Published:
5 November 2024The headline stuff is that the M5 now weighs 2435kg before you climb aboard. That figure rises to two and a half tonnes if you choose the Touring (for only the third time in the M5’s history, an estate is now an option). Either way, it’s enough to give even 717bhp something to think about. Indeed, the new M5 is slightly slower to 62mph than the previous-gen car (3.5sec versus 3.4). Does that matter? To some it will, but the super-saloon arms race needs to end somewhere, and this seems as good a point as any.
What matters to M is not only the pure performance but also the experience, and to that end, the M5 retains the 4.4-litre V8 with two twin-scroll turbos from the previous generation, albeit with a range of detail improvements. It now makes 577bhp all by itself.
The hybrid part – the 18.6kWh battery and 194bhp electric motor – is actually the same as you’ll find in the fleet-favourite BMW 530e. R&D chief Dirk Häcker says bespoke high-performance batteries are in the works for future models, but for now this is the best solution. There was no temptation to go with a smaller AMG-style battery, because all 5 Series share the same body and structure, which has a compartment under the floor for the battery. As such, using a smaller unit would just be a waste of space.
