Few nameplates in the automotive world command respect quite like the BMW M5. For four decades, this legendary super sedan has not only defined high-performance luxury – it has consistently redefined it. And now, as the seventh generation makes its electrified debut, it doesn’t merely keep up with the times – it sets the pace.
Thanks to BMW South Africa, I had the distinct privilege of experiencing this next chapter firsthand, and I can confidently say that this is no ordinary evolution. This is an electrified revolution cloaked in a sharply tailored suit.
A Hulk in a Dinner Jacket
Finished in Isle of Man Green metallic, the test car looked every bit like the Incredible Hulk had been invited to a black-tie affair – brutally powerful, but impeccably dressed. Heads turned, phone cameras flashed, and conversations paused as it prowled through city streets and scenic routes. This is a car that doesn’t just make an entrance; it commands an audience.
Under the sculpted bonnet, a 4.4-litre V8 with M TwinPower Turbo technology meets an electric motor, creating a combined system output of 535kW power and 1 000Nm of torque. That’s supercar territory – delivered with the confidence and composure of a seasoned executive. Zero to 100km/h is dispatched in a mere 3.5 seconds, but what’s more impressive is how effortlessly it does it. It’s a car that knows its own power, and has nothing to prove – yet proves everything.
Electrified Performance, Artfully Balanced
For the first time, the M5 embraces electrification with an M Hybrid system that’s anything but a compromise. The 18.6 kWh battery allows up to 69 km of electric-only driving – ideal for the urban commute or cruising in serenity. When called upon, the V8 awakens, merging brutal force with the finesse of M xDrive all-wheel-drive and the crisp shifts of an 8-speed M Steptronic gearbox.
Despite whispers about the M5’s weight, this latest iteration feels agile and responsive, belying its size. It glides with grace in hybrid mode, then growls with gravitas when fully unleashed. Optional M Carbon ceramic brakes and lightweight alloy wheels (20-inch front, 21-inch rear) reinforce its poise and performance pedigree.
Design That Commands Respect
While the new M5 shares a silhouette with the BMW 5 Series, it quickly distances itself with muscular design elements: flared wheel arches, an athletic stance and the sculptural front apron. Even subtle touches, like the embossed “M5” in the Hofmeister kink, whisper exclusivity to those who know what to look for.
Inside, the cabin is a masterclass in modern luxury. M multifunction seats, a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel, and the BMW Curved Display exude sportiness and sophistication in equal measure. The operating system (OS), BMW OS 8.5, is intuitive and future-forward, while the optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system adds a concert-hall richness to every journey – should you choose to temporarily mute the symphony of its powertrain.
Luxury Meets Intelligent Innovation
The M5 doesn’t just drive – it thinks. Packed with advanced driver assistance systems – from Evasion Assistant to Active Cruise Control and Parking Assistant Professional – it anticipates your needs whether you’re navigating tight city spaces or carving out a line on the track. And yes, you can park it via smartphone, because why not?
Final Word
In addition to testing it on the road and in various day-to-day settings for a week, I also tested it at Zwartkops Raceway in Tshwane during the SA Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) 2025 Car of The Year (COTY) test days where the BMW M5 is a finalist. I can attest to the fact that the new BMW M5 is more than just a car – it’s a beautifully orchestrated experience. It is a celebration of legacy, a beacon of innovation and a bold statement of intent for the future of performance luxury. In a world where super sedans are evolving rapidly, the M5 still manages to lead the charge.
Rivals such as the Porsche Panamera GTS, Mercedes-AMG GT 63 SE Performance, and Audi RS6 Performance may jostle for attention, but the M5 – quietly confident and gloriously capable – remains the benchmark.
If ever there was a car that blended brute force with refined elegance, this is it. The legend continues – greener, meaner and more majestic than ever.
