For over 40 years, this executive powerhouse has been the benchmark for combining luxury and performance.

Entering its seventh generation, the latest iteration marks a significant milestone: the first-ever electrified BMW M5.  

At its core, the M5 retains its sporting pedigree with a high-revving 4.4-litre V8 engine, but now it’s paired with BMW’s M HYBRID system.

Together, they deliver a formidable 727hp and 1,000Nm of torque, propelling the sedan from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds.

Its design reflects an evolution of BMW’s performance aesthetics. The sculptural front apron, flared wheel arches, and signature Hofmeister kink embossed with the “M5” logo, all exude athleticism.

The enlarged front grille, now 13% bigger than its predecessor, channels more air to keep that V8 cool.

Inside, the luxury continues with M-specific touches. The cabin boasts M multifunction seats and a BMW Curved Display, which houses the latest iDrive operating system.

Whether cruising or pushing the car to its limits on the track, drivers are greeted by a blend of high-end materials and cutting-edge technology, including a Bowers & Wilkins sound system and four-zone air conditioning.  

The M HYBRID system pairs the V8 with a 197hp electric motor, offering instantaneous torque. This combination provides an electric-only range of up to 69km. The M5’s electric capabilities also extend to a top speed of 140km/h in full EV mode.

Driving purists will appreciate the M xDrive system, which offers flexibility between all-wheel drive and a rear-wheel-drive 2WD mode. 

BMW M cars are renowned for their handling, and the new M5 has adaptive M suspension and electronically controlled dampers that ensure a precise connection with the road.

The five-link rear axle and M-specific tuning provide a balance between comfort and agility. Meanwhile, rear-wheel steering enhances manoeuvrability in tight spots and stability at high speeds.  

Adding to its track credentials, the M5 features M Compound brakes and lightweight alloy wheels in a staggered 20-inch front and 21-inch rear configuration. 

Safety and convenience are paramount in the latest M5. Standard features include front collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go functionality.

The Parking Assistant Professional allows the car to park itself, either autonomously or via a smartphone app, covering distances of up to 200 metres.  

Starting at $746,888 before COE, this model is definitely pricey, but you get a ton for your cash as well.

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These machines don’t roll off the production line every year. In fact, this is only the third M5 Touring ever to emerge from BMW’s factory, and it’s safe to say, everything about it is, well, enormous.

This beauty stretches nearly five meters long and two meters wide, with a cargo bay starting at 500 litres. But flip down the rear seats – though not entirely flat – and you unlock a cavernous 1,630-litre space that’s peppered with lashing points, perfect for securing all your gear.

Honestly, isn’t there something about the chunky, stocky shape of the Touring that wears those ‘M5’ upgrades better than the saloon?

Now, under the hood, this Touring naturally shares its hardware with the latest M5 saloon. It’s the first plug-in hybrid M5. The heart of this M5 Touring is a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 that churns out a respectable 577bhp. Yes, I know, it’s a bit down from the old M5’s V8, but BMW is keeping an eye on future emissions laws.

But then, the electric motor tucked into the gearbox comes to the rescue, boosting the total output to 717bhp and 1,000Nm of torque.

Sure, you could geek out over its acceleration stats; 0 to 100 in 3.6 seconds. And yes, the top speed can be pushed from 249km/h to 304km/h with the right options ticked.

But let’s be practical for a second – you’ve got your surfboard, your wind-foiling setup, and maybe even a jet ski hooked up to the trailer. No worries. The M5 Touring can also tow two tonnes.

Even when you’re not towing a weekend warrior’s dream behind you, the M5 Touring has plenty of heft. 

With all-wheel drive that can be switched off, rear-wheel steering, adaptive suspension, an 18.6kWh battery, an electric tailgate, and no carbon roof (because BMW couldn’t source a supplier capable of making one long enough), it tips the scales at a staggering 2,560kg.

That’s Bentley Bentayga territory for the folks counting at home, complete with luggage.

That’s likely why the current Audi RS6 Performance, despite packing 100bhp less, is actually quicker off the line – a whole 0.2 seconds faster on the century sprint, thanks to being half a tonne lighter.

But here’s the real question: Would you rather be in the faster car, or would you prefer your neighbours not hate you for waking them up with V8 cold starts on a Sunday morning?

At least with the hybrid M5, you can maybe make a quiet escape. 

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BMW has just unveiled the new M5. The V8 lives on, but it is now coupled to a new hybrid system; 577bhp 4.4-litre from the V8, 194bhp from the electric motor.

Combined, the M5 can churn out a staggering 717bhp and an eye-watering 1,000Nm of torque.

But, because of the new system, the M5 tips the scales at a hefty 2,435kg, compared to the 1,895kg of its 2020 predecessor.

That extra weight shows: BMW claims the new M5 will hit 100km/h in 3.5 seconds, just a hair slower than the previous model’s 3.4 seconds.

Keep it in EV mode, and you get 69km of range and speeds of up to 140km/h without waking the V8, thanks to an 18.6kWh battery that can be charged up to 7.4kW. But come on, you bought an M5 for the big engine up front, right?

All this power is sent to the wheels via a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can send all the power to the rear wheels by turning off the car’s Dynamic Stability Control system. Tempting.

The M5’s double-wishbone front axle and five-link rear axle suspension setup, complete with model-specific kinematics and elastokinematics, ensure you have optimal feedback and directional accuracy. The electrically assisted rack-and-pinion steering, rigidly connected to the front axle subframe, enhances this precision.

The adaptive M suspension system with electronically controlled dampers, and BMW’s Integral Active Steering, which can steer the rear wheels by up to 1.5 degrees, further refine the driving experience.

The new M5 sports a nearly entirely enclosed gloss black kidney grille with the M-typical double-bar and M5 badge, flared wheel arches increasing the car’s width by 75mm at the front and 48mm at the rear, and a rear spoiler and two-section diffuser.

The embossed ‘M5’ logo at the Hofmeister kink is a nod to its rich heritage.

Step inside, and you’re greeted by an M-specific centre console, a flat-bottomed M leather steering wheel with illuminated M buttons, and M multifunction seats. BMW’s Curved Display running Operating System 8.5 with M-specific content ensures you stay connected and in control.

The BMW M5 will make its world premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2024, with production set to start at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing the same month. 

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