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2026 BMW M5 Review: Is the Plug-In Hybrid Worth Its Weight?

The latest BMW M5 adds electric driving to a 717-hp V8, but its limited US electric range and substantial weight make regular charging key to the PHEV case.
Entry601 Date Time4 min MechanicCarCody Team
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The seventh-generation BMW M5 pairs a 717-hp plug-in-hybrid powertrain with a manufacturer-listed US curb weight of about 5,390 pounds and an estimated electric range of roughly 25 miles for the sedan. It makes the strongest case for itself when you want M5 performance, can charge regularly, and will use that short electric range; the added mass and limited electric-only distance are real trade-offs, not footnotes.

What the M5’s plug-in-hybrid system delivers

BMW combines a 4.4-liter V8 with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. The M xDrive system sends power through all four wheels. BMW lists combined output at 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of peak system torque, with a 0–60 mph time of 3.4 seconds. The high output is the straightforward performance argument for the hybrid system: electric torque supplements the V8 rather than replacing it.

BMW’s 2024 announcement said production would begin at its Dingolfing plant in July 2024. The M5 is the first plug-in-hybrid generation of the model; its battery adds the ability to drive on electric power, alongside the V8 performance.

How far can the M5 go on electricity?

For US 2025 and 2026 models, BMW lists an estimated electric range of about 25 miles for the M5 Sedan and 24 miles for the M5 Touring. These are estimates, not guaranteed daily results or independently measured figures. BMW says actual range varies with factors including wheel and tire choice, driving style, traffic, outside temperature, and how often the vehicle is charged. Some model-year figures may be preliminary.

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BMW Group’s Europe-specific vehicle-footprint document gives a different figure: 65 km of WLTP electric range for its specified M5. That document also identifies a 22.1-kWh gross and 18.6-kWh net battery. These European WLTP figures use a different test cycle and specification from the US estimates, so they should not be treated as direct equivalents or substituted for US-market range.

What the M5 weighs—and why that matters

BMW USA lists the current M5 Sedan at about 5,390 pounds unloaded curb weight. Car and Driver reported 5,251 pounds for the 2026 M5 in its independent review. Those figures differ, and the available information does not reconcile their definitions or configurations; they should not be combined as though they describe the same measurement.

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The weight is central to the PHEV value question. The car carries a substantial powertrain and battery while delivering the performance figures above. Whether that trade feels worthwhile depends on what you value: the system’s power and the option to make short trips on electricity, versus the added mass and hybrid-system complexity. The available figures establish the trade-off, but do not by themselves determine how the car feels on the road.

Charging and everyday fit

BMW recommends charging a plug-in hybrid regularly to make greater use of electric driving. Its US M5 page says the car comes with a Flexible Fast Charger and adapters for 120-volt and 240-volt outlets; BMW also offers an optional home Wallbox. A suitable Level 2 home setup may be a convenience for an owner with compatible electrical service, but confirm charger and model-year compatibility and installation requirements before choosing equipment.

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BMW’s PHEV overview says that when the battery is fully discharged, the engine takes over; it also describes battery control and regenerative charging. That explains why charging access and habits matter: a buyer who plugs in consistently can make more use of the electric-drive capability, while one who rarely charges is less likely to benefit from it. The supplied specifications do not establish fuel savings for a particular commute or owner.

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US and European figures at a glance

Measure US-market information Europe-specific document
Electric range About 25 miles Sedan and 24 miles Touring, BMW estimates for 2025/2026; conditions and configuration affect actual range. 65 km WLTP for the specified M5; comparison-cycle figure, not directly interchangeable with US estimates.
Battery capacity 14.8 kWh usable capacity in BMW press material. 22.1 kWh gross / 18.6 kWh net.
Weight About 5,390 lb unloaded curb weight for the current M5 Sedan, according to BMW USA. 2,431 kg for the specified M5.
Fuel consumption Not stated in the cited US materials. 10.6 L/100 km combined WLTP with the battery discharged.

The Europe document cautions that WLTP figures are for comparison and may not reflect real driving; options, weather, driving style, and load can change results. Keep those qualifications attached to the European measurements.

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Verdict: when the PHEV case makes sense

The M5’s plug-in-hybrid system is most persuasive for a driver who wants its performance, has reliable access to charging, and will use electric drive on short trips. For someone who cannot charge regularly or expects a long electric-only commute, BMW’s roughly 25-mile US sedan estimate is a limited benefit, while the car’s listed mass remains part of the package. No evidence here establishes owner-specific fuel savings, long-term reliability, or measured real-world range, so those should not be assumed when deciding whether the performance and electric flexibility justify the weight.

Sources and specifications

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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