2025 BMW M5

 

Test Vehicle:  

 

2025 BMW M5 Sedan

Powertrain: 4.4L M TwinPower Turbo V8

Exterior Color: Sepia Metallic

Interior Color: Silver/Black Merino Leather

Options: Sepia Metallic Paint ($5,000), Driving Assistance Pro ($1,700), Executive Package ($1,850), Carbon Package ($3,100), M Carbon Ceramic Brakes ($8,500), Carbon Fiber Silver Thread ($300), M Driver’s Package ($2,500)

MSRP as tested: $146,225 (With Delivery/Destination: $1,175 + Gas Guzzler’s Tax: $2,500)

 

Pros: Power & Performance, Everyday usability, Modern Technology

Cons: Low fuel economy, High Cost, Complexity

 

The BMW M5 is based on the mid-size BMW 5-Series sedan and has been around since 1984. The car is now in its seventh generation, which debuted for 2025 and is the first plug-in hybrid M5 ever that combines a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with an electric motor. The combination pushes out an impressive 717 horsepower and 738 lb.-ft. of torque as it re-defines BMW's classic performance line. It mates to an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and comes standard with the M xDrive all-wheel drive system. It also gets a newly developed sport exhaust system with electronically controlled and continuously adjustable flaps, summoning a rich aural accompaniment to the engine’s power delivery. The engine note is very distinctive, as is the appearance of the two pairs of dual 4-inch diameter tailpipes integrated into the rear apron.

 

The M5 is available in a traditional 5-passenger 4-door sedan or as a 5-door Touring wagon body style. Sedans start at $121,900 and can climb into the $150k range after adding some options. Touring models start slightly higher at $123,900. 

 

Competition includes other performance sedans such as the Mercedes-AMG E63, Audi RS7 Sportback, Cadillac CT5-V,  and Tesla Model S Plaid. I spent a week in a fully optioned M5 Sedan that checked in at $146,225 and here’s what stood out…

 

 

Exterior:

For 2025, the BMW M5 gets a fresh look that is more muscular and distinctive from the standard 5 Series. It features flared wheel arches, prominent side skirts and a sculptural front apron which conveys performance intent. BMW also dialed the signature kidney bean grille styling back with a fresh interpretation that is more palatable with cleaner lines, rectangular shape, and a glow lighting integration. The newly designed BMW M kidney grille is finished in Black high-gloss and almost entirely enclosed. A single M double bar bearing the M5 badge runs horizontally across the grille. Below the M kidney grille is the central lower air intake. The Black high-gloss aperture in the front apron ensures a generous supply of cooling air. It is split by a central partition, which brings a new Motorsport-inspired design cue to the front. Standard Adaptive LED Headlights with cornering light function bring a clean, modern look. M Shadowline Lights add darkened trim to the inside of the housing. All combined, this gives it a blend of elegance + aggression, which is appropriate for a high-end luxury performance sedan. 

 

The side view is particularly effective with body panels that are exclusive to the M5. The redesign results in an increased width by 3-inches at the front wheels and 1.9-inches at the rear wheel when compared to a standard 5 Series. This means no additional flares on the wheel arches are required to accommodate the wider tires. There’s a modified character line above the flush door handles that ends earlier than on the standard model, accentuating the rear shoulder and highlighting those wheel arches. BMW also uses a higher proportion of body-color-painted surfaces (rather than contrasting plastic) for a more “puristic” look. Side skirts finish the design in muscular style with an additional, light-refracting edge strengthening the athletic overall impression. The aerodynamically optimized M exterior mirror caps can be finished in carbon fiber as an option. Within the D-pillar is an embossed M5 logo for further definition of the model.

 

 

Around back is an M rear spoiler and a diffuser element to optimize airflow around the body. In addition, the familiar M twin exhaust tailpipes are integrated into the rear apron. The center of the diffuser has a vertical divider; a design feature adapted from racing car design. Wide LED taillights shine brightly and complement the bold lower portion.  Exterior color options and optional carbon-fiber components (roof, mirror caps, spoiler) allow buyers to personalize the look. BMW offers a wide palette of colors including “BMW Individual” hues that come with a premium price tag up to $5,000.

