BMW was spotted testing a prototype for its redesigned M5, which will be the first in the brand’s history to feature electrification.
It will be based on the redesigned 5 Series which was launched last year for the 2024 model year. The M5 is expected to arrive later this year, meaning it will likely hit showrooms as a 2025 model in the U.S.
The prototype may look like one of the testers for the redesigned 5 Series, but telltale clues point to it as the M5 variant. These include quad exhaust tips, flared wheel arches, pizza tray-sized brake rotors, and multiple intakes on the front fascia.
There appears to be a depression in the hood that runs from the center of the grille, a design first seen on the M3 and M4, and more recently on the 2023XM. The spider web wheel pattern is also similar to that of the M3 and M4.
There is also no shortage of “Electrified Vehicle” stickers confirming an electrified powertrain. A likely bet is the electrified V-8 engine that debuted in the XM SUV. The XM uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines BMW’s latest 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 with an electric motor integrated into the transmission, in this case an 8-speed automatic. The combo produces 644 hp in the standard version and 738 hp in the Model 2024 XM Label Red, and either number would mark an increase for the M5. The outgoing M5 achieves 627 hp in the CS model. With the plug-in hybrid setup, a modest electric range should also be possible.
The redesigned M5 could also be the first in the nameplate’s history with the choice of a second powertrain, specifically a battery-electric setup. This powertrain reportedly comes with over 1,000 hp, which should help the M5 keep up with electric super sedans like the Tesla Model S Plaid and Lucid Air Sapphire, as well as Porsche’s new Taycan Turbo GT. The M division is also testing a four-motor electric powertrainpossibly for a dedicated EV.
The redesigned 5 Series also has an electric i5 variant. There’s a tamer M Performance version of the i5 wearing an M60 badge and with 590 hp. Perhaps at some point there will be an i5 M variant with four engines and the aforementioned power output of over 1,000 HP.
The latest M5 will also generate a M5 touring wagon body style. While the US loses the smaller M3 Touring, which is about to be updatedthere are rumors that the M5 Touring reach local shoresjust like the previous generation M5 Touring.