Skip advert
Advertisement

2024 BMW M5 hybrid caught on camera

The next BMW M5 will arrive in 2024 with a plug-in hybrid powertrain derived from the XM SUV

It's no secret that BMW M is heading towards electrification, with the XM SUV marking the biggest step – both literally and figuratively – towards an upcoming series of hybrid-powered performance cars. The next M5 super saloon will follow suit, launching in 2024 with a plug-in hybrid V8 powertrain to rival the Mercedes-AMG E63 and Audi RS6, both of which are set to become PHEVs in future iterations.

Advertisement - Article continues below

These latest spy shots provide our clearest look yet at the new M5, which is undergoing development with near-production bodywork. As a first for an M5, the next-generation model will adopt swollen wheel arches at the front and rear to cover wider tracks, where the current F90 uses a small plastic flange extensions – a much cheaper solution. These combine with beefier sills for a muscular, broad-shouldered stance, which should clearly distinguish the M5 from lesser 5-series' when the covers come off.

Previous prototypes have confirmed the use of a plug-in hybrid system, but following the new BMW XM's debut we now have a much clearer idea about the powertrain’s specifics as the cars will almost certainly share BMW’s plug-in hybrid assisted twin-turbo V8. In the XM, there are two specifications available – an initial 653bhp combined unit and the 741bhp system in the Label Red. We don't know whether BMW M will utilise one or both powertrains in the M5, but with AMG already hitting 670bhp with its four-cylinder C63 S E Performance, we suspect the future E63 to be even more potent, putting BMW M under pressure to compete with its future M5.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

This suggests prospective power and torque figures for the next M5 at around the 741bhp mark, with the V8 itself unlikely to significantly raise power over the current M5 Competition’s 616bhp and the plug-in unit then adding another 136bhp or so.

The M5 will almost certainly retain its all-wheel drive system – something that’s become a defining feature of the model in the current generation. Yet what layout this new plug-in hybrid system takes is less clear. All BMWs currently integrate their electric motors into the existing driveline, but with AMG’s new rear-mounted plug-in module opening up further possibilities in regards to packaging and weight distribution, BMW M might have something different in store to keep what will be a heavy car balanced between the axles. 

Back to the spy pictures and the rest of the body looks more closely aligned with other future 5-series prototypes we’ve seen, characterised by the more steeply raked rear screen and shorter bootlid in comparison to the relatively upright G30. The front grille does look to be larger and more assertive than on the current model, but seems to have bypassed the controversial new design the incoming 7-series will employ with split headlights and huge kidney openings. 

In the wake of other new-generation plug-in hybrid performance cars like BMW’s XM and AMG’s latest C63, we can say that the M5 will be a heavy beast, almost certainly tipping over two tonnes. There are also rumours that this generation of M5 will see the return of a Touring model, but these are still to be verified. 

Unfortunately, there’s still quite a wait for us to see the new M5 in full. It will probably join the new 5-series saloon about a year after its reveal, an event which is currently set for mid-2023. If this seems like a long time to wait, it’s worth remembering that M5s often come with a vast amount of calibration work to ensure that all the technology works together in a seamless fashion. With a name plate like M5 at stake, BMW M won’t be taking any shortcuts. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

2025 Audi e-tron GT to get 1000bhp RS model
2025 Audi e-tron GT
News

2025 Audi e-tron GT to get 1000bhp RS model

The all-electric Audi e-tron GT will benefit from the upgrades its Porsche Taycan relative has just received, including a 1000bhp RS model
22 Mar 2024
Porsche Panamera 2024 review – third-generation super-limo is a tech-fest
2024 Porsche Panamera
Reviews

Porsche Panamera 2024 review – third-generation super-limo is a tech-fest

Active suspension and a monstrously powerful hybrid powertrain for Porsche’s Panamera supersaloon (but no more Sport Turismo version)
13 Mar 2024
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio review – an all-time great and future icon
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio – front
In-depth reviews

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio review – an all-time great and future icon

It was designed to take on the BMW M3, but stole our hearts along the way – the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio remains a masterpiece in its latest for…
12 Mar 2024
1093bhp Porsche Taycan Turbo GT targets the Tesla Model S Plaid
Porsche Taycan Turbo GT
News

1093bhp Porsche Taycan Turbo GT targets the Tesla Model S Plaid

The Taycan has received a track-focused makeover from Porsche’s GT division – the result is the most powerful production Porsche ever
11 Mar 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?
Toyota GR Yaris Gen 2 – front
News

The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?

Our early impressions of the Gen 2 GR Yaris suggest that it’s an improvement in every area that counts, but can it be worth £18k more than an i20 N?
27 Mar 2024
The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8
Mercedes-AMG G63
News

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8

Some of Affalterbach’s range-toppers are swapping eight cylinders for four, but the AMG G-class retains its V8 for 2024
26 Mar 2024
Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader
Land Rover Defender OCTA – front
News

Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader

The OCTA promises to be the fastest, toughest and most capable Defender yet when it launches later this year
26 Mar 2024