance and longevity to a degree.
• Slower across 0-100km/h: BMW claims 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds while the previous-gen M5 Competition did it in 3.3 – although that was the Competition variant.
• Design: It is more subtle than some may expect for this performance level, although that is the M5 way. Even so, this could do with more aggressive touches in our view.

2025 BMW M5: Videos