BMW M5 2026 Review: The New Hybrid Super Sedan Tested And Ranked

M5 was always excess with purpose. Now excess is hybrid. The BMW M5 2026 Review tests new hybrid super sedan — 717 hp and 738 lb-ft from 4.4L twin-turbo V8 plus electric motor, system 1000 Nm, 3.4 sec 0-60 and close to 2.5 tonnes. Pinnacle of 5 Series lineup, power over economy.

Context / Origin Story

The 2026 BMW M5 is pinnacle of BMW 5 Series lineup; it features 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, performance hybrid system and 717 horsepower total. No other 5 Series variant should match handling or straight-line performance, based on instrumented zero-to-60 mph testing conducted by CarBuzz in 2025, none had up to this point. 2026 may only be few months in, but M5 already facing stiff competition from within BMW own model lineup.

At heart of 2026 M5 is S68 engine — 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 585 horsepower on its own, augmented by electric motor for combined output of 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet torque. This plug-in hybrid setup pairs with eight-speed automatic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel drive, enabling 0-60 mph sprint in just 3.4 seconds for sedan, 3.5 seconds for Touring.

Mass is M5 central trade-off. Plug-in-hybrid hardware brings first plug-in-hybrid M5 powertrain, but also significant complexity and weight close to 2.5 tonnes. A model-specific version of 25.5-25.0 kWh/100 km according to WLTP, CO2 emissions weighted combined 39-37 g/km, fuel consumption with discharged battery 10.3-10.2 l/100 km, CO2 classes weighted combined B, with discharged battery G, maximum output 535 kW/727 hp and peak system torque 1000 Nm.

Craftsmanship & Experience

Heart of 2026 M5 is advanced plug-in hybrid system, designed to deliver explosive performance while offering limited electric-only capability. BMW M5 powered by 4395cc twin-turbo V8 petrol engine producing 585 hp and 750 Nm, assisted by 197 hp electric motor with 280 Nm torque. Fuel type petrol-electric hybrid, engine 4.4L V8 hybrid, lithium-ion battery type.

Driving, M TwinPower Turbo V8 mated to plug-in hybrid drivetrain with total system output 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft torque. Despite weight, M xDrive with selectable rear-wheel mode, active rear diff and adaptive suspension manage mass. 2026 BMW 5 Series hybrid outruns M5 as long as you do not use any gas — electric-only range longer in non-M hybrid, but M5 hybrid is more for power than economy purposes.

Inside, new M5 sedan same as last year — G90 generation introduced as new generation for 2025 model year, 2026 unchanged as far as we know, no bump in horsepower or changes overall. Cabin vastly improved with curved display, M-specific controls and Merino leather. Touring variant offers same 4.4L V8 hybrid with estate practicality.

"The M5 is the pinnacle of the 5 Series lineup — 717 horsepower total from V8 hybrid, yet mass is the central trade-off at close to 2.5 tonnes."

— TIMELESS GENIE FEEDS DESK

Curation & Strategic Insight

For 2026 curation, BMW somehow managed to keep M5 sedan same as last year, base trim battery type lithium-ion. G90 BMW M5 still expensive before options — with destination and despite being hybrid, $2,600 gas guzzler fee, M5 sedan price tag $123,275 before taxes. That hybrid is more for power than economy purposes and helps 4.4-liter twin-turbo engine generate 717 horsepower.

2026 BMW M5 review specs trims price and photos per BMW of Sewickley — 4.4-liter M TwinPower Turbo V8 mated to plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Buying new M5 requires understanding central trade-off: plug-in-hybrid hardware brings complexity and weight close to 2.5 tonnes, but also instant torque and electric-only capability for city.

Practical Guidance

Practical guidance: energy consumption combined 39-37 g/km weighted WLTP, fuel consumption with discharged battery 10.3-10.2 l/100 km. For daily, charge nightly for 25 km electric range, use electric-only for commute, V8 for highway. Touring variant offers estate with same 4.4L V8 hybrid, 3.5 sec 0-60, more cargo.

For track, M xDrive Sport mode rear bias, adaptive dampers firm, carbon ceramics optional. For road, comfort mode softens despite weight, active anti-roll manages mass. Price $123,275 before taxes plus $2,600 gas guzzler fee, still expensive before options, but no bump in horsepower for 2026 as new generation introduced 2025.

If choosing between M5 sedan and Touring, choose sedan for 3.4 sec sprint, Touring for practicality with 3.5 sec. Both 717 hp total, both first plug-in-hybrid M5 powertrain. If choosing versus 5 Series hybrid that outruns M5 without gas, remember M5 hybrid for power than economy — hybrid adds torque, not efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How powerful is BMW M5 2026 hybrid?

4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 585 hp plus 197 hp electric motor for total 717 hp and 738 lb-ft, system peak 535 kW 727 hp and 1000 Nm or 737 lb-ft with M TwinPower Turbo.

How fast is BMW M5 2026?

0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds sedan and 3.5 seconds Touring, with 8-speed automatic and M xDrive all-wheel drive, plug-in hybrid for power not economy.

How much does BMW M5 2026 weigh?

Close to 2.5 tonnes due to plug-in-hybrid hardware, first plug-in-hybrid M5 powertrain bringing significant complexity and weight, mass central trade-off.

How much does BMW M5 2026 cost?

Price tag $123,275 before taxes with destination, plus $2,600 gas guzzler fee despite hybrid, still expensive before options, same as last year for 2026.

Is BMW M5 2026 worth buying?

Yes, pinnacle of 5 Series lineup with advanced plug-in hybrid system for explosive performance and limited electric-only capability, though 5 Series hybrid outruns M5 without gas.

The BMW M5 endures because it embraces contradiction — 717 hp hybrid super sedan close to 2.5 tonnes yet 3.4 sec to 60 mph, first plug-in-hybrid M5 powertrain with 1000 Nm system peak and $123,275 plus gas guzzler fee. Pinnacle of 5 Series lineup with advanced plug-in hybrid for explosive performance and limited electric-only, it proves new hybrid era can deliver power over economy with purpose.