Since now we have our long-term tester, the 2025 BMW M5 (G90), available, we determined it was the right alternative to carry out an electrical vary check—often known 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 trendy 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 for those who’re questioning how excessive it revs, BMW set the redline at an exciting 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. Curiously, the battery’s web vitality capability varies relying on market laws: globally, the battery presents 18.6 kWh, however in the US, 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) complete 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. Nonetheless, 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 check, the methodology was easy. We started by absolutely charging the battery utilizing a Degree 2 charging station, with the dashboard displaying an optimistic 33 miles of obtainable EV vary. Circumstances throughout our check had been delicate, with outside temperatures ranging between 55°F and 60°F—typical spring climate in Chicago.
Our route was designed to mirror practical driving situations, combining city visitors jams, regular metropolis cruising, and freeway driving. We intentionally averted extremes: no hyper-aggressive braking regeneration and no artificially gradual speeds. Brake regeneration was set to “Max” within the drivetrain settings, however driving habits had been stored as pure as doable, 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 pc for accuracy. Throughout the check, 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 situations.
20% Extra Vary Than the EPA Score
On the conclusion of our real-world EV vary check, the BMW M5 far exceeded official expectations, delivering a outstanding almost 40 miles of purely electrical driving—15 miles greater than the EPA’s score. An attention-grabbing statement 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.
