The legendary BMW M5 has entered a bold new era, transforming for the first time into a plug-in hybrid. This radical shift, driven by stringent emissions regulations, sees BMW's iconic high-performance saloon combine a snarling 4.4-litre V8 turbo engine with a powerful electric motor, creating a machine that is both explosively fast and surprisingly efficient.
A Masterful Blend of Power and Efficiency
At the heart of the new M5 lies a formidable powertrain. The combination of the petrol V8 and a 197hp electric motor delivers a staggering total system output of 727hp and 1,000Nm of torque. This translates to a 0-62mph time of just 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 189mph. Remarkably, it can also cruise at up to 87mph using electric power alone.
The car's substantial size, at almost 5.1 metres long, accommodates an 18.6kWh battery pack, enabling an official pure electric range of up to 43 miles. This makes weekday emission-free commuting a genuine possibility, while the V8 remains ready for weekend exhilaration. This efficiency leads to a company car-friendly CO2 emissions figure of just 37g/km.
Engineering Genius Disguises Immense Weight
Weighing in at nearly two-and-a-half tonnes, the M5's mass is its greatest challenge. Yet, BMW's M division has deployed its full arsenal to overcome it. Adaptive M Suspension, Integral Active Steering, and M xDrive all-wheel drive work in concert to create a driving experience that defies physics.
On testing roads near the Goodwood Motor Circuit, the M5 felt amazingly lithe and grippy. The rear-wheel steering system, which turns the rear wheels opposite to the fronts at low speed for agility and in the same direction at high speed for stability, makes this large car feel unexpectedly nimble. The ride remains composed, refusing to pummel occupants despite the extreme performance on tap.
Drivers can tailor the car's character through a multitude of settings or simply press one of the red 'M' buttons on the steering wheel to instantly engage a full-attack mode. The theatrical exhaust, with its black chrome tailpipes and electronically controlled valves, ensures the V8's soundtrack remains a thrilling part of the experience.
Luxury, Technology, and the Bottom Line
Inside, the M5 is every inch the luxury performance car, with a price tag starting from £111,605. The cabin is spacious and welcoming, featuring M-specific trim, sports seats, and a bespoke steering wheel. The latest Curved Display houses a 12.3-inch driver's instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen running BMW OS 8.5, complete with augmented reality navigation.
Practicality is slightly compromised by the hybrid system, with boot space reduced to 446 litres (from 520 in a standard 5 Series). An estate Touring version offers a more practical 500-litre load area. The main technical grumble is the lack of DC rapid charging; using a 7.4kW AC wallbox requires three hours and 15 minutes for a full charge.
While its price rivals a basic Porsche 911, the M5's blend of searing performance, long-distance comfort, and now, notable efficiency, creates a uniquely compelling package. It successfully reinterprets an icon for a new age, proving that electrification can enhance, rather than diminish, the ultimate driving machine.
