Beauty and the Beast
Story by Dwain Hebda // Images Provided
It wasn’t long ago that many serious car enthusiasts wouldn’t get within miles of an electric vehicle. The idea of trading a finely tuned piece of traditional auto craft for an EV, be it full or hybrid, was seen as akin to trading a G5 jet for a kite.
In a few short years, however, the world’s finest automakers have taken up the challenge to expand their lines into the electric space, winning over more and more of the unconverted with each iteration. The 2025 BMW M5 is the legendary German automaker’s boldest punch to the status quo yet, producing a piece of automative art to impress even the most skeptical of drivers.
“With the new M5, BMW does what it does best: keeps the traditional BMW faithful engaged, but entices new enthusiasts with class-leading technology,” said Robert Gibson, sales support manager for ONYX Automotive.
From the outside, the new model boasts relatively modest design changes, something in keeping with its similarly understated family tree. Much of the body styling for the M5 mirrors its predecessor models with modifications that are fairly low-key, save for in the rear where the haunches of the 2025 model are rounder and more voluptuous than its cousins.
That, and the giveaway charging port door above the driver’s side fender aside, it’s difficult for the casual observer to tell the new model apart from its predecessor. While not plain, exactly, BMW designers obviously focused on building a car to shine on the road, not the catwalk.
In this regard―and any other one cares to mention―the M5 is an unqualified triumph. Cuddling a 577 horsepower 4.4-liter V8 under the hood, boosted by two twin-scroll turbochargers, the new model outguns the last-generation F90 and also dishes out 553 lb-ft of torque. The M5 ups its game being paired with a permanently excited synchronous electric motor. Combined, the two components generate a knee-weakening 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the departing M5 CS model. Drivers can choose among three standard drive modes, including electric-only; the default hybrid mode, which switches automatically between gas and electric power; and an energy-saving setting. Two more performance modes are available with the optional M Drive Professional package.
“By adding electrification to the new BMW M5, owners can now have the best of both worlds,” Gibson said. “On all-electric drive, the M5 is now an economical daily commuter, or with the gasoline engine and electric motor working together, the M5 is a racetrack monster.”
The pairing of conventional and electric power systems also provides the driver with significantly more customization options at their fingertips. In addition to the multiple drive modes, the M5 offers three shifting levels and various settings that fine-tune throttle mapping, transmission, chassis, steering, and brakes. Drivers can even customize the all-wheel-drive system, dictating where power is distributed between the front and rear axles.
There’s also a boost control shortcut function activated by the left-hand gearshift, in which mode the car will select the lowest possible transmission ratio and switch the engine and chassis modes to their most aggressive settings. The car operates on an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission, which has received high marks from the auto press for performance.
“The 2025 BMW M5 has moved forward with the times, embracing hybrid technology and making it work really, really well,” wrote Jonathan Elfalan for Edmunds.com. “The fact that you could conceivably drive your weekly commute without burning a drop of fuel and then tear it up on a curvy road or track on the weekend seems like a pretty cool proposition.”
The addition of the electric motor and its companion battery makes the car heavier than its predecessors―by quite a bit, in fact. Yet, the M5 is so well-engineered and equipped, its 0-to-60 time is only about three-tenths of a second off previous generations, a largely unnoticeable drop-off for all but the most rabid driving enthusiast. What is noticeable is how the Adaptive M suspension package and available M Carbon Ceramic brakes keep the driver in control of all that power at all times.
“The M5 behaves a lot like an M5 Competition in the tight stuff and a lot like the Starship Enterprise on the straights,” writes Kyle Kinard in a review for motor1.com. “Like every modern M car, it feels like the development team chased absolute composure for this M5’s chassis, rather than constant engagement.”
The car’s cabin also gets high marks and the overall aesthetic reminds occupants just how far auto design has come in terms of ambiance, mood, and feel. The five-seat configuration includes two race-inspired bucket seats up front that have drawn rave reviews for holding occupants in place firmly, yet comfortably. Various leather, wood, and aluminum trim options are available, highlighted by ambient lighting touches and a panoramic sunroof, standard.
Onboard technology is easily visible via large colorful screens, a customizable instrument cluster and heads up display. Key elements are at the ready in the center console while myriad other functions of the infotainment system are activated by touch or voice command.
The M5’s MSRP of $119,000, per BMW USA, is not an unsubstantial investment. However, the performance and features offered by the auto represent a new benchmark for hybrid technology and performance in luxury autos, more than living up to the brand’s reputation as the Ultimate Driving Machine.
“BMW has doubled down on the M5 offerings for North America,” Gibson said. “For the first time, the M5 will be offered not only as a sedan, but also as a touring model. The BMW M5 Touring will boast race-bred performance along with the utility of a wagon. It’s just another way that the BMW M5 takes what was already the best, no-compromise executive sedan and takes the experience to a new level.”
For more information, visit onyxautomotive.com.
