Since we’ve our long-term tester, the 2025 BMW M5 (G90), readily available, we determined it was the proper alternative to carry out an electrical vary take a look at—also called hypermiling—to see simply what number of miles we might extract from every recharge. With BMW M stepping boldly into electrification, the most recent M5 combines a strong twin-turbo V8 engine with a potent electrical motor, mixing conventional efficiency with fashionable effectivity.
First Plug-in Hybrid BMW M5
The center of the brand new M5 is the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter “S68” V8, particularly designated S68B44T0, churning out a powerful 577 horsepower and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. Peak torque arrives early, at simply 1,800 rpm, and holds robust till 5,400 rpm, delivering the engine’s full 577 horsepower between 5,600 and 6,500 rpm. And should 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 house and optimizing weight distribution. Curiously, the battery’s web vitality capability varies relying on market laws: globally, the battery provides 18.6 kWh, however in america, regulatory constraints restrict usable capability to simply 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 accordance with the EPA or about 65 kilometers on the WLTP cycle. Nevertheless, real-world eventualities 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 absolutely charging the battery utilizing a Stage 2 charging station, with the dashboard displaying an optimistic 33 miles of obtainable EV vary. Circumstances throughout our take a look at had been delicate, with outside temperatures ranging between 55°F and 60°F—typical spring climate in Chicago.
Our route was designed to replicate lifelike driving situations, combining city visitors jams, regular metropolis cruising, and freeway driving. We intentionally prevented 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. In the course of the take a look at, the M5 carried out comfortably in electrical mode, although the automotive notably limits pure-electric high velocity to 87 mph (140 km/h). This limitation wasn’t a problem, given our regular driving situations.
20% Extra Vary Than the EPA Score
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 ranking. An attention-grabbing remark 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 if you need it, and substantial effectivity when pushed mindfully.
