SANDTON, GAUTENG – The highly anticipated 2025 BMW M5 (G90) first touched down in South Africa in November 2024, marking a monumental shift for the iconic performance sedan.
Boasting an all-new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain and a muscular new design, the latest M5 continues to redefine the super-sedan segment with its potent blend of raw power and surprising efficiency.
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A new era of electrified performance
Local pricing for the new M5 was confirmed at R2,690,000, with initial customer deliveries starting in November 2024. That early arrival gave BMW enthusiasts an exclusive head start in experiencing what may be the boldest M5 yet.
Under the bonnet, the M5 sheds its purely internal combustion past for a sophisticated M Hybrid system. This innovative setup pairs a formidable twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine with an electric motor, churning out a colossal 717 hp (535 kW) and a jaw-dropping 738 lb-ft (1000 Nm) of torque.
BMW claims a rapid 0-100 km/h sprint in just 3.5 seconds, thanks to the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
But it’s not just about raw speed. The 2025 M5 also boasts an estimated electric-only range of 25 miles (40–69 km WLTP), allowing for quiet, emissions-free commutes—a first for the M5 lineage. This dual personality is already earning praise among international reviewers for its seamless transition between electric and hybrid drive modes.
Weight vs Agility: A fine balance
With great power comes a bit of extra weight. Tipping the scales at approximately 2,435 kg (5,368 lbs), the new M5 is heavier than its predecessor. However, BMW M engineers have gone to great lengths to ensure the added mass doesn’t compromise driving dynamics.
Early test drives highlight the car’s remarkable composure and agility, thanks to adaptive M Suspension, active rear-wheel steering, and optional M Carbon Ceramic Brakes, which deliver confident stopping power at any speed.
High-tech luxury inside
Step inside, and the new M5 stuns with premium materials and advanced technology. The driver-focused cockpit features the latest BMW iDrive 8.5 system, seamlessly displayed across a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a sweeping 14.9-inch central touchscreen.
Luxury appointments include M Multi-function seats, high-grade leather, ambient lighting, and a host of advanced driver-assist features for maximum comfort and safety.
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The touring returns
In a welcome twist for M fans, BMW is also reviving the M5 Touring (G99) wagon variant. Combining ballistic performance with everyday practicality, the Touring is expected to turn heads—though specific local availability and pricing in South Africa remain unconfirmed at this stage.
Engineering brilliance or too tamed?
While some purists may miss the old-school, naturally aspirated roar of previous M5s, the consensus is clear: BMW has masterfully balanced traditional performance with forward-thinking innovation.
Coming off the success of its high-performance SUV sibling, the X3, at the SA Car of the Year Awards—where the X3 won the overall title (Car of the Year)—the BMW M5 was consequently named Performance Car.
The M5 is not just faster—it’s smarter, cleaner, and more adaptable to modern driving demands.
Although the M5 has been available locally since late 2024, its next major public appearance is expected at the yet-to-be-confirmed BMW M Fest, promising a showcase that will further cement its status as a technological tour de force in the high-performance luxury segment. 2025 BMW M5’s public debut in South Africa is expected at the yet-to-confirmed BMW M Fest, promising a showcase that will further cement its status as a technological tour de force in the high-performance luxury segment.
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