BMW M5 PHEV

Model Overview

The BMW M5 PHEV is an executive plug-in hybrid saloon developed by the M high-performance division of Germany's BMW Group. Codenamed the G90, it represents the seventh generation of the BMW M5. Officially launched in the Chinese market in 2025, the model marks the first mass-production M5 to feature an electrified powertrain in the nameplate's 40-year history. As the high-performance derivative of the eighth-generation BMW 5 Series, the all-new M5 PHEV adopts the core philosophy of serving as "the benchmark for M Power in the hybrid era". It blends a plug-in hybrid system with the iconic appeal of a V8 engine, aimed squarely at performance saloon enthusiasts seeking an ideal balance between track-honed capability and day-to-day usability. In the Chinese mainland market, the 2025 BMW M5 PHEV carries an official retail price of RM1,468,900. In Taiwan, China, the M5 retails at NT$7.63 million, whilst the M5 Touring (estate) is priced at NT$7.75 million.

Design Language

On the outside, the all-new BMW M5 PHEV builds upon the design language of the eighth-generation BMW 5 Series, infused with an array of bespoke M styling cues. Up front, it sports an enlarged, gloss-black kidney grille flanked by the BMW Iconic Glow illuminated surround and Adaptive LED headlights. Four prominent power domes on the bonnet run from the grille toward the A-pillars, hinting at the vast reserves of the V8 powerplant underneath. Along the flanks, the most distinctive cue is the charging flap on the front wing—a clear tell-tale of the electrified M5. In terms of dimensions, it measures 5,096 mm long, 1,970 mm wide, and 1,513 mm tall, riding on a 3,006 mm wheelbase, firmly positioning it in the executive saloon segment.

At the rear, the saloon features horizontal slimline taillights and a wider, sculpted rear bumper housing an aggressive rear diffuser and signature M Sport quad tailpipes. Every exterior vent and grille opening is fully functional for aerodynamic cooling. For rolling stock, it comes standard with staggered 20-inch front (285/40 R20) and 21-inch rear (295/35 R21) Midnight Grey bicolour alloy wheels, with full black or bicolour black finishes available as options. Eight complimentary paint finishes are on offer: Isle of Man Green, Brooklyn Grey, Alpine White, Carbon Black, Black Sapphire, Sophisto Grey, Marina Bay Blue, and Fire Red, complemented by three BMW Individual bespoke exterior shades.

Step inside, and the cabin centres around an M-exclusive driver-oriented cockpit. The dashboard is crowned by a three-spoke, flat-bottom M Sport steering wheel (complete with electric adjustment, memory function, and paddle shifters), a Head-Up Display (HUD), and the BMW Curved Display combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The seats are trimmed in supple Merino leather with signature M tri-colour stitching. Three interior trim finishers are offered: M Dark Silver trim with carbon fibre and high-gloss silver accents, M Dark Silver with aluminium Rhombicle, and Dark Silver with high-gloss Dark Oak fine-wood trim.

Powertrain & Performance

Powering the all-new BMW M5 PHEV is the M Hybrid plug-in hybrid system, uniting a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. The petrol engine alone pushes out 430 kW (585 PS) and 750 Nm of torque, while the front electric motor chips in with 155 kW (211 PS) and 280 Nm. Total system output stands at an astonishing 535 kW (727 PS) and 1,000 Nm of torque. Drive is channelled via an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission with manual shift mode. The century sprint from 0-100 km/h is dispatched in just 3.5 seconds, on to a top speed of 250 km/h. On the WLTC cycle, combined fuel consumption is rated between 2.0 and 3.0 L/100 km.

Energy is stored in a 22.06 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery pack, yielding a pure electric driving range of up to 73 km under WLTC standards. In EV mode, the car can cruise emission-free at speeds of up to 140 km/h. With the plug-in hybrid setup, zero-petrol daily commutes are well within reach; real-world media trials demonstrated that during the initial three days of driving, the fuel gauge only moved after covering 168 km.

Chassis & Handling

Under the skin, the all-new M5 PHEV rides on a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension setup. Standard dynamic hardware includes Adaptive M suspension and an M Sport active rear differential. Power is managed via the rear-biased M xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. For the first time, the M5 also gains Integral Active Steering (rear-wheel steering up to 1.5 degrees), providing a tighter turning circle at low speeds alongside enhanced high-speed stability.

The Adaptive M electronic suspension allows damping adjustments across Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus settings. Stopping power comes standard from an M Compound brake system, clamping 410 mm front discs via six-piston fixed callipers, with an M Carbon Ceramic brake package available as an option. The M Hybrid drive modes include five selectable settings: Hybrid (default), Electric (pure EV), eControl (battery hold/recharge), Dynamic, and Dynamic Plus (track-focused full output). Furthermore, the Boost Control function can be summoned between 30 and 150 km/h by holding down the left paddle shifter, momentarily unleashing maximum output for high-speed overtaking.

Cabin & Equipment

In terms of digital tech, the M5 PHEV comes equipped with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155P chipset. The infotainment suite supports satellite navigation, AR navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, an integrated 4G SIM and Wi-Fi hotspot (with optional 5G connectivity), streaming media, in-car WeChat/Ximalaya/QQ Music, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and dual-zone voice control for both front occupants.

Creature comforts include four-zone automatic climate control, an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, the BMW Interaction Bar across the fascia, a front wireless charging pad, and an integrated ETC unit. Inside the five-seater cabin, the front seats are tailored as Merino leather M Sport bucket units. Generous rear legroom and a commodious boot ensure the super saloon never compromises on everyday practicality.

Safety & Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the all-new M5 PHEV is equipped as standard with Driving Assistant Plus, paired with active safety suites and Parking Assistant Pro. Features include full-speed adaptive cruise control, autonomous parking with Reversing Assistant, a 360-degree surround-view camera system, traffic sign recognition, lane centring assist, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and autonomous emergency braking (AEB). Passive safety is reinforced by a hybrid chassis construction combining ultra-high-strength steel with lightweight aluminium alloys.

Market Reception & Verdict

The all-new BMW M5 PHEV has sparked substantial discussion among enthusiasts and pundits alike since its debut. Motoring experts agree that with a combined 727 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque, the new M5 sets the template for high-performance motoring in the electrified era. The electric motor delivers instant torque within 0.1 seconds, completely masking any low-end turbo lag before the V8 hits its stride. However, the PHEV hardware adds considerable weight, tipping the scales at around 2,445 kg—over 400 kg heavier than the outgoing F90 generation. Critics have noted that this marks the first time in M5 history where the power-to-weight ratio has seen a slight decline rather than an increase.

That said, real-world efficiency gains are indisputable; long-term combined fuel consumption can be kept around 8.0 L/100 km, a notable contrast to the heavy double-digit thirst of previous generations. Test drives indicate that in Hybrid mode, the handover between electric power and V8 grunt is remarkably seamless. In Comfort mode, the refined cabin insulation and compliant suspension make it an effortlessly comfortable cruiser for family duties. Some reviewers do note, however, that the eight-speed automatic transmission's shift responses could afford to be sharper during spirited, track-style driving. Overall, as the M division's inaugural plug-in hybrid, the all-new BMW M5 PHEV successfully harmonises iconic V8 theatrics with instant electrified response, carving out a niche as an ultra-fast saloon that truly masters both performance and daily usability.