BMW’s latest M5 iteration has arrived, boasting a hybrid powertrain, all-wheel drive, and a hefty dose of performance hyperbole. The seventh-generation super sedan packs a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 and a 194-horsepower electric motor, totaling 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque.
With a 0-60 mph sprint in under 2.6 seconds, this M5 promises to be the fastest-accelerating production BMW yet. On the Salzburgring track, the M5 impresses with its composure and confidence, tackling tight corners and straights with ease.
The rear-steer system and all-wheel drive work in harmony, making the car feel like an M3 Competition in tight curves and a high-speed missile on the straights.
The steering is quick and linear, if a bit dull, and the chassis tuning is sublime, ironing out feedback and providing a point-and-shoot driving experience.
While this track test offers a look into the M5’s capabilities, questions remain about its durability and real-world performance. Nevertheless, the new M5 hybrid is a force to be reckoned with, delivering relentless speed and confidence.
Its interior is a triumph of design, with vibrant colors and fantastic seats that make it a pleasant place to sit, even when parked. As a track tool, the M5 excels, and we eagerly await a thorough test to confirm its status as another great M5 from BMW.