“I have not put many miles on the car yet but I feel this vehicle may be the best one of all - everything considered. I am 80 years old and during my life have owned over 100 cars for use by my family.”
BMW M5: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The BMW M5 is a high-performance luxury midsize car, sold mainly as a sedan and more recently as a Touring wagon, known for combining supercar-level acceleration with everyday comfort and space. Recent versions use all-wheel drive, and the 2025 redesign introduced a plug-in-hybrid V8.
The M5 has long paired serious speed and adjustable handling with the cabin and practicality of a luxury four-door. Its engines evolved from a V10 to twin-turbo V8s and, since 2025, a plug-in-hybrid V8, while all-wheel drive arrived for 2018 to make its performance easier to use in varied conditions. The newer Touring carries that same character into a roomier wagon.
Strengths
- It combines very strong acceleration with the comfort, space, and premium cabin expected from a luxury midsize car.
- Its adjustable chassis lets the car serve as both a daily driver and a more focused performance machine.
- All-wheel drive has given M5 models greater all-weather versatility since 2018.
- The Touring adds family- and trip-friendly cargo space without giving up the sedan’s core power or handling hardware.
- The 2027 plug-in-hybrid model has 717 horsepower and an EPA-rated 29 miles of electric range.
Who it's for
The M5 fits someone who wants one premium car for commuting, carrying passengers, and taking trips, but still cares deeply about acceleration and handling. The sedan suits drivers who prefer the traditional sport-sedan shape, while the newer Touring better serves families or travelers who need extra cargo room.
BMW M5 lineup
The standard M5 sedan is the core all-rounder, balancing everyday luxury with the model’s full performance character. In the sixth generation, the Competition version was the step up for more power, a louder exhaust, and sharper handling. The one-year 2022 CS was the focused special, with less weight, four seats, and more track-oriented equipment. Since 2025, the Touring has been the cargo-friendly choice, using the same basic performance hardware as the sedan while adding wagon space.
BMW M5 generations
From 2009 to 2027, the M5 spans four generations. The current 7th Generation — G90 Sedan / G99 Touring arrived for 2025, following the 6th Generation — F90 (2018–2023).
7th Generation — G90 Sedan / G99 Touring (2025–Present)
This generation shifts the M5 to a 717-hp plug-in-hybrid V8 drivetrain. It also brings the M5 Touring wagon to the U.S. for the first time alongside the sedan.
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2027
The sedan and Touring carry over with no significant updates.
2026
Faster 11-kW AC charging shortens Level 2 charging time; the rest of the car is largely unchanged.
2025New generation
A full redesign brings a 717-hp plug-in-hybrid V8 and the first U.S.-market M5 Touring wagon.
6th Generation — F90 (2018–2023)
The F90 is the first M5 with standard all-wheel drive, pairing it with a 600-hp twin-turbo V8 and an 8-speed automatic. A 2021 update revised the styling and added a larger touchscreen.
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2023Trim changes
The Competition version stops being a separate trim and continues as an optional package.
2022Trim changes
The one-year M5 CS joins with more power, less weight, four seats, and carbon-ceramic brakes.
2021Mid-cycle update
Updated front and rear styling arrives with a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Android Auto.
2020
The limited Edition 35 Years joins, while a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and wireless charging become standard.
2019Trim changes
The standalone M5 Competition joins with 617 horsepower and sharper suspension tuning.
2018New generation
The redesigned F90 debuts as the first all-wheel-drive M5, with a 600-hp twin-turbo V8 and an 8-speed automatic.
5th Generation — F10 (2013–2016)
The F10 replaces the previous generation’s V10 with a 560-hp twin-turbo V8 while retaining rear-wheel drive. U.S. cars were sold with an automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission.
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2016
Enhanced USB and Bluetooth features and a power tailgate become standard.
2015
A limited 30th Anniversary edition joins, and keyless entry and satellite radio become standard.
2014Mid-cycle update
Subtle grille and taillight changes arrive with a revised steering wheel and a touchpad controller for the dashboard system.
2013New generation
The redesigned M5 returns with a 560-hp twin-turbo V8 in place of the previous V10.
4th Generation — E60 (2006–2010)
The E60 M5 is a rear-wheel-drive sedan powered by a 500-hp V10. Its final years brought interface updates but no broad mechanical or styling changes.
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2010
The final E60 model year is largely unchanged, aside from a newer hard-drive-based dashboard interface.
2009
Later-built cars received an easier-to-use dashboard interface, while early-production cars retained the older system.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the BMW M5.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW M5 a sedan or a wagon?
It has traditionally been a four-door sedan. Since the seventh generation began for 2025, the U.S. lineup has also included the M5 Touring, a wagon with the same core performance hardware and more cargo room.
Is the BMW M5 a plug-in hybrid?
The newest M5 is a plug-in hybrid, but older ones are not. Every 2025-and-newer M5 pairs a twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor for 717 horsepower. Earlier generations used gasoline engines without plug-in charging.
Does the BMW M5 have all-wheel drive?
M5s from 2018 onward use performance-focused all-wheel drive. Earlier U.S. models were rear-wheel drive. The newer system has adjustable modes, including a rear-wheel-drive setting intended for experienced drivers in suitable conditions.
What is the BMW M5 known for?
The M5 is known for combining very strong acceleration and sharp handling with four-door space, luxury features, and everyday comfort. It is more powerful and adjustable than an ordinary 5 Series, without giving up its basic usefulness as a midsize car.
Is the BMW M5 practical enough for daily driving?
Yes. The M5 has a full luxury cabin, usable rear seats, adaptive suspension, and driver-assistance features, so it can handle commuting and longer trips. Its high output and adjustable settings still demand more care than an ordinary family sedan.
How do the main BMW M5 generations differ?
The E60 used a V10, the F10 switched to a twin-turbo V8, and the F90 added all-wheel drive. The seventh generation moved to a plug-in-hybrid V8 and introduced the M5 Touring to the U.S. Each era has a noticeably different character.
Can the BMW M5 drive on electricity alone?
The 2025-and-newer plug-in-hybrid M5 has an all-electric driving mode. The latest version is rated for 29 miles of electric range. Earlier M5 generations do not have electric-only driving or plug-in charging.
BMW M5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the BMW M5.
4.6
BMW M5
(451 reviews)
“I love the new M5 and the way it handles, but I would say the suspension is to tight for a daily driver.”
“I wish before I purchased the gold package braking system on my M5 that someone would have told me those brakes will squeak when stopping this is a complete embarrassment in a car with such value.”
“Unbelievable vehicle. Unique in style and performance. Exclusive due to limited production. If performance is the primary consideration this is the vehicle, but you can still maintain a premium luxury impression.”
“Has power & elegance - everything you want in a car. All wrapped up in one car. It is simply amazing.”
“I would tell them the fit, finish, and performance of my car are second to none. I would tell them although a bit expensive the car provides the feeling I am looking for in a vehicle.”