For over four decades, BMW has been synonymous with exhilarating driving experiences, with the M5 earning its place as a performance sedan icon. The 2025 BMW M5 continues this legacy, offering blistering speeds and cutting-edge hybrid technology. Yet, despite its impressive performance, this seventh-generation M5 raises questions among enthusiasts about whether it retains the timeless charm that made its predecessors so beloved.
Below, we’ll explore why the 2025 BMW M5 is undeniably brilliant yet doesn’t quite win every heart.
What Makes the 2025 BMW M5 Brilliant
Blistering Performance
BMW hasn’t held back when it comes to raw power. The 2025 M5 is equipped with a hybrid powertrain that merges a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine with an electric motor, delivering a staggering 717 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. This setup propels the M5 from 0-60 mph in just 3.0 seconds and achieves a top speed of 190 mph when equipped with the M Driver’s package.
The acceleration is explosive, and the hybrid system offers seamless power delivery. Whether you’re carving corners or blasting down straights, the M5 instills confidence with its incredible composure and dynamic all-wheel-drive system.
High-Tech Hybrid Efficiency
The 2025 M5 is BMW’s first plug-in hybrid iteration of the sedan and provides an electric-only range of up to 25 miles. It’s perfect for short commutes or navigating urban environments, bringing a more eco-conscious edge to this high-performance machine.
Supreme Comfort Meets Cutting-Edge Technology
With its adaptive suspension and customizable driving modes, the M5 delivers both luxury-car comfort and track-day thrills. Inside, it boasts a state-of-the-art digital cockpit, featuring an expansive curved display and sophisticated head-up display. These systems ensure drivers remain informed while enhancing the car’s overall sense of modernity.
Where the M5 Falls Short
A Price Tag That Stings
Excellence rarely comes cheap, and the 2025 M5 is no exception. The base model starts at $123,275, including a gas-guzzler tax, and fully loaded versions can climb to $146,225. For some, this pushes the M5 into supercar territory, which could lead potential buyers to consider rivals like the Mercedes-AMG E63, Audi RS 6, or Porsche Panamera.
Styling Controversies
While opinion will always be subjective, the Santorini Blue paint option launched with the 2025 M5 has sparked comparisons to Walmart’s in-store signage. With its aggressive grille and bold design elements, this M5 lacks the understated elegance of previous generations, leaning heavily on flashy, digital-era aesthetics.
Too Much Technology?
The M5’s technological prowess is both a blessing and a curse. The driver assistance features, customizable drive modes, and digital displays are impressive but also place a barrier between the driver and the car. Enthusiasts longing for raw engagement may find the experience a bit over-engineered, trading classic connection for sophistication.
A Heavyweight Contender
At 5,251 pounds, this M5 is over 1,000 pounds heavier than its predecessor. While its hybrid powertrain delivers immense power, the car’s heft is evident, especially during spirited drives. The added weight detracts from some of the agility and playfulness the M5 has been revered for in the past.
Comparing the 2025 BMW M5 to Its Rivals
- Mercedes-AMG E63: Known for its aggressive styling, captivating exhaust note, and equally impressive performance figures, it provides fierce competition for the M5 in this segment.
- Audi RS 6 Avant: A favorite among enthusiasts, this station wagon combines jaw-dropping performance with practical functionality.
- Porsche Panamera: The Panamera caters to those who prioritize refined luxury alongside thrilling performance, offering a more balanced aesthetic than the M5’s bold design.
The Verdict
The 2025 BMW M5 is undoubtedly a remarkable feat of engineering, seamlessly blending performance, luxury, and hybrid efficiency into one exhilarating package. For those who prioritize speed, cutting-edge technology, and ultimate driving luxury, the M5 delivers in spades.
However, buyers seeking the simple, visceral connection of older M5 models may find this generation difficult to fully appreciate. Its hefty weight, divisive styling, and reliance on tech contribute to some emotional distance between the driver and the machine.
Still, with its hybrid evolution and class-leading performance, the 2025 M5 cements itself as a sophisticated, powerful, and uniquely modern successor to the M5 legacy. Whether or not it earns a place in our hearts, however, remains to be seen.
