Since we have now our long-term tester, the 2025 BMW M5 (G90), available, we determined it was the proper alternative to carry out an electrical vary check—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 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 if you happen to’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 house and optimizing weight distribution. Curiously, the battery’s internet power capability varies relying on market laws: globally, the battery provides 18.6 kWh, however in the US, 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) 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 situations 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 simple. We started by totally charging the battery utilizing a Degree 2 charging station, with the dashboard displaying an optimistic 33 miles of accessible EV vary. Circumstances throughout our check had been gentle, with out of doors 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 gradual speeds. Brake regeneration was set to “Max” within the drivetrain settings, however driving habits had been saved 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. Through the check, the M5 carried out comfortably in electrical mode, although the automobile notably limits pure-electric prime velocity 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 exceptional almost 40 miles of purely electrical driving—15 miles greater than the EPA’s score. 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 preserve optimum state-of-charge.
Ultimately, our hypermiling experiment demonstrated the brand new BMW M5’s spectacular twin nature: spectacular efficiency once you need it, and substantial effectivity when pushed mindfully.
