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BMW has been seen testing a prototype for the redesigned M5, which will be the first nameplate history to feature electrification.
The redesigned BMW 5-Series made its debut in May, ahead of the start of sales in October. The M5 should arrive sometime in 2024, meaning it will likely hit showrooms as a 2025 model.
The prototype may look like one of the testers for the redesigned 5-Series, but clues point to it being the M5 variant. These include four exhaust tips, widened wheel arches, pizza tray-sized brake rotors, and multiple intakes in the front fascia.
There appears to be a bonnet dips towards the rear from the center of the grille, a design first seen on the M3 and M4, and more recently on the XM 2023. The cobweb-like wheel pattern is also similar to that of the M3 and M4.
Interior shots reveal a thick-rimmed steering wheel and floating screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, which was last seen on the iX and is slowly making its way to more and more BMWs.
There’s also no “Electrified Vehicle” sticker confirming an electric powertrain. A possible bet is the electrified V-8 powertrain that made its debut in the XM SUV. A prototype video reveals the signature growl of the V-8.
2025 BMW M5 spy shots – Photo credit: Baldauf
XM uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines BMW’s latest 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine with an electric motor integrated into the transmission, in this case an 8-speed automatic. This combo is good for 644 hp in standard form and 738 hp in the 2024 XM Label Red model, and either number would mark an upgrade for the M5. The current M5 reaches 627 hp in the CS model. With a plug-in hybrid setup, modest electric driving ranges should also be possible.
The redesigned M5 could also be the first in nameplate history with a second powertrain option, specifically a battery-electric setup. This powertrain reportedly comes with over 1,000 hp, which should help the M5 compete with electric super sedans like the Tesla Model S Plaid and Lucid Air Sapphire. The M Division announced last year that it was testing a four-motor electric powertrain.
2025 BMW M5 spy shots – Photo credit: Baldauf
The redesigned 5 Series will have an electric i5 variant. BMW has confirmed a tamer M Performance version of the i5 sporting the M60 badge is coming, likely with around 600 hp. There will probably be an i5 M variant at some point with four motors and the aforementioned 1,000-plus-hp output.
Stay tuned for updates as development continues.
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