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The most powerful M5 in history is also the heaviest at over 2.5 tons.

Few vehicles stir the enthusiast pot like the BMW M5. After a long build-up, the company’s latest super sedan is here. The new M5 is the most powerful ever to wear the iconic badge. But it’s also the heaviest M5 ever thanks to its standard hybrid powertrain.

As expected, there’s XM DNA under the skin – namely the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 and an electric motor tucked into the eight-speed transmission. Total system output is 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than what you get in the XM tag. The engine alone produces 577 hp, and another 194 hp. come from the motor identical to the one you’ll find in the XM. However, the hybrid battery is smaller – 14.8 kWh.

BMW says the new M5 can go from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, but that jumps to 190 mph with the M Driver’s Package. The flip side of that speed is the quiet, electric-only operation that comes with a plug-in hybrid. In electric mode, BMW predicts 25 miles of silent range on the battery alone. However, if you hit the gas or decide to manually shift the M Steptronic transmission, the car will assume you’re ready to play and fire up the engine for more power.

Speaking of play, there are three standard drive modes for the new M5. Comfort is where gasoline and electricity work to provide the smoothest and most efficient ride possible. The gas engine will shut down more often and the suspension/transmission settings are kept in their least intrusive configurations. Sport and Sport Plus liven things up (while keeping the engine running at all times), but the optional Dynamic and Dynamic Plus settings are necessary for the full M5 experience. These modes optimize the drivetrain for full power and increase the cooling system for track performance.

Dynamic is also how you switch the xDrive all-wheel drive system to rear-wheel drive. You can also get it by turning off the stability control, giving drivers “an even more unfiltered experience,” according to BMW. There’s an electronically controlled differential lock for the rear that can send power left or right as needed to get the job done, acting as a stability control system. The difference here is that the power, not the brakes, is used to keep the M5 nice and tidy. This means faster cornering with more confidence, something further aided by the active rear steering that rotates up to 1.5 degrees.

Stopping the M5 are six-piston calipers on 16.1-inch discs up front, with single-piston floating calipers biting 15.7-inch discs out back. M Carbon ceramic brakes are optional, increasing the front disc size to 16.5 inches while shaving 55 pounds in the process. They sit behind a set of staggered wheels that measure 20 inches in front and 21 inches in the rear.

It’s all part of the M5’s individual drivetrain tuning, which goes beyond the stiffer springs of the 5 Series. The five-link rear axle is model-specific and uses reinforced control arms, camber control arms and trailing arms designed for higher g load. The double-wishbone front axle is stiffer and uses M5-specific hubs.

There is additional reinforcement for the strut towers, floor reinforcement and mounts for various chassis components are stronger. Naturally, BMW’s adaptive M suspension is standard, featuring electronically controlled dampers that drivers can fine-tune.

And there are plenty of options for fine-tuning. In addition to the aforementioned drive modes, the new M5 allows individual settings for the suspension, brakes, steering, transmission and xDrive four-wheel drive system. While we’re talking tech, you’ll find the BMW 8.5’s operating systems with M-specific displays for the driver and front seat passengers. A heads-up display is standard, and for those times when you don’t feel like it, you can stream video or play a selection of games on the AirConsole.

Visually speaking, the M5 is unmistakable with its quad exhaust tips at the rear. It’s also slightly wider at 3.0 inches in the front and 1.9 inches in the rear. BMW says the sides of the M5 have been redesigned over the 5 Series to give it a more aggressive stance. The front is bristled with vents and contrasting corners, while a subtle lip spoiler adds some character to the rear. There are nine standard colors available at launch, but buyers can dip into a host of BMW Individual shades for something unique.

Now for the elephant in the room. The 2025 BMW M5 weighs 5,390 pounds. That’s not as much as a real elephant, but it’s more than a Ford F-150 with a four-door cab and four-wheel drive. However, we’ve already driven a pre-production M5 on a track and are amazed at how good it is. Weight doesn’t seem to be an issue, but how will this translate to everyday use? This is something we want to explore with more time in the car, so stay tuned.

Or you can buy one with a starting price of $120,675 and decide for yourself if the heaviest M5 is still a joy to drive. Deliveries will begin later this year.

Gallery: 2025 BMW M5

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