BMW M5 to go hybrid

BMW has confirmed that the next generation of the iconic M5 mega sedan will join the high-performance electrification revolution with a powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Heavily disguised prototype vehicles recently sighted on public roads wearing ‘Hybrid Test Vehicle’ stickers were believed to be very early mules hiding the powertrain for the seventh-generation M5, but BMW has now ended speculation.

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2022 BMW M5

Speaking to media at the BMW M headquarters in Garching Germany, BMW M workshop manager Hans Rahn confirmed the next M5 would be powered by a “plug-in hybrid” powertrain paired to a “twin-turbo V8”.

This almost certainly means the new M5 will share a mechanicals with the forthcoming XM which will be BMW’s first full-fat M hybrid, and has also been confirmed to have a plug-in powertrain bolted to a turbo V8.

While the recent prototypes offer a glimpse at the evolution of M5 power, they have no secrets to reveal regarding what the next model will look like at this stage, with the current F90 5 Series providing the ‘mule’ under the camo wrap.

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2022 BMW M5

Power figures and performance are also still a long way off and the new version isn’t expected until 2024 to coincide with the M5’s 40-year anniversary, but figures of between 480kW and 550kW are touted for the new model, although the highest performance could be an ‘overboost’ function.

With a plug-in powertrain, the new M5 will also have a pure-electric mode with about 80km of zero-emissions range expected before the V8 needs to fire up or a charge socket found.

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2022 BMW M5

The confirmation of PHEV power for the new M5 will no doubt rekindle the flames of controversy generated by the F90 generation when BMW revealed it would adopt all-wheel drive to tame increasing amounts of power.

Public opinion aside, the move to hybridisation will preserve the future of BMW’s mighty S68 V8 for now, cutting emissions and fuel consumption, but it will ultimately have to yield to pure EVs at a point down the line.