2025 BMW M5 review

Every generation of the BMW M5 showcases significant improvements over the previous version, and the changes made to this latest variant are dramatic. The current M5 is the first electrified version of the four-door supercar, combining BMW’s well-known 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor to produce 717 horsepower—the most ever in an M5—and enough to reach 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. The M5 is just as much a luxury vehicle as a performance machine, and the cabin is replete with the finest materials and the latest advanced features. Ambient lighting helps create a high-tech vibe, while the M Sport steering wheel and sport seats are a nod to the M5’s performance characteristics. There’s plenty of passenger space in both rows of seating, and you can get extra cargo space with the first BMW M5 Touring wagon to come to America.

BMW introduced the sixth-generation M5 in 2018, one year after the German automaker introduced an all-new 5 Series. Sporting a retuned version of the previous generation’s turbocharged V8, the new M5 had 600 horsepower under the hood. The V8 was teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous dual-clutch gearbox, and the manual transmission was discontinued. For the first time, the M5 gained the traction of standard all-wheel drive. Even with this addition, the new M5 was lighter than its predecessor, which gave the big sedan a more agile feel. In 2019, the Competition version was added with more horsepower and improved handling.

While not as luxurious as some of its rivals, the M5 still featured a premium cabin with high-end materials and supportive sport seats. Styling updates in 2021 gave the M5 a new 12.3-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. 

When the fifth-generation M5 arrived in 2013, there had been a three-year gap since the previous version was discontinued. The new M5 said goodbye to the fourth generation’s V10 powerplant, instead going with an updated version of BMW’s twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8. Not only did the V8 put out more power than the V10, but it was considerably more fuel-efficient. A smooth-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox was teamed with the V8, and BMW continued to offer the M5 with a manual transmission in America. In addition to the powerful engine, the M5 stood apart from the standard 5 Series with a stiffer chassis, a limited-slip rear differential, larger brakes, and quad exhaust pipes. 

This M5 offered plenty of interior space for passengers and cargo, making it a comfortable sedan for daily use. Sport seats were stylish and comfortable with multiple adjustments, but the iDrive infotainment system could be challenging to operate.