The seventh-generation M5 has been revealed.

The 2025 BMW M5 is a plug-in hybrid boasting a total of 717 hp and 738 lb.-ft. of torque.

Not only does it have the power to shred asphalt, but it can also operate on fully electric power up to 40 kilometres.

The car will launch worldwide in the fourth quarter of 2024. The base MSRP in Canada starts at $135,000.

“The BMW M5 is powering into a new era. With 40 years of history having passed under its wheels, the legendary high-performance sedan has reached its seventh generation. And the executive model from BMW M now has an electrified drive system for the first time,” BMW Group Canada said in a news release.

M5 powertrain

Here’s how the upcoming M5 gets its motivation.

The M Hybrid drive system features a high-revving twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 engine. The gas-powered engine pumps out 577 hp between 5,600 and 6,500 rpm and 553 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,800 and 5,400 rpm. The rev limit is 7,200 rpm.

The electric motor has up to 194 hp and up to 207 lb.-ft. of torque. BMW says torque is bosted to as much as 332 lb.-ft. at the transmission input via a pre-gearing stage, a system patented by BMW.

“This innovation enables the electric motor, which is integrated into the transmission housing in a compact, weight-saving design, to generate effective thrust that could normally only be achieved using a far larger unit,” BMW said in a news release.

The electric drive system uses a 14.8-kWh lithium-ion battery, which is installed in the underbody of the car to save space. This also helps lower the centre of gravity for improved handling and agility.

Working together, the system produces a total of 717 hp between 5,600 and 6,500 rpm and 738 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,800 and 5,400 rpm.

The power is sent to the M xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission.

Performance numbers

BMW says the car will accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. Sprints of 80 to 120 km/h come in 2.9 seconds in fifth gear or 2.2 seconds in fourth gear.

The standard top speed is limited to 250 km/h, while an optional M Driver’s Package increases maximum speed to 305 km/h.

“The newly developed sport exhaust system of the 2025 BMW M5, with its electronically controlled and continuously adjustable flaps, summons a rich aural accompaniment to the engine’s power delivery,” BMW said. “The engine note is therefore very distinctive, as is the appearance of the two pairs of dual 100mm diameter tailpipes integrated into the rear apron.”

The car features a host of features to improve performance, too many to mention here, but among them is an airflow section in the kidney grille that sends air through a low-temperature radiator, then an air conditioning condenser and finally a high-temperature radiator.

“The low-temperature circuit supplies both the indirect intercooler for the V8 engine and the electric motor’s power electronics,” BMW said. “The high-voltage battery and the climate control system for the cabin are connected to a large coolant condenser. The high-temperature circuit comprises a mechanical water pump, a main radiator and two remote ones to the sides in the wheel arches. Together, these elements supply coolant to the engine block and the two turbochargers. A separate, horizontally arranged heat exchanger directly controls the temperature of the engine oil. Transmission oil cooling is by upstream air heat exchanger.”

Interior luxury

The car’s occupants will find an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system and a sky lounge panoramic roof (a carbon roof, which reduces weight by more than 30 kilograms, is optional).

The car utilizes BMW Operating System 8.5, which features an intelligent personal assistant, which allows for spoken instructions to control many vehicle functions, such as seat position adjustment.

Earlier this year, BMW Group Canada announced the M5 Touring (station wagon) would become available here. Look for details to be announced on that variant soon.