 

Wheels:

The M5 comes standard with 20″ wheels at the front axle and 21″ at the rear axle. In most markets they are wrapped in 285/40 ZR20 front tires and 295/35 ZR21 rear tires.  Standard wheels are Dual Spoke Dark Gray 951M Wheels, but they are also available in a Jet Black finish.  For a different look, M Dual-Spoke Bicolor Black and silver 952M wheels are also available. There is no price adjustment for any of the wheel choices. 

 

 

Powertrain:

At the heart of the car is a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 delivering 577 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque from the internal combustion side alone. That engine is paired with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system, a permanently synchronous electric motor that adds 194 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. Combined system output is 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque — making this the most powerful M5 at its launch. It pairs with an 8-speed “M Steptronic” automatic. Drive goes through the AWD system (M xDrive) with the ability to switch modes (including rear-wheel drive bias) for more dynamic driving. BMW estimates that it will get from 0-60 MPH in around 3.4 seconds, but others have seen faster times. Top speed in standard form is around 155 MPH, but BMW claims up to 190 MPH with the optional M Driver’s Package.

 

This is the kind of performance sedan that throws you back in your seat with its incredible power and smooth acceleration. The hybrid powertrain adds instant torque, smooths out power delivery, and enables short electric‐only runs—useful in daily urban driving. There’s more than enough power to go around for those quick hits or longer passing transitions on the highway. Do keep in mind that the hybrid system does add significant mass to the car weighing at over 5,400 pounds. While the weight grounds the car, it can also affect its agility and lose some of the light sports car character. 

 

There are several different driving modes available that can be adjusted to various situations and driver preference. The driver can call up the relevant menu using the M HYBRID button on the control panel in the center console and access it on the control display.  The default setting HYBRID gives the driver access to the full system output of the combustion engine and electric motor in tandem. The ELECTRIC operating mode is for locally emission-free driving. In this mode, the V8 engine is only engaged if the driver pushes the accelerator into kickdown or switches to the transmission’s manual mode using the paddle shifters. Choosing the eCONTROL setting allows the charge of the high-voltage battery to be maintained at a constant level during a drive. In the drive system’s Sport and Sport Plus modes, the combustion engine is always engaged. The Optional M Drive Professional package adds DYNAMIC and DYNAMIC+ modes. These ensure the combustion engine and electric motor are both active and that the cooling system is conditioned for track driving. In DYNAMIC mode, the full system output is primed to deliver balanced, sustained high performance on the track. And DYNAMIC+ mode delivers the M Hybrid system’s full system power for a brief period for use on a circuit or closed roadway. 

 

A new Boost Control function enables a nearly instantaneous burst of speed when travelling between 20 and 90 mph. Pulling on the left-hand shift paddle for more than one second prompts all the powertrain and chassis systems to be switched to their sportiest setting. An alert on the information display indicates that this function has been initiated. When the driver pushes down hard on the accelerator, the M5 responds with immediate and truly ferocious acceleration that will toss you back in your seat. Regardless of drive mode, the power distribution is smooth and seamless. For someone looking for a high-performance four-door with everyday practicality and supercar‐like output, this is a strong candidate. 

 

 

Handling:

Despite its heavy weight, the M5 still handles corners with ease. BMW has mastered the chassis and suspension architecture in this car using bespoke front double-wishbone and five-link rear axles.  The double-wishbone front axle has optimized longitudinal and lateral rigidity, while the use of aluminum components reduces unsprung mass. All elements of the wheel carriers have been redesigned. The axle kinematics, large castor and kingpin angles, a lowered roll center, and elastomer bearings developed specifically for the new BMW M5 enable a familiar M combination of dynamic performance and refined comfort in everyday driving and over longer journeys. The 5-link rear axle also employs components with a model-specific design. The straight-line poise, load-change characteristics, directional stability when changing lanes, and steering behavior benefit from highly precise wheel guidance.

 

The M Servotronic steering for the new BMW M5 has been updated and unites speed-sensitive power assistance and a variable steering ratio. Steering is precise with optimal feedback making this larger sedan feel quite nimble. For the first time on an M5 it features a rear-wheel steering system (rear wheels turning opposite or with the fronts depending on speed) that helps at low speeds and adds stability at high speeds. While the steering system handles this very well in terms of accuracy, the added mass and the electronic assistance mean the driver may lose the “raw” connection to the road that past BMW loyalists may recall.

