What is a M5? The M5 is a midsize sedan built in the Dingolfing, Germany assembly plant and sold worldwide by BMW. It is the high performance variant of the BMW 5 series; specifically it’s a midsize sport sedan. The M5 is also available as a station wagon, known as a Touring Edition, marking it the first time a M5 Touring has been offered in the North American market. It is a high performance wagon that combines the power of a M5 sedan, with the practicality of a station wagon.
The 2025 BMW M5 is a high performance 4 door sedan, now available as a plug in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) for the first time in the US. It features a twin turbocharged V8 gas engine combined with an electric motor and a 14.8 kWh battery pack, producing a total of 717 horsepower (HP). The M5 retains its signature M division enhancements, including aggressive styling and all of its performance focused features.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the M5 hybrid powertrain and its performance:
Plug in Hybrid: The 2025 M5 is the first M5 to be offered as a PHEV, combining a 4.4 liter twin turbo V8 gas engine with an electric motor.
Power Output: The system delivers 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque.
Electric Range: The battery pack provides 27 miles of electric only driving range.
The 0 to 60 mph time: The M5 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.4 seconds.
Top Speed: The top speed of the M5 sedan is 190 mph with the driver’s package.
Transmission: A high performance 8 speed automatic transmission is standard.
All Wheel Drive: The car has BMW’s xDrive all wheel drive (AWD) system, which can be switched to rear wheel drive (RWD) at the push of a button.
To showcase this new hybrid model, this week BMW sent me a 2025 M5 sport sedan to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this PHEV edition is $119,500. The options on the test car are: the driving assistance professional package for $1,700, the carbon package for $3,100, the executive package for $1,850, the carbon fiber silver thread highlights for $300, and the M drivers package for $2,500. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), including the $1,175 delivery charge and the $2,600 gas guzzler tax is: $132,725. And yes, Virginia, there still is a Federal Gas Guzzler Tax.
After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to $149,316. At just 684 bucks under $150 Grand, you get a plug in hybrid supercar with 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, and that can get you to the next freeway onramp in just 3.4 seconds.
Now you can make it to Starbucks before going to work and have plenty of time to make some extra money to pay for the gas. The M5 hybrid gets 50 MPGe in hybrid mode and 14 MPG in gas only mode, and the EPA says you will spend over $5,250 more over the average new vehicle on fuel alone over the next 5 years. The 2025 BMW M5 sedan has a base price of $119,500, and the M5 Touring station wagon starts at $121,500, both plus the delivery charges, sales tax, gas guzzler tax, options, registration and dealer fees.
So, who would buy a M5? The typical buyer of a 2025 BMW M5 is often a middle aged, affluent individual, frequently an entrepreneur, or high ranking executive, who is likely upgrading from a smaller performance car like an M3 or a M4. This buyer is drawn to the M5’s blend of sporty performance and luxurious comfort, often using it as a fast, high end cruiser, rather than a dedicated track car.
The 2025 model, being a PHEV, also appeals to those interested in the latest technology and a potentially more efficient driving experience, though some may find the added weight and complexity a drawback. The new M5 Touring station wagon variant, available in the U.S. for the first time, might also attract some buyers seeking a practical family vehicle with very high horsepower and high performance handling too.
Six of the real reasons why people buy the 2025 BMW M5 sedan:
Blistering Performance: The combination of a 717 HP twin turbo V8 and electric motor provides substantial power and torque, delivering rapid acceleration and a thrilling driving experience.
Plug-in Hybrid Efficiency: The M5 offers an all electric range of 27 miles for around town driving, and the option to switch to hybrid mode for longer journeys, potentially improving fuel economy.
Dynamic Driving Modes: The M hybrid button allows drivers to choose between electric, hybrid, and dynamic modes, tailoring the driving experience to different situations and preferences.
Spacious and Luxurious Interior: The M5 offers a comfortable and well appointed interior, with ample space for passengers and cargo, particularly in the wagon version.
Iconic M Performance: The M5 retains its status as a high performance sedan, with aggressive styling, advanced technology and a reputation for top speed and handling.
Status Symbol: The M5 remains a desirable car for those who appreciate performance, luxury and the prestige of the iconic BMW M badge.
In summary, this is a purpose-built BMW that is very comfortable on the street, the track, or on the Autobahn. It’s extremely fast, with 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque that slams you back in the seat on wide open throttle (WOT) takeoff. It has a top speed of 190 miles per hour, and goes from 0 to 60 MPH in only 3.4 seconds. The brakes are so strong that it can stop the M5 from 100 MPH to zero MPH in only 324 feet. This M5 is the perfect example of what a hypercar in sedan form looks like, and it will only cost you a Buck Fifty Large. That is a bargain price for a car in the fast and furious supercar class.
So call, click or visit your local BMW dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the new 2025 BMW M5 High Performance PHEV Plug in Hybrid Sport Sedan. And remember that the base price for a new M5 sedan starts at only $119,500. BMW – The Ultimate Driving Machine.
The key to life is to learn something new every day, and by reading my Bottom Line review, I hope you did just that, learned about something new and exciting. So, be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Drive safely, have a great day, and enjoy the ride, as the future looks nice and bright – Tony the Car Guy.
This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to [email protected] and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net