The 5 Series festival continues. Now BMW is celebrating the world premiere of the M5 business sports car. It is the first plug-in hybrid – and therefore particularly powerful and particularly heavy. In terms of electric range, it outclasses the competition. And it also comes as a station wagon.
The 4.4-liter V8 under the hood is a familiar face. It produces 585 hp and delivers a maximum torque of 750 Nm from 1600 rpm. The eight-speed automatic transmission has a 145 kW/197 hp permanent magnet synchronous motor that can contribute 280 Nm and not only a system output of 727 hp and a torque of 1000 Nm, but also a DIN curb weight of 2435 kilograms. Without extras. The M5 was never a lightweight, but its predecessor weighed almost 600 kg less. However, even as a Competition model, it had a good 100 hp less, namely “only” 625 hp, which was generated entirely by the V8. The weight has an impact on performance: the new model needs 3.5 seconds for the standard sprint, and 10.9 seconds to reach 200 km/h. The discontinued M5 Competition comes in at 3.3 and 10.8 seconds respectively. The top speed is identical: 250 km/h as standard, 305 km/h with the M Drivers package.The electric motor draws its power from a net 18.6 kWh battery, which is charged at the wallbox with up to 7.4 kW. If required, it enables a purely electric WLTP range of 67 to 69 kilometers and allows silent gliding up to 140 km/h.For comparison: the Mercedes-AMG GT four-door (the E-Class is not available with this drive) has a system output of 843 hp as a plug-in hybrid – the electric range is given as just twelve kilometers.Up to five operating modes of the drive system can be selected using the M-Hybrid button. The basic setting Hybrid for intelligently controlled interaction of both motors with maximum efficiency or performance depending on the mode selected in the M Setup menu. Purely electric driving in Electric mode. eCONTROL mode for targeted recuperation or constant maintenance of the battery charge level. There are also the optional Dynamic and Dynamic plus modes for conditioning the cooling system and the drive for consistently high or briefly maximum performance on the racetrack. For the first time, 1.5-degree rear-wheel steering is offered, all-wheel drive is standard. This is so variable that the power can be directed entirely to the rear wheels if desired. The body has grown significantly and now measures 5.10 meters in length. Compared to the current civilian 5 Series (G60) and the previous M5, the new M5 is around seven centimeters wider at the front and five centimeters wider at the rear axle. Market launch in Austria in November 2024. The price list starts at 143,952 euros.
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