Since we have now our long-term tester, the 2025 BMW M5 (G90), available, we determined it was the proper alternative to carry out an electrical vary take a look at—also referred to as hypermiling—to see simply what number of miles we may extract from every recharge. With BMW M stepping boldly into electrification, the newest M5 combines a robust twin-turbo V8 engine with a potent electrical motor, mixing conventional efficiency with fashionable effectivity.
First Plug-in Hybrid BMW M5
The guts of the brand new M5 is the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter “S68” V8, particularly designated S68B44T0, churning out a formidable 577 horsepower and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. Peak torque arrives early, at simply 1,800 rpm, and holds sturdy till 5,400 rpm, delivering the engine’s full 577 horsepower between 5,600 and 6,500 rpm. And in the event you’re questioning how excessive it revs, BMW set the redline at an exhilarating 7,200 rpm.
Complementing this combustion powerhouse is an electrical motor neatly built-in into the eight-speed computerized transmission. By itself, this e-motor generates 194 horsepower and 207 lb-ft (280 Nm) of instantaneous torque. Electrical energy comes from a lithium-ion battery pack strategically positioned within the underbody, preserving inside area and optimizing weight distribution. Apparently, the battery’s web power capability varies relying on market rules: globally, the battery presents 18.6 kWh, however in the USA, regulatory constraints restrict usable capability to only 14.8 kWh.
Given the automotive’s efficiency credentials—717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) whole system output—our curiosity was piqued by its purely electrical capabilities. Official figures peg the M5’s electrical vary at 25 miles in line with the EPA or about 65 kilometers on the WLTP cycle. Nevertheless, real-world situations can typically yield shocking outcomes, so we had been keen to check this firsthand.
Electrical Vary Take a look at
For our electrical vary take a look at, the methodology was easy. We started by totally charging the battery utilizing a Stage 2 charging station, with the dashboard displaying an optimistic 33 miles of accessible EV vary. Situations throughout our take a look at had been delicate, with out of doors temperatures ranging between 55°F and 60°F—typical spring climate in Chicago.
Our route was designed to replicate lifelike driving circumstances, combining city visitors jams, regular metropolis cruising, and freeway driving. We intentionally averted extremes: no hyper-aggressive braking regeneration and no artificially sluggish speeds. Brake regeneration was set to “Max” within the drivetrain settings, however driving habits had been saved as pure as potential, with speeds capped round 65 mph—a sensible compromise for typical freeway visitors round Chicago.
Earlier than embarking on our journey, we reset the M5’s journey laptop for accuracy. Throughout the take a look at, the M5 carried out comfortably in electrical mode, although the automotive notably limits pure-electric prime pace to 87 mph (140 km/h). This limitation wasn’t a difficulty, given our regular driving circumstances.
20% Extra Vary Than the EPA Ranking
On the conclusion of our real-world EV vary take a look at, the BMW M5 far exceeded official expectations, delivering a exceptional almost 40 miles of purely electrical driving—15 miles greater than the EPA’s score. An fascinating commentary occurred because the battery’s vary dwindled: when just one mile of EV vary remained, the M5’s hybrid system proactively engaged the gasoline engine to protect battery well being and preserve optimum state-of-charge.
Ultimately, our hypermiling experiment demonstrated the brand new BMW M5’s spectacular twin nature: spectacular efficiency whenever you need it, and substantial effectivity when pushed mindfully.
