Gasoline Beast Electrified: Test-Driving the BMW M5 Plug-In Hybrid

As the wave of electrification reshapes the automotive industry with an unstoppable momentum, even the performance icon BMW M embarks on an unprecedented path of innovation. The new BMW M5 plug-in hybrid before me is a vivid testament to this era. It not only achieves breakthroughs in power technology but also redefines the driving standards of high-performance luxury sedans. Inheriting the family’s racing DNA while injecting a new driving spirit into the hybrid architecture, what kind of driving experience will it bring us? Today, let us start this exploration together and unveil its true nature.

    Appearance: full of power and intimidation

The exterior of the BMW M5 New Energy perfectly inherits the spirit of the BMW M series, still featuring an extremely aggressive and fierce appearance. At the same time, certain "electric" elements are incorporated into the details, such as clean surfaces, a closed grille, and a charging port, distinguishing it from the traditional fuel-powered M5 and highlighting its sense of technology and modernity.

The front section features the iconic kidney grille in a high-gloss black material, with an exclusive M5 badge embedded inside. The sharp design of the headlights on both sides, along with the large air intakes below, creates a strong sense of aggression. The wide body fenders on the side of the car are particularly prominent, giving a stable visual effect. The tire specifications are 20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear, with a combination of blackened wheels and yellow brake calipers highlighting its performance attributes. Additionally, the tires are from the Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z series, which is custom-made for high-performance sports cars, offering unparalleled grip and directional stability.

In addition, there is a charging port located on the left front fender, but it does not support fast charging, requiring over 2 hours to fully charge. The rear design is highly expressive, featuring an optional carbon fiber rear wing, and the bottom diffuser and dual exhaust layout further enhance the sporty atmosphere.

    Interior: Tech-infused sporty cockpit

Entering the car, the familiar atmosphere of the BMW M family greets you. The center console is adorned with extensive carbon fiber materials, complemented by a wide ambient light strip, achieving an excellent balance between luxury texture and a high-tech ambiance. Above the steering wheel, there is a centering mark, and on both sides, the classic M1 and M2 shortcut buttons allow you to quickly enter combat mode.

The center console still adopts the family-style dual-screen setup, with the familiar iDrive system, offering very smooth operation. It also comes pre-installed with multiple third-party apps to meet the current consumer needs. For Apple users, it supports CarPlay connectivity, providing good convenience. Additionally, the BMW M5 New Energy comes standard with Bowers & Wilkins, paired with 18 speakers to deliver a top-tier in-car audio experience.

In terms of comfort, the M multifunctional sports seat, although visually performance-oriented, still ensures daily comfort with features such as heating/ventilation, 4-way lumbar support, and genuine leather upholstery. Additionally, while the BMW M5 New Energy comes standard with a panoramic sunroof, the test vehicle in this review is equipped with an optional carbon fiber roof that emphasizes hardcore performance. This not only further reduces the vehicle's weight but also pushes the car's sporty attributes to the extreme, making it a perfect finishing touch.

    Performance: Nap-of-the-earth flight

In terms of power, the new BMW M5 introduces a high-performance plug-in hybrid system for the first time, which is not a compromise on purity, but rather a revolutionary interpretation of performance by BMW's M division. The 4.4T V8 twin-turbo engine has a maximum power output of 430kW, while the electric motor has a total power output of 155kW. The system has a combined torque of 1000N·m, and a WLTC pure electric range of 66km, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Starting in the default hybrid or pure electric mode, the vehicle performs exceptionally quietly, smoothly, and with extremely direct responsiveness. The instant torque provided by the electric motor makes this nearly 2.5-ton performance beast feel surprisingly light when cruising through the city, unlike a typical M5. It eliminates turbo lag, delivering power on demand, and offers a refined and serene driving experience.

When the entire system is operating at full power, the power response is extremely rapid. Whether it's the instant torque unleashed by the electric motor or the continuous thrust from the V8 engine in the mid to late stages, it can be described as "punching through to the flesh." At the same time, during acceleration, the electric motor fills any power gaps before the turbocharger builds pressure, making the acceleration process seamless and incredibly aggressive. The officially announced 0-100 km/h acceleration time is just 3.5 seconds, and throughout the process, there is no sensation of gear shifting, making it smooth yet terrifying.

The BMW M5 New Energy comes standard with adjustable suspension stiffness, which can adjust the damping force of each wheel in real-time at a very high frequency, effectively controlling the heavy body. In comfort mode, it filters out most of the bumps; when switched to sport mode, the suspension becomes extremely firm, providing impressive lateral support, firmly holding the body in corners and suppressing body roll, making the vehicle feel smaller and more agile than its actual size.

It is worth mentioning that despite the increase in body weight, through the use of active anti-roll bars, reinforced suspension links, and exclusive tuning, it still maintains the agile "maneuverability" characteristic of BMW M. Whether tackling mountain road corners or racing on the track, it provides the driver with a sense of stability and confidence akin to "gliding close to the ground."

    Space: Within expectations

In terms of seating space, the 178cm tall tester entered both the front and rear seats. After adjusting the seats, the overall performance was quite good. However, due to the high hump in the middle of the rear floor and limited longitudinal space, the middle seat is not suitable for long periods of sitting.

In terms of storage space, the overall performance of the BMW M5 New Energy is as expected. In front of the gear selector, there are two cup holders with limiters, and further forward are two phone slots, with the left one supporting wireless charging. In the rear row, in addition to the door panel storage compartments, there are also two cup holders with limiters set at the front end of the central armrest.

Upon opening the trunk, it can be seen that the wheel arches on both sides take up some space, resulting in an average space utilization. In its regular state, the trunk can accommodate 3 to 4 carry-on suitcases. After folding down the rear seats in a split configuration, the longitudinal space can be further expanded.

    Safety: Rich in active and passive safety features

In terms of safety, the test vehicle is equipped with a rich array of active and passive safety features, including active braking/active safety systems, fatigue driving alerts, and tire pressure display. Additionally, the test vehicle offers a 360-degree panoramic image. In practical tests, the image quality is quite clear, and the level of distortion is within a controllable range, making it highly practical.

    Summary:

The all-new BMW M5 New Energy is undoubtedly an all-round warrior awakened from the traditional fuel throne by "electrification." It successfully merges the ferocious soul of the 4.4T V8 engine with the swift tranquility of the electric motor, redefining the performance benchmark for high-performance sedans with a system combined torque of up to 1000N·m and an impressive 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.5 seconds. The BMW M5 New Energy perfectly reconciles the substantial contradiction between performance and comfort, tradition and innovation. It is not a compromise to the times but a complete technological revolution that futuristically shapes the future form of high-performance driving.