BMW M5 PHEV: The Bad Boy

One look at the new BMW M5’s bold face, and it’s clear this car means business. Bigger, sportier, and more powerful than ever, the M5 now combines V8 turbo muscle with electric support, delivering electrifying performance—along with some extra heft.

Muscular Style, Powerful Core

In the world of upper-class sport sedans, the BMW M5 has long been a legend, seamlessly combining fierce looks with family-friendly practicality. The latest generation, internally named G90, raises the bar yet again, propelled by a familiar 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. But this M5 also gets a boost from an electric motor tucked into its eight-speed transmission, adding 145 kW (197 hp) and providing extra zip with a cleaner conscience.

In gentle driving or pure electric mode, the M5 can glide up to 140 km/h almost silently, powered solely by the electric motor’s solid 450 Nm of torque. But this hybrid setup truly shines when paired with the roaring V8, transforming the M5 into a supercar that happens to seat five. It rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds and hits 200 km/h in under 11 seconds. These numbers, though irrelevant in daily driving, are sure to turn heads in any car enthusiast’s circle. And if the mood strikes, this luxury sedan can cruise at 305 km/h on the autobahn, all while delivering a top-tier comfort level that’s hard to match.

At a hefty 2.5 tons, the M5 is not light. But its weight brings stability, and when combined with its impeccable handling and power distribution, it can transition from smooth cruiser to exhilarating road-racer with ease. That said, this elite experience comes at a premium—prices start at €144,000, with plenty of room for customization.

A Powerhouse Hybrid System

The combined output of 535 kW (727 hp) and a stunning 1,000 Nm of torque pushes this sedan’s limits, making its mass almost forgettable. While hybrid powertrains add weight, the M5 shows just how thrilling this dual-motor setup can be.

True, those extra pounds are noticeable when tackling tight corners and quick maneuvers, but this M5 is unapologetically powerful. BMW enthusiasts won’t be surprised if future variants add even more horsepower while trimming some weight. Currently, the M5’s fiercest rival is the Porsche Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid, which also delivers high performance in a similar weight class.

More than Muscle

Yes, the M5 PHEV delivers heart-stopping speed and precision handling, but it also offers a surprisingly comfortable side. Its 18.6 kWh battery pack gives it a quiet, electric-only range of about 70 kilometers, ideal for city commutes. Driving modes allow for a range of experiences, from hushed and refined to thunderous and aggressive.

Inside, four adults have ample room to enjoy the luxurious leather seating, with rear passengers getting a similar level of comfort to those in the front. If the sedan’s 466 liters of cargo space aren’t enough, the upcoming wagon version offers 500 to 1,630 liters—plenty for the needs of an active lifestyle.