The reinvented BMW M5 is headed to UK dealers later this year with a thumping, 717bhp V8-engined plug-in hybrid powertrain and a starting price of £110,500.
The seventh-generation version of BMW's ’bahnstorming super-saloon makes the landmark switch from purepetrol power to an electrified system with total outputs of 717bhp and 738lb ft – far above those of any previous iteration.
That’s enough punch for 0-62mph in 3.5sec and a top speed of 189mph in derestricted Driver’s Package guise. The M5 uses a new high-revving (7200rpm), 577bhp twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 and a 196bhp electric motor inside an eight-speed automatic gearbox, in a set-up familiar from the M division’s first PHEV, the XM SUV.
The M5’s outrageous pace comes in spite of a dramatic increase in bulk to around 2400kg. The chunky 18.6kWh drive battery (which provides 42-43 miles of electric-only range) contributes to an uplift of nearly 500kg over the previous, pure-V8 M5.
The M-fettled chassis – with the suspension, steering and structural components all uprated over the standard 5 Series – is equipped as standard with adaptive suspension, a bespoke M differential and a rear axle that can steer up to 1.5deg to boost manoeuvrability and stability.
The cabin is more familiar from the standard 5 Series, but there are bucket seats, lashings of carbonfibre trim and a bespoke control panel for adjusting the driving modes.
There are also physical controls for a raft of performance-focused functions, including a lap timer and launch control.
Order books are open now ahead of production beginning in November.
