New BMW M5 2026 Review

Overview

For over four decades, the BMW M5 has been one of the most respected names in the world of performance sedans. When it first appeared, the idea of a luxury four-door car that could rival sports cars seemed bold. Today, the M5 has become a benchmark — the car others try to beat.

The 2026 version shows just how far the M5 has come. This is no ordinary sedan. Under the hood and beneath its sleek body, you’ll find a combination of traditional power and modern electric assistance. It’s a plug-in hybrid that combines a twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor, delivering an incredible 717 horsepower. This allows the car to sprint to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 190 mph with the right package.

Sure, the new gas-electric setup adds weight — tipping the scales at 5,251 pounds — but it also offers benefits, like up to 25 miles of pure electric driving. That means you can cruise silently around town when you want, then unleash the full fury of the V8 on an open road.

BMW has managed to keep the M5’s legendary handling intact, with balanced steering, adaptive dampers, and serious grip in the corners. It’s still a driver’s car — but now with a futuristic twist.

What’s New for 2026?

For 2026, the main improvement is the improved charging capability. Faster charging periods are possible because the onboard charger can now accommodate 11 kW instead of the prior 7.4 kW.

Additionally, BMW unveiled two new leather interior choices for individuals seeking greater personalization:

• Black/Violet Merino for a striking, athletic style.
• Taupe/Deep Lagoon for a more elegant feel.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2026 BMW M5 starts at $125,175. There’s only one trim level, but BMW offers a range of optional packages so buyers can personalize their car.

• Some key options include:
• Carbon-Ceramic Brakes – for serious track performance.
• M Drive Professional Package – adds extra driving modes, including track-focused settings.
• M Driver’s Package – increases the top speed from 155 mph to 190 mph.

Luxury features, including rear sunshades, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, and sophisticated parking assistance, are added with the Executive Package.

Selecting the Executive Package with the M Driver’s Package offers you the best of both worlds if you’re looking for the ideal balance between comfort and performance.

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Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The heart of the M5 is its twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 working together with an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Power is sent to all four wheels through BMW’s xDrive system, but you can adjust it for a rear-wheel bias — or even unlock a drift mode.

The car comes with adaptive dampers and rear-wheel steering for agile handling, plus massive brakes for stopping power. In Sport mode, the M5 feels aggressive and razor-sharp, yet in Comfort mode it transforms into a quiet luxury cruiser.

Our only real complaint is that the steering feels a bit numb compared to lighter, more connected sports sedans like the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. Nevertheless, the M5’s quickness and adaptability make it an unrivaled all-arounder.

Acceleration and Performance Numbers

BMW claims 0–60 mph in 3.0 seconds, which is just a hair slower than the previous Competition model’s 2.8 seconds. In real-world driving, the difference is barely noticeable — this is still an extremely fast car.

Quarter-mile runs take just 10.9 seconds at 130 mph, and top speed is electronically limited unless you choose the M Driver’s Package.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The 14.8-kWh battery pack has a range of about 25 miles when used exclusively on electricity. With the upgraded 11-kW charger, recharging is faster than before, making the hybrid system even more practical for daily use.

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Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency for the 2025 M5 was 12 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway; however, EPA estimates for the 2026 model are still forthcoming. Combined with electricity, you can expect much better efficiency in short commutes using EV mode.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Step inside, and the M5’s cabin blends the familiar 5-Series layout with unique M touches. The flat-bottom steering wheel with red center marker, large paddle shifters, and customizable M buttons gives a sporty feel.

The seats are more heavily bolstered to keep you in place during spirited driving, but they remain comfortable for long trips. You can choose from a wide range of leather and trim finishes, from classic wood to modern aluminum.

Standard features include a panoramic sunroof and a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system, but serious performance fans can swap the sunroof for a lightweight carbon-fiber roof.

Cargo space is a generous 17 cubic feet, making this a sports car you can use for road trips.

Infotainment and Connectivity

In front of the driver are a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen that is running the latest version of BMW’s iDrive 8.5 software. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

When parked, you can even use in-car video streaming and gaming features, turning the M5 into an entertainment hub.

Safety and Driver Assistance

BMW includes a long list of safety technology as standard:

• Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
• Lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist.
• Blind-spot monitoring.

For even more advanced features, the Driving Assistant Professional package adds adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving on certain roads.

Warranty and Maintenance

BMW’s warranty coverage is competitive:

• 4 years/50,000 miles for both the limited and powertrain warranties.
• Free scheduled maintenance for 3 years and 36,000 miles.

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Final Thoughts

The 2026 BMW M5 is a technical marvel, offering luxury and performance in equal measure. It may be heavier than its predecessors, but its plug-in hybrid setup adds real-world usability without dulling the excitement.

Whether you want a quiet, comfortable luxury sedan or a 717-hp track weapon, the new M5 can be both — sometimes in the same drive. It’s a rare example of a car that respects its heritage while embracing the future, making it one of the most compelling sports sedans you can buy today.