BMW M5 (2024) owes everything to its plug

The first M5 appeared in 1985 and at first glance was almost indistinguishable from the regular 518 with its small four-cylinder, meager 90 horsepower and modest 140 Newton meters. But then you looked into the engine compartment and you saw the impressive power source of the M1. Eyebrows rose, throats went dry.

This approach runs like a common thread through the history of the M5: modest on the outside, extravagant under the hood.

BMW M5 (2024): unyielding appearance

That has now come to an end. The design of the new M5 cannot possibly be called modest. The larger track width (front: +7 cm, rear: +4 cm) gives it the unyielding appearance of an Urkish fisherwoman.

And thanks to the unique grille with a huge air intake underneath and far outward placed nostrils, the M5 clearly distinguishes itself from a normal 5-series, even with the M package. Not to mention the wide, angular rear with a four-pipe exhaust system and a massive diffuser.

Torque monster: V8 with two turbos

Under the hood, the M5 is once again a technical sensation. The V8 with two turbos fits in nicely with the sporting tradition, while the integrated electric motor opens the door to the future. Considered in itself, the eight-cylinder is an extraordinary piece of engine engineering; a torque monster that throws itself as eagerly at the rev limiter as a lion at the fence from behind which a chubby boy stares at him with scared eyes.

Exciting BMW M5 feeling

To make the powertrain more efficient and lighter, the new M5 received a reinforced crankshaft, a new turbo and oil pump, and a plastic oil pan. The most talked-about innovation is the 197 hp electric motor that sits between the double-blown V8 and the eight-speed automatic transmission. It whips things up and gives you that exhilarating feeling that comes with the M5.

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It is not only the raw power of 727 horsepower and 1000 Newton meters that the system generates that makes the sports sedan impressive, it is above all the perfection with which this power unfolds.

Accurate and communicative

On the Salzburgring, the fine, direct and intense responsiveness of the hybrid drivetrain is impressive – regardless of the speed or the gear selected. Even without electric assistance, the V8 would have captivated us with its wealth of torque and impressive power development up to a maximum of 7200 revolutions per minute, but it is breathtaking how the small imperfections of the combustion technology are smoothed out by the electric ‘iron’.

The system follows our commands with unquestioning obedience and the M5 accelerates on every straight stretch with such ease that it seems as if we are always driving downhill.

We rush up to the top of the hill, slam on the brakes briefly and then dive into the subsequent long, fast right-hand bend at 260 km/h and with incredible stability. No matter what you ask of the M5, it remains highly accurate and exceptionally communicative. And that with an empty weight of 2435 kilos!

BMW M5 (2024): four-wheel steering and balance

The four-wheel steering is not adjusted for comfortable street turning, but for agility and stability. BMW thinks air suspension is too slow and has instead developed a beautiful chassis with expertly tuned adaptive shock absorbers. The bodywork has been reinforced with numerous additional reinforcements at the front and rear of the car.

The M5 may be a new model with modern technology, but it still feels familiar in the hand. Thanks to the significantly larger track width and the incredible grip, you will exude self-confidence as a driver. Even if you go on a journey of discovery to experience where its limits lie, the M5 gives you an unimaginably safe and playful feeling.

For the best balance and lowest center of gravity, the battery cells were placed in the floor of the car. That sounds very logical, but it is actually only common with fully electric cars. In many plug-in hybrids, the battery pack lives under the rear seat or even further back, under the luggage floor of the trunk. There goes your weight distribution.

BWM M5 price

The fact that plug-in hybrid technology makes it possible to drive completely electrically for up to 69 kilometers and a maximum of 140 km/h is a nice story for another time. For now, it is good to know that the large EV range translates into low CO2 emissions and so this V8 is not penalized with a sky-high BPM amount. This means you pay the same in the Netherlands as in Belgium and Germany. That’s nice sometimes too.

Conclusion

The BMW M5 moves with the times and that works out well. The addition of an electric motor not only provides more power, but above all more flexibility. The high curb weight is a bit of a shock when you read it, but while driving the M5 manages to disguise those kilos incredibly well. And then we just throw and throw around with a pre-series model.