 

The new M5 also comes standard with Adaptive M suspension. Its electronically controlled dampers optimize road contact in all driving situations, reduce the body’s tendency to roll through high-speed corners, and enhance driving comfort in everyday conditions and on long-distance trips. This adaptive suspension allows a “Comfort” mode where the ride is reasonably composed, making it usable not just as a track toy but as a day-to-day vehicle. Other suspension modes include Sport and Sport+. Regardless of mode, this car is well-composed and capable of all kinds of driving. It’s smooth over roadways and will deliver an engaging, but comfortable ride. 

 

Fuel Economy

When the M5 arrived with a full 15.9-gallon tank it offered a driving range of around 270 miles.  Because it’s a plug-in hybrid, included in that range is around 25 miles of pure electric driving.  Fuel economy is rated at 12 MPG city,  17 MPG highway, and 14 MPG combined. Premium fuel is recommended, so expect to pay more at the pump. With such low ratings the M5 does get a gas guzzler tax of $2,500 added to its sticker price. 

 

Interior:

Hopping inside, the M5 has a very modern and sporty cabin. It blends high-performance focus with luxury refinement, creating a space that feels both tech-forward and driver-centric. You’ll find a minimalist dashboard dominated by a curved display panel that merges a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen under one glass surface. Gone are all the buttons of BMWs past in favor of more touch and swipe controls built into the tech. Materials include real carbon-fiber trim, brushed aluminum, or open-pore wood accents depending on preference. Every surface feels premium with stitched leather on the dash, solid metal paddle shifters, and high-quality switchgear that clicks with precision. 

 

 

Ambient lighting really creates a presence in this car with shifting colors and an illuminated M logo across the dashboard for added drama at night. Alongside the lighting for the smartphone tray, center armrest, and handle recess in the door panel trim, the interior lighting also comprises a Welcome Animation with light signals in the BMW M tricolor. Also helping to create the exclusive on-board ambience is the BMW Interaction Bar spanning the instrument panel into the front door panel trim. Integrated into the instrument panel with a crystalline glass appearance, this combined light-bar/toolbar includes control surfaces for the ventilation settings, rear window heating, and hazard warning lights.

 

Drivers will also face a newly designed M leather steering wheel in three-spoke design with a flat-bottomed rim, stitching in BMW M GmbH colors, and a red center marker in the 12 o’clock position adds to the Motorsport-inspired atmosphere. The horizontal spokes of the new steering wheel have narrow cut-outs and glass-look multifunction buttons. Steering wheel heating is standard.

 

A wide center console houses a wireless charging tray under the dash and has a nice rubber pad that keeps your phone in place. An electronic toggle button gear selector sits just below a bright red start/stop button. To the right of the shifter is a control jog dial that turns to make adjustments in the infotainment screen. Also incorporated in the console is a scrolling dial for volume adjustments. There’s a decent-sized storage compartment that opens in the center. Overall, the 2025 BMW M5’s interior is a masterclass in blending luxury, technology, and performance purpose. It’s filled with motorsport-inspired details that constantly remind you of its capability.

 

Up above is a standard Sky Lounge panoramic roof. The fixed glass panel extends in a single section from just behind the windscreen almost to the rear window and floods the interior with light. An electrically operated roller blind provides shade when desired. Alternatively, customers can opt for an M Carbon roof, which reduces vehicle weight by more than 66 lbs. The M Carbon roof is part of the M Carbon package, which also includes exterior mirror caps and a rear spoiler made from the same lightweight material.

 

Seats:

The two-row M5 seats five people in both sedan and wagon styles. It comes with thickly bolstered seats that keep you in place, but they’re also supportive and comfortable. The front seats in the M5 are substantially sportier than standard 5-Series seats. They come with power adjustability to find the perfect position and there is plenty of head, leg, and shoulder room. Also standard is a two-tone leather upholstery with an M5 branded accent at the top of the seat. M5 models also get blue and red stitching on all the seatbelts for an added touch of detail. The seats are firmer than a standard 5-Series, but still plenty comfortable for long distance drives. Practical features such as heated and ventilated seats are also standard. The front seats fit well with the car’s dual role for  high-performance and everyday usability.

