Since now we have our long-term tester, the 2025 BMW M5 (G90), readily available, we determined it was the right alternative to carry out an electrical vary take a look at—also referred to 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 strong 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 robust till 5,400 rpm, delivering the engine’s full 577 horsepower between 5,600 and 6,500 rpm. And in case you’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 automated 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 rules: globally, the battery gives 18.6 kWh, however in the USA, regulatory constraints restrict usable capability to only 14.8 kWh.
Given the automobile’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 based on the EPA or about 65 kilometers on the WLTP cycle. Nonetheless, real-world eventualities can typically yield stunning outcomes, so we have 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 totally charging the battery utilizing a Degree 2 charging station, with the dashboard exhibiting an optimistic 33 miles of obtainable EV vary. Situations throughout our take a look at have been delicate, with out of doors temperatures ranging between 55°F and 60°F—typical spring climate in Chicago.
Our route was designed to replicate sensible driving circumstances, combining city site 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 have been stored as pure as doable, with speeds capped round 65 mph—a sensible compromise for typical freeway site visitors round Chicago.
Earlier than embarking on our journey, we reset the M5’s journey pc for accuracy. Throughout the take a look at, the M5 carried out comfortably in electrical mode, although the automobile notably limits pure-electric high pace to 87 mph (140 km/h). This limitation wasn’t a problem, given our regular driving circumstances.
20% Extra Vary Than the EPA Ranking
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 commentary 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 keep optimum state-of-charge.
In the long run, 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.
