The BMW M5 is a high-performance luxury sedan that has been a favorite among car enthusiasts since its introduction in 1984. The latest iteration of the M5 is set to feature a hybrid drivetrain that will offer “over 700bhp,” according to reports.
Hybrid Powertrain
The new M5 will use a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged S63 V8 with a rear-mounted electric motor. The two units are expected to produce power and torque outputs in the region of 790bhp and 737lb ft, making it one of the most powerful sedans on the market.
Early prototypes of the new M5 were said to use a lithium-ion battery similar in capacity to the 12.0kWh unit found in the outgoing BMW 545e. However, there are suggestions that BMW M is developing its own performance battery with ultra-rapid discharge properties.
The upcoming 530e and 550e PHEVs receive a 19.4kWh battery, which hints that the super-saloon and estate may also receive a more capacious pack.
Chassis and Drivetrain
The next M5 is set to adopt a heavily reworked chassis, with distinguishing features including a wider front and rear track. Power is set to be delivered through an eight-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox, with a rear-biased xDrive four-wheel-drive system.
BMW M development head Dirk Häcker said, “We are now also installing a hybrid drive system with typical M performance in other high-performance cars.”
The new BMW i5 is not set to spawn an all-electric M5, but the M division has fettled the zero-emission saloon. The i5 M60 is not as overtly performance-focused as the M5, but still dispatches the 0-62mph sprint in 3.8sec thanks to a dual-motor powertrain producing a combined 593bhp and 605lb ft.
The Return of the M5 Touring
The BMW M5 Touring will return in 2024, having gone on hiatus since the E60-generation model was discontinued in 2010. The original BMW M5 touring was launched in 1992 as a more practical variant of the second-generation car. It did not return for the third-generation (E39) model, reportedly due to financial constraints, although a one-off prototype was built. The Touring came back for the fourth-generation (E60/E61) car, but it was exclusive to Europe, and just 1009 were sold.
Rivalry with Audi RS6
The new M5 is set to rival the Audi RS6 by combining a 4.4-liter V8 with a rear-mounted electric motor. The Audi RS6 also features a hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with a 14.1 kWh battery pack and an electric motor. The RS6 produces 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, making it slightly less powerful than the upcoming M5.
Conclusion
The BMW M5 has always been a benchmark for high-performance luxury sedans, and the upcoming hybrid version is set to take that to the next level. With over 700bhp on tap, the new M5 will be one of the most powerful sedans on the market. The return of the M5 Touring will also be welcomed by fans of the brand who have been waiting for a practical version of the high-performance sedan. With its combination of power, luxury, and practicality, the BMW M5 is set to continue its reign as one of the most desirable cars on the market.