 

Rear seats are also comfortable and can accommodate three adults with decent leg and shoulder room compared to other sedans. Rear seats include modern amenities such as climate zones, USB ports, and more which increases practicality. Hopping in and out is a breeze with larger door openings. Customers can choose to outfit the standard seats in one of four shades of Extended Merino Leather: Black, Silverstone/Black bi-color, Red/Black bi-color, and Kyalami Orange/Black bi-color. Making its debut for 2025 is the BMW Individual Full Merino Metallic leather trim, which will be available from spring 2025 in Black/Dark Violet bi-color and Taupe Grey/Deep Lagoon Pearl Effect bi-color.

 

 

Technology:

One of the most prominent features is the new curved display setup that incorporates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster plus a 14.9-inch central touchscreen integrated under one glass pane. M-specific graphics and animations, including performance data, G-force meters, and customizable layouts for track driving are all within the display. The display looks sleek and works well. It integrates wireless with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto without any hesitation or glitches. When parked, the updated infotainment system even allows video streaming or gaming features. Controls are primarily touch-based, but there is a jog dial and steering wheel controls. 

 

A Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System with 18 speakers and 655-watts of crystal-clear power is standard. Illuminated metal covers for the door-mounted speakers underscore the exclusive character of the sound system. The new generation of BMW iDrive also expands the repertoire abilities of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant which can now be used to adjust seat position, start park assist, or activate other features in the car. 

 

Optional features include a BMW Head-Up Display which is included with the standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional package. It projects information relevant to driving, including a multi-colored tachometer, shift lights, and M View, onto the windscreen in an M-specific style. Overall, the BMW M5’s technology package is very strong. If you’re buying a high-end performance sedan and expect modern connectivity, infotainment, driver assistance and a performance tech suite — the M5 delivers. If you prefer physical buttons, knobs and a more simplistic environment - the M5 may be a bit overwhelming. The advanced tech is a strength, but it comes with some complexity and material trade-offs.

 

Cargo: 

The M5 sedan has one of the largest trunks for a four-door its size, with 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space. The Touring wagon is as capacious as some SUVs, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57.6 when you lower them. The rear seatbacks in the sedan are split (40:20:40),which gives extra versatility for longer items alongside passengers.  For everyday use and light luggage, the sedan’s trunk is quite usable, and it’ll work fine for typical drives, trips, grocery runs, even moderate luggage.

 

Safety / Driver Assist Features:

The 2025 M5 comes with a robust suite of safety and driver-assist systems as standard which include:

• Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking (including pedestrian detection)
• Lane-departure warning plus lane-return / lane-keeping assist
• Active blind-spot detection / monitoring
• Speed Limit Info (recognizes speed limits) and no-overtaking indicator/pre-warning
• Rear-cross-traffic alert / Crossing Traffic Warning when reversing
• Exit Warning (when leaving vehicle)
• Parking Assistant (basic version) including things like Park Distance Control (PDC), Reversing Assistant

 

Optional is the Driving Assistant Professional, which permits the Lane Keeping Assistant with Side Collision Protection and Distance Control to be used when travelling at highway speeds. At lower speeds up to 40 mph, the Traffic Jam Assistant can provide attentive, unlimited hands-free driving to ease the strain of especially dense traffic situations on limited access highways. This feature is especially handy during Chicago rush hour traffic.

 

The functions of the driver assistance system can be configured to personal preference using the M Mode button on the center console. It’s important to note that when in the Sport setting, all interventions in the car’s braking and steering systems are suspended, with the exception of those triggered by the Forward Collision Mitigation system and the Evasion Assistant. Instead, only warning alerts flagging up speed limits or overtaking restrictions, for example, are given. In cars with the optional M Drive Professional, Track mode – conceived for use strictly on racetracks – can be selected. Here, all the advanced driver assistance systems are fully deactivated.

 

Final Statement:

In short, this has been one of my favorite vehicles to review of all time. It is a true enthusiasts’ sedan that is engaging, yet still practical for your everyday life. The addition of the hybrid powertrain only enhances this car’s performance capabilities with even more of a boost than expected. This vehicle can truly be personalized to your driving and comfort preferences, almost to a fault. It can be overwhelming with the amount of technology features and options. That said, it’s just as easy to ignore some of them and enjoy the thrill of driving.