2024 BMW M5: Everything we know so far about the hybrid performance car
A new generation of the iconic BMW M5 is just around the corner, but there’s plenty we already know about the high-performance sedan – and wagon – ahead of its global debut.
The 2024 BMW M5 is due to make its global debut in the next 12 months, marking the seventh generation of the high-performance family car.
BMW launched the M5 in 1985, combining the chassis of a range-topping 5 Series with the engine from the M1 supercar – the first vehicle from the company’s M division, and, up until recently, the only dedicated model not shared with BMW.
The new-generation M5 is set to follow a similar formula, borrowing its engine from the XM SUV – the second stand-alone model in the 50-year history of M, after the M1 – albeit detuned to offer slightly less power.
The sedan body style will be joined for the first time in 15 years by a ‘Touring’ wagon.
Electric-only driving, backed by a twin-turbo V8
While the first-generation M5 won critical acclaim with its 3.5-litre non-turbo straight-six sending 210kW to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual, the 2024 BMW M5 is expected to use a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 535kW – a figure first reported by BMWBlog and confirmed by a company insider known only online as ‘ynguldyn’.
Drive will be sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, and complemented with a plug-in hybrid system which will allow an expected driving range of more than 80 kilometres in electric mode.
According to a report from August 2021, the upcoming M5 could be the last new V8 developed by the German car giant, with the European Union proposing strict emissions laws set to come into effect in the coming years.
Bold design elements
Outside, the M5 is expected to continue its tradition of providing subtle but aggressive design upgrades over the standard 5 Series.
This digital illustration by artist Avarvarii provide a glimpse of what the 2024 BMW M5 is expected to look like when it’s unveiled in the coming months.
Aside from the M5 badging, the most obvious changes to the super sedan will be to the front and rear bumpers, as well as the large quad exhaust pipes, while the front and rear wheel arches have been widened to allow for bigger wheels and tyres.
However, BMW has confirmed it will also be building an M5 Touring – being only the third time an M5 has been offered with a wagon body, and the first time in 15 years.
Like the M3 Touring, the M5 Touring will also receive widened guards, as confirmed by teasers released on social media.
High-tech interior with luxury finishes
Inside, the M5 will look very similar to the cabin of the electric i5, unveiled in May 2023 – albeit with M enhancements, such as a thick sports steering wheel and body-hugging seats.
Expect leather and Alcantara upholstery, with contrast stitching, plenty of M badges (and embossing), and with carbon-fibre likely to feature.
While the M5’s interior specifications are yet to be confirmed, in the i5 the driver is greeted with twin widescreen displays, comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen.
In a move that could backfire – as it has at Volkswagen, prompting the car maker to backtrack – BMW has made an effort to reduce the number of physical buttons used throughout the cabin.
A number of key functions have now been incorporated into the infotainment system, as well as introducing touch-sensitive buttons into the ‘Interaction Bar’ that extends below the window line on the doors and across the dashboard.
The i5 also features a fixed panoramic glass roof, though it’s not clear whether this will be carried over to both the sedan and wagon bodies in the M5.
The ultimate driving-assist machine
BMW has been known to debut some trick technology when it launches a new M5, and there may be some advanced suspension system to ensure the car – likely to be heavier than before due to the hybrid system – still gets around corners quickly.
The electric i5 offers rear-wheel steering with up to 2.5 degrees of rotation, as well as active roll stabilisation to keep the body flat in corners, and M adaptive suspension with active roll comfort as standard on the performance-oriented i5 M60 xDrive.
We do know the 5 Series range will feature semi-autonomous driving systems including Highway Assistant and Active Lane Change as options, allowing the vehicle to change between lanes in a freeway scenario without the driver needing to use the steering wheel.
It’s not clear whether these systems will be made available on Australian roads, but if they are, there’s a good chance these features will be on the options list of the flagship M5.
Expect a price increase for the extra kit
Despite the new model being only months away, BMW recently bumped the price of the M5 Competition in Australia from $269,600 before on-road costs to $273,600 before on-roads.
While inflation has affected pricing across the entire new-car market, this could be a bridge to reduce sticker shock from buyers when the new M5 arrives in dealerships.
The new model may exceed $300,000 plus on-road costs for the first time, due to the addition of the plug-in hybrid system.
Local pricing for the 2024 BMW M5 is expected to be announced after the performance car’s global debut – anticipated to occur later this year or early next year – though production isn’t expected to begin until the second half of 2024.
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