The 2026 BMW M5 marks the second mannequin 12 months of the most recent iteration of the decades-old M5 nameplate. The G90 (sedan) and G99 (Touring/wagon) chassis flip the mannequin on its head, debuting a hybrid powertrain with sizable will increase in each horsepower and curb weight. Nevertheless, that hasn’t diminished the M5’s talents within the areas which have traditionally mattered most for the mannequin. Dramatic acceleration, general good practicality, and rewarding dynamics characterize the brand new boss as very a lot identical because the previous boss. That stated, nearly nothing modifications year-over-year, save addition of a pair inside upholstery decisions. Additionally, it bears acknowledgment that the M5 comes with practically each bell and whistle anyway — there merely wasn’t a lot for BMW so as to add.
2026 BMW M5 Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency
Regardless of variations within the garments they’re carrying, each the M5 sedan and M5 Touring sport equivalent hybrid powertrains beneath all of it. The S68 engine — a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with delicate hybrid capabilities by itself — pairs with an electrical motor to supply 717 horsepower/535 kW and 738 pound-feet/1,000 Nm of torque. An eight-speed computerized transmission is the only real gearbox alternative, and the ability meets the pavement courtesy of M xDrive all-wheel drive. BMW says zero to 60 mph occurs in 3.4 seconds in sedan, with the Touring not far behind at 3.5 seconds. One small enchancment for the 2026 mannequin. The M5 will get a sooner charging battery that faucets out at 11 kW.
The M5’s perennial albatross is its curb weight: a heavy-hitting 5,400 kilos or so. The large horsepower determine, mixed with chunky (non-obligatory) 420-mm carbon ceramic brakes and really vast 285/295 front-rear profile tires, enable the M5 to proceed the physics-defying custom that started a few years in the past with the primary BMW M badged SUVs. Sure, the automotive is heavy. Nevertheless it is probably not the neutered expertise the YouTube critiques and Instagram remark sections may need led you to consider.
2026 BMW M5 Gas Economic system and MPG
Once we visited this part final 12 months, the EPA had but to check the large hybrid. On the time, we thought the hybrid system may enhance on the outgoing technology’s dismal 15 metropolis and 21 freeway mpg. We additionally stated to not anticipate a miracle. The 2026 BMW M5 sedan is rated at 14 mpg mixed, whereas the Touring mannequin achieves simply 13 mpg mixed. Accounting for hybrid driving, these numbers shift to 47 mpge and 54 mpge. In testing, the sedan was good for 29 miles of all electrical driving, whereas the Touring managed 25. Maybe extra alarmingly, the EPA solely eked 280 miles from a tank — and that was from the sedan.
Inside and Cargo Area
The restricted enhancements BMW makes to the M5 come primarily in the best way of inside coloration alternative. Newly out there (from March 2025) are Darkish Violet/Black and Taupe Gray/Deep Lagoon Merino leather-based choices. in The Govt Bundle ($1,600 for Touring fashions, $1,850 for sedans) is nicely value it, including rear sunshades, rear heated seats, a encompass view digicam system, and entrance ventilated seats. Virtually all choices could be added a la carte, as nicely, however we suspect most patrons will simply load the automotive up. At this value, why not? Inside,
In case you’re after every day usability and true practicality, the M5 Touring is the one you need. The Touring affords 18 cubic toes of cargo area, which could not sound like lots when you think about the sedan’s trunk affords 17 cubic toes of area. However fold down the seats, and the wagon comes up with 58 cubic toes of room. For reference, that’s simply shy of Audi’s previous RS6 Avant, which provided 59 cubic toes of stowage.
2026 BMW M5 Expertise and Connectivity
Nothing new to report right here. The brand new M5 will get the now-ubiquitous curved show with the same old array of tech goodies. Commonplace options embrace Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration, built-in navigation with real-time site visitors updates, intuitive voice command performance, and help for a variety of BMW ConnectedDrive apps. The 2026 BMW M5 continues to depend on iDrive 8.5, powering the 14.9-inch heart show and 12.3-inch M-specific digital instrument cluster.
Security and Driver Help Options
The 2026 BMW M5 comes full of a complete suite of superior security and driver-assistance applied sciences designed to maintain each driver and passengers safe in practically any driving state of affairs. Commonplace tools consists of Frontal Collision Mitigation, which helps detect and forestall potential impacts with autos or obstacles forward, and Lane Protecting Assistant, which gives mild steering corrections to maintain the automotive centered on the highway. BMW additionally consists of Energetic Blind Spot Detection, Rear Finish Collision Prep, and Cross Site visitors Warning. As well as, BMW Help comes commonplace, offering computerized collision notification, roadside help, and direct emergency contact options by means of BMW’s linked companies.
For individuals who favor an excellent increased diploma of automation, the non-obligatory Driving Help Skilled Bundle — priced at $1,700 — provides Steering Assistant, Lane Change Assistant, and adaptive cruise management with digicam and radar integration for semi-autonomous freeway driving. Nonetheless, for many fanatics, the enjoyment of piloting an M5 lies in being in full management, and we suspect many will favor to deal with the steering duties themselves.
2026 BMW M5 Pricing
The M5 Sedan begins at $121,900, and also you’ll have to tack on $2,000 extra for the M5 Touring mannequin. Audi sells a 2026 RS6 Avant within the States, which begins at $130,700. That’s about it so far as actual rivals to the longroof go. Within the sedan area, it’s noticeably extra crowded. Cadillac will promote you a CT5-V Blackwing for round $100,000 and you’ll even get a guide transmission in that case desired. The Porsche Panamera Turbo exists on the a lot increased finish, commanding nearer $200,000. AMG’s direct M automotive rivals are a bit extra…in flux than they’ve been up to now, so the closest you will get is an S63 that begins at $189,000. Or, an E53 with a 3.0-liter six-pot which we really feel is, bluntly, hopelessly outgunned in comparison with the M5. An E63 is on the horizon, however for now, that’s all you will get.
2026 BMW M5: Our Take
In case you pine for the times of a naturally-aspirated engine or a guide transmission, this merely isn’t the automotive for you. Nothing about driving the M5 actually connects it to its predecessors, however there’s one frequent thread: at the moment, as up to now, the BMW M5 is likely one of the highest performing and superior sedans cash should purchase. And if that’s the expertise you’re chasing, you received’t be disenchanted by the 2026 BMW M5.
First printed by https://www.bmwblog.com
