2024 BMW M5 4.4L xDrive V8 8AT AWD (727 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The seventh generation of the M5 appeared in the summer of 2024, and it was one of the most revolutionary models in its family because it was the first to put a plug-in hybrid system on the table.

Four decades have passed since the first M5 broke covers in 1984 as a go-fast four-door sedan in BMW’s lineup. In the beginning, it was powered by a naturally aspirated inline-six engine. Then, in 1988, the automaker upgraded the powerplant to a V8, and customers were thrilled. However, the V10 that followed in 2011 wasn’t met with the same enthusiasm. Then, in 2017, the F90 M5 was a radical revolution in the model’s history since it was the first to feature a turbocharged heart and an all-wheel drive system. BMW made it in several versions, including lightweight ones, with performances that could even threaten some supercars. After the F90’s dismissal in 2023, the brand’s fans were kept on their toes for almost a year, waiting for the next chapter. And when it came in June 2024, they were in for a shocking appearance: the G90 M5 was a plug-in hybrid.

Since it shared its platform with the eighth generation of the 5 Series, the G90 had a similar shape, albeit with some significant differences. At the front, the 2024 BMW M5 was wider than its regular sibling and had angular, swept-back headlights sporting comma-like daytime running lights between the two blocks of LEDs for the high and low beams. In the middle, as part of the bumper, the automaker installed an illuminated kidney grille resembling the one from the i5. To create a more aggressive look for the sports sedan, BMW made a unique bumper sporting a hexagonal-shaped air intake in the apron flanked by a pair of scoops for the air curtain.

From its profile, the M5 was instantly recognizable from its siblings due to its lower ground clearance and had specific front and rear fenders plus the side sills between them. Its door mirrors were available in carbon fiber trim or body color. However, regardless of the choice, both had a tiny winglet towards the bodywork that enhanced aerodynamics. In addition, BMW offered either a carbon or a glass roof, depending on the options. At the rear, the redesigned bumper sported a massive diffuser featuring four integrated real exhausts that peaked underneath it, while the trunk lid was adorned by a tiny lip spoiler. Unlike the rest of the range, the 2024 BMW M5 had 20-inch wheels at the front and 21-inch in the rear.

Inside, BMW’s effort to reward its customers was impressive. The car showed a light show on the instrument panel and in other areas around the cabin. At the front, the automaker installed a set of high-bolstered seats that provided impressive side support during high-speed cornering. BMW even decorated them with M-badges underneath the headrests. Between the front occupants, a massive center console housed the transmission and drive modes controllers. At the same time, a curved display containing the touchscreen for the infotainment system and the instrument panel gave all the information about the car someone would need. In the back, the M5 had a bench seat profiled for two and fitted with two headrests.

However, the most impressive part of the vehicle was found under its skin. The 2024 BMW M5 shared its underpinnings with the XM, featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine. It was helped by an electric motor integrated into the standard eight-speed automatic gearbox that sent the power to all corners. Thanks to the adaptive suspension and the intelligent xDrive system, the car could handle the 727 PS (717 hp) like a supercar. Surprisingly, though, its 3.5-second time from 0 to 100 kph (0-62 mph) was slightly higher than what the previous generation of the M5 provided, especially in the CS trim.