Few cars create such excitement among enthusiasts as does the seventh-gen BMW M5, one of the heaviest super sedans ever built and also one boasting more power.
A twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 delivers 577 horsepower to all four wheels, while an integrated electric motor adds 194 pounds of twist. A variety of driving modes help optimize engine and electric motor output for lapping sessions, offering optimal performance from this big car.
POWER
Although the M5 has a larger, heavier footprint than its predecessor, it still manages to be lightning fast. BMW claims a 0-60 time of 3.4 seconds and top speed of 155 mph; plug-in hybrid setup provides up to 194hp via 14.8-kWh battery in floor as an electric boost (and zero emissions driving), and dynamic drive mode allows rear biased 4WD Sport setting with tail happy power-to-the-ground action for fun driving experiences.
Twin turbo 4.4-liter V-8s produce 717 horsepower and are coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle system’s lithium-ion battery packs 14.8 kWh for approximately 25 miles of all-electric driving range and has the capability of pre-gearing its transmission for off-the-line acceleration via its electric motor.
COMFORT
The M5 proves remarkably capable when facing up to Germany’s tight corners and potholes. It holds its intended line while cornering, giving little sense of its 5390-pound mass; its optional carbon-ceramic brakes offer superior stopping power with excellent feel and feel.
The seventh-generation M5 introduces an electrified drive system and represents one of the most powerful versions ever built by BMW. Packing 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet to all four wheels through an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, this plug-in hybrid offers a 25 mile electric range. A pair of rear-hinged M unique seats provides both track-ready support and long distance comfort – and come trimmed in various shades of Extended Merino leather such as Black/Silverstone/Black bi-color or Red/Black/Kyalami Orange; both feature Extended Merino leather finishes to complete its look.
PERFORMANCE
At slower speeds, the M5 resembles any standard 5 Series car; but when given full throttle it quickly transforms into an unstoppable force with incredible elasticity.
On Germany’s scenic roads, the M5 quickly accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and can hit its top speed of 155 mph without issue. These impressive results are achieved even for a hybrid vehicle weighing 5,390 pounds!
Inside, the M5’s cabin resembles that of the standard 5 Series with its combination digital instrument panel and infotainment display, including its large sweep. BMW has equipped this version of their iconic sports sedan with spectacularly comfortable front seats which balance support when cornering hard against long distance comfort on long trips.
DESIGN
Few vehicles provoke enthusiast passion quite as strongly as BMW’s M5. As their flagship sedan, it packs extra firepower and boasts an aggressive body to signal its performance capability. Now BMW has taken that concept a step further with their hybrid powertrain offering up to 25 miles of all-electric driving on one full charge!
The M5 is an outstanding feat of design. Its sophisticated cabin boasts a 12.3-inch configurable instrument cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment display that highlight BMW’s iDrive system, while its rear steering system can vector torque up to 1.5 degrees left or right for enhanced agility and high-speed maneuverability.
The double-wishbone front axle and five-link rear suspension have been significantly modified to enhance ride quality and track capability, along with a more rigid front subframe for improved chassis stiffness that helps you maneuver around corners quickly and effortlessly.
TECHNOLOGY
An abundance of driver assistance features enable short hands-off stints. An 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system and panoramic sunroof are available as options; furthermore, carbon roof technology reduces weight by 66 pounds.
BMW M has decided to opt for a hybrid setup this time around, which may disappoint some fans who are accustomed to seeing an engine producing V8 power, but its new M5 still fulfills its promise of offering an enjoyable supercar-like experience.
Adaptive M suspension adjusts damping for individual wheels in milliseconds, and its optional carbon-ceramic brakes offer impressive stopping power. Meanwhile, its Live Cockpit Professional uses a giant curved display for driving metrics and infotainment; voice activation Intelligent Personal Assistant lets you control the car using natural language; wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity connect the M5 with smartphones seamlessly.