The seventh-generation BMW M5 brings the high-performance sedan into the plug-in hybrid era, and adds an Estate 5-door body for buyers who want the same pace with a far larger load area.
The BMW M5 engine in this generation is a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 paired with an electric motor in the 4.4 V8 Plug-in Hybrid M xDrive M Steptronic, offered in Sedan and Estate 5-door form. The powertrain drives through an automatic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel drive, so traction stays predictable in cold or wet weather.
BMW M5 trim levels sit on top of the technical version rather than replacing it. The Sedan 4.4 V8 Plug-in Hybrid M xDrive M Steptronic is listed with Superior equipment, a package name that bundles comfort, trim and assistance features. Two cars sharing one engine can therefore differ widely in seats, audio and interior finish.
BMW M5 battery capacity matters day to day because the lithium-ion pack in the Estate 5-door plug-in hybrid allows quiet, fuel-free running on short commutes. Charge it overnight and local trips can pass largely on electricity; on longer drives the V8 takes over, and the battery assists acceleration instead.