2025 BMW M5 Review

In recent years, the luxury executive sedan market has seen a growing divergence in demand for performance and fuel efficiency. Many consumers desire low fuel consumption for daily commuting but are unwilling to compromise on sporty performance. The 2025 BMW M5 is precisely aimed at this niche market. As the first plug-in hybrid model in the M series, it retains the classic 4.4T V8 power while incorporating an electric motor system, achieving a combined output of 727PS. Its official 0-100km/h acceleration takes just 3.5 seconds, and with a pure electric range of 69km, it fully meets most urban commuting scenarios. In this test drive, we'll focus on verifying whether this hybrid system truly balances performance and practicality, as well as whether the sporty genes diminish the executive sedan's comfort.

From the front, the 2025 M5 continues the aggressive design of the M series. The kidney grille is larger than that of the standard 5 series, with blacked-out trim on the outer edge and vertical slats inside, paired with a three-section air intake below, giving it a highly recognizable appearance. The body side features smooth lines, with the waistline stretching from the front fender to the rear, complemented by 20-inch front/21-inch rear blacked-out wheels. The tire specifications are 285/40 ZR20 at the front and 295/35 ZR21 at the rear, enhancing its sporty appeal. The rear features the signature M series quadruple exhaust layout, and the LED taillights are blacked out, lighting up in an L-shaped pattern that echoes the front design. The lighting system comes standard with LED headlights, and automatic headlights and daytime running lights are also standard, offering clear illumination at night.

Sitting inside, the interior continues BMW's minimalist luxury style, with the dashboard combining soft-touch materials and metal trim for a refined tactile experience. A 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel and a 14.9-inch curved central control screen form a connected display, equipped with the latest iDrive system for smooth operation, supporting voice control and CarPlay connectivity. The multifunction steering wheel features gear shift paddles and is wrapped in leather for a comfortable grip. The HUD head-up display system is standard, capable of displaying speed, navigation, and other information to enhance driving convenience. The front seats are equipped with electric adjustment and position memory functions, offering good cushioning and support for extended comfort during long rides. The rear seats support a 40:20:40 split-folding configuration, and while the center floor has a slight bump, it does not significantly affect the legroom of the middle passenger. In terms of storage, the front center armrest box offers moderate capacity, the door storage compartments can hold two regular-sized bottles, and the 466L trunk capacity is sufficient for daily family use.

In terms of performance, the 2025 M5 is equipped with a 4.4T V8 turbocharged engine and a single electric motor plug-in hybrid system. The engine delivers a maximum power of 585PS, while the electric motor adds 197PS, resulting in a combined system output of 727PS and a total torque of 1000N·m. This is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. In pure electric mode for daily commuting, the power delivery is smooth and the 69km pure electric range can comfortably cover city commutes. When switched to sport mode and the accelerator is fully pressed, the engine and electric motor work in tandem to provide a strong thrusting sensation. The 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.5 seconds indeed delivers a thrilling driving experience. The transmission has clear shifting logic, quick upshifts, and instant downshifts, responding swiftly to the driver's intentions.

In terms of handling performance, the combination of front double-wishbone independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension is tuned towards sportiness while retaining a certain level of comfort. The body roll is well controlled during cornering, the steering is precise with minimal play, giving the driver enough confidence. On bumpy roads, the suspension filters out most of the small vibrations, with no noticeable bouncing. The all-wheel-drive system performs stably on slippery roads, effectively preventing wheel slippage. During this test drive, we also measured the fuel consumption. In pure electric mode, the energy consumption is approximately 18kWh/100km, and in hybrid mode, the comprehensive fuel consumption is about 8.5L/100km. For a performance car, these fuel consumption figures are quite impressive.

When it comes to ride comfort, the vehicle's noise control is excellent. In pure electric mode, motor noise is almost inaudible, and wind and tire noise are well within acceptable ranges at high speeds. The seat cushioning is moderately soft, and the backrest offers good support, making long-distance rides less tiring. The energy recovery system has three adjustable levels, and in the lowest setting, it feels similar to coasting in a fuel vehicle without any significant dragging sensation, making it very user-friendly for daily driving.

Overall, the 2025 BMW M5 has clear core advantages: the plug-in hybrid system balances performance and efficiency, with a combined power output of 727PS ensuring strong dynamic performance, and a pure electric range of 69km reduces daily commuting costs. In terms of features, curved displays, Bowers & Wilkins audio, and all-wheel drive come standard. Compared to competitors like the Audi RS6 Avant, the M5 stands out in hybrid technology and tech features. Its overall performance is well-balanced, making it suitable for young consumers focused on performance and for families needing a daily-use vehicle. It offers sufficient comfort and space for weekend family trips, while the sport mode delivers a strong sense of acceleration for driving enthusiasts. If you're looking for a luxury executive sedan that meets both daily commuting needs and occasional spirited driving, the 2025 BMW M5 is worth considering.