BMW M5 Sedan Hybrid 2025, or BMW’s masterful art

If the BMW M5 Sedan Hybrid 2025 is aimed at the elite, that’s because it has the pedigree. This is not a car for ordinary people. It’s a statement of intent, a fusion of pure performance and controlled electrification. It may not be totally electric, and it’s far from being affordable, but it’s still a brilliant success.

Raw power, with a brilliant touch of electrification

BMW has chosen a middle way by combining its legendary 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with a rechargeable electric motor. The result? A combined output of 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque (or, for the purists, 1,000 Nm). The 0–100 kph time is 3.5 seconds, and the 0–200 kph time is 10.9 seconds. All the figures that put it in the big league.

What’s even more impressive is that, despite all this enthusiasm, the M5 hybrid remains relatively reasonable in terms of fuel consumption, with an average of 9.2 L/100 km after a week’s test drive, and very little hesitation on the accelerator pedal. That’s quite a feat for a saloon of this type.

An Hefty Bill

Granted, the price is a bit of a wallet buster. The price of the BMW M5 Sedan Hybrid 2025 is $135,000 for the base model, and over $145,000 in the configuration tested. Enough to make those who don’t have cars as a priority think twice. But gentlemen, let’s remember one thing: cutting-edge technology always starts with these exceptional cars before moving down to more accessible models. The M5, in this context, is a veritable introductory laboratory.

The proof is in the M5’s plug-in hybrid mode, which is not just a gimmick, far from it. Its 14.8 kWh battery gives you around 40 km in 100% electric mode, or even a little more if you drive responsibly. Which, I admit, is something I’m a little less used to when I get behind the wheel of this type of vehicle.

Having said that, recharging is simple and relatively quick. It takes about two hours at a domestic charging point. And to make sure you’re in full control of the beast’s power and economy, BMW offers three driving modes: electric, hybrid or pure petrol, allowing you to adapt fuel consumption to each situation without ever sacrificing power.

BMW M5 Sedan Hybrid 2025: A supercharged M

Purists rest assured: this M5 hybrid remains a true M. The adaptive suspension is a marvel of balance, combined with directional rear wheels that improve handling. The M xDrive all-wheel drive system operates in rear-wheel drive mode by default, but is capable of transmitting power to all four wheels when required.

All this technology makes the M5 a surprisingly comfortable and enjoyable grand tourer when you just want to take to the road, but it becomes a dynamic companion as soon as you express the desire to do so.

The extra weight of electrification could have been a handicap. But BMW has cleverly placed the battery in the floor, thus lowering the centre of gravity. Even in the snow of Québec province, the beast proved imperious.

The interior meets expectations: luxurious leather and flawless craftsmanship, as well as a sophisticated infotainment system that may be a bit overwhelming at first, but once you get used to it, adjustments only need to be made once before embarking on your journey, making everything more manageable.

Thankfully, the Bowers & Wilkins audio system is a marvel, capable of amplifying the sound of the exhaust for an even more immersive experience. It can also transform the cabin into a concert hall if necessary. I have to admit that I was so taken with the sound of the engine’s purr that I didn’t pay much attention to the music. Every detail oozes sportiness and luxury.

The BMW M5 Sedan Hybrid 2025 and the competition

In this ultra-select segment, the BMW M5 Hybrid 2025 is up against some formidable adversaries. The Mercedes-AMG E63 S still stands out for its refinement and mechanical brutality, although it has not yet given in to the calls for hybridization. Audi’s RS7 Sportback offers an impressive blend of performance and versatility, with a design that doesn’t go unnoticed. And if you dare to venture off the German track, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, with its supercharged V8, is the American alternative. 

[spacer height= “20px”]

But none of them combine the M tradition and controlled electrification so well, not to mention the exceptional driving characteristics of the Bavarian brand. The BMW M5 Sedan Hybrid 2025 is built at BMW’s Dingolfing plant in Bavaria. This is the seventh generation of the BMW M5 Saloon.

For the discerning gentlemen

The BMW M5 hybrid 2025 is not a car for everyone. It’s an exercise in style. A show of force and a foretaste of the future of automotive performance. Its price is high, but its driving pleasure is unrivalled. For gentlemen looking to combine passion and innovation, it simply represents the pinnacle of BMW’s expertise. I must admit that I would have liked to have spent more time in it.

[spacer height= “20px”]

Book you test drive on the BMW Canada website

If you enjoyed this article on the BMW M5 Hybrid 2025, visit our Driving section dedicated to the world of automobiles.