BMW has just unveiled the seventh generation of its legendary M5, and the least we can say is that it marks a major break with its predecessors. For the first time in its history, the brand's emblematic sports sedan adopts a plug-in hybrid engine. A bold choice which is accompanied by a significant weight gain, raising questions about the evolution of the very concept of a sports car.
A revolution under the hood
The heart of this new M5 is undoubtedly its plug-in hybrid powertrain. It combines:
– A V8 twin-turbo petrol engine– A permanently excited synchronous electric motor
The whole thing develops an impressive combined output of 717 horsepower and 1,000 Nm of torque. For comparison, the previous M5 Competition peaked at 627 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque.
The power distribution is as follows: – 577 horsepower for the thermal engine – 194 horsepower for the electric motor
The electric motor is integrated into the 8-speed automatic gearbox and draws its energy from a 14.8 kWh battery housed in the vehicle floor.
Performance always on point
Despite a significant weight gain, the new M5 displays first-rate performance:
– 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds – Maximum speed of 250 km/h (305 km/h with the optional M Driver's Package)
In 100% electric mode, the M5 offers: – A range of around 40 km – A maximum speed of 140 km/h
The downside: significant excess weight
The electrification of the M5 is accompanied by a spectacular weight gain:
– Total weight: 2445 kg – An increase of 523 kg compared to the previous generation
This new M5 is also more imposing than its predecessor: – Length: +3 cm – Wheelbase: +2.3 cm – Width: +6.9 cm – Height: +5.3 cm
These numbers put the M5 in an unexpected weight class, making it heavier than some full-size SUVs.
A bold design, faithful to the M spirit
Visually, the new M5 stands out clearly from the standard 5 Series:
– More aggressive front end with a new interpretation of the BMW grille – Sculpted and muscular bodywork – Pronounced aerodynamic elements
The interior remains true to the spirit of the 5 Series, with a few specific M touches:– Redesigned three-spoke M steering wheel– Extensive use of carbon fibre– Sports seats with enhanced support
An assumed premium positioning
The new M5 will go on sale from autumn 2024. Its base price is announced at 120,675 euros, an increase of more than 10,000 euros compared to the outgoing model.
This seventh generation of BMW M5 undeniably marks a turning point in the model's history. The adoption of a plug-in hybrid engine demonstrates BMW's desire to develop its sports range towards greater efficiency, while preserving the level of performance expected of an M5.
The significant weight gain, however, raises questions about the evolution of the sports sedan concept. BMW engineers faced a major challenge in maintaining the agility and dynamic handling that the M5 is known for, despite the extra weight.
This new M5 perfectly illustrates the challenges facing premium car manufacturers: reconciling performance, energy efficiency and new environmental standards. It remains to be seen how the brand's purists will welcome this strategic shift, and whether the M5's iconic dynamic qualities will be preserved despite this major technical evolution.
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