Few cars manage to strike a perfect balance between everyday practicality and track-level performance like the BMW M5. For over three decades, the M5 has symbolized the peak of what a sports sedan can be: blisteringly fast, luxuriously comfortable, and engineered with a precision that reflects BMW’s motorsport heritage. Whether you’re carving up mountain roads or cruising down the highway, the M5 delivers an experience that few vehicles can match.
A Legacy Born from Motorsport
The M5’s story begins in 1984 with the E28 generation, a car that stunned the automotive world. BMW’s M Division took the engine from the iconic M1 supercar and placed it into a regular 5 Series sedan. The result was a discreet family car that could outperform many exotic sports cars of its time. That formula—stealthy looks with incredible performance—has been the M5’s signature trait ever since.
Each generation since has added new technology, more power, and improved dynamics, but the M5 has always stayed true to its dual-purpose nature. Whether it was the V8-powered E39 beloved for its handling or the V10-powered E60 that screamed up to 8,250 RPM, every iteration brought something special to the table.
Under the Hood: Brutal Power Meets Refined Engineering
The current BMW M5, known as the G90 generation (launched in 2024), marks a bold evolution in the model’s lineage. For the first time, the M5 features a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It combines a twin-turbocharged V8 engine with an electric motor to produce around 718 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque—figures that firmly plant it in supercar territory.
Despite its eco-minded addition, this M5 is anything but tame. The hybrid system not only reduces emissions and improves fuel efficiency but also adds an electric boost that delivers instant torque off the line. The result is a 0-60 mph time of under 3 seconds, putting it on par with much more expensive performance machines.
BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system is standard, offering incredible traction and the ability to send more power to the rear wheels for that classic M-car feel. Drivers can even toggle to a rear-wheel-drive mode for a purer, more tail-happy experience.
Design: Subtle, Yet Aggressive
The M5 has always maintained a relatively understated appearance compared to flamboyant supercars—and that’s part of its appeal. The new M5 stays true to that philosophy. From a distance, it might look like a regular 5 Series, but closer inspection reveals its muscular stance, aggressive air intakes, quad exhausts, and signature M badging.
Aerodynamic enhancements and wider fenders are not just for show; they are functional elements designed to improve cooling and stability at high speeds. Optional carbon fiber roof and ceramic brakes hint at the car’s performance potential while reducing weight and enhancing handling.
Inside, The M5 continues BMW’s tradition of blending luxury with sportiness. High-quality materials, M-specific displays, customizable ambient lighting, and supportive bucket seats create a cabin that’s equally suited for spirited driving or long-distance comfort.
Technology and Daily Usability
One of the M5’s greatest achievements is its ability to be both a high-performance monster and a comfortable daily driver. It features adaptive suspension, various driving modes (from Comfort to Sport Plus), and a range of driver-assistance technologies. This dual character means you can enjoy a spirited weekend drive and then head into your workweek in supreme comfort.
The infotainment system is powered by BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 interface, with a curved dual-screen setup offering crisp graphics and responsive touch controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with advanced navigation and voice command systems.
Why the M5 Still Matters
The BMW M5 stands at a crossroads between performance tradition and modern innovation. Its adoption of hybrid power shows BMW’s commitment to sustainability without sacrificing the visceral thrill that M cars are known for. It’s a machine built not just for numbers on a spec sheet, but for the emotional connection between driver and car.
