The 2026 BMW M5 marks the second mannequin yr of the latest 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. Nonetheless, 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general good practicality, and rewarding dynamics characterize the brand new boss as very a lot similar because the outdated boss. That mentioned, virtually nothing modifications year-over-year, save addition of a pair inside upholstery selections. 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 automated transmission is the only real gearbox alternative, and the facility 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 huge horsepower determine, mixed with chunky (non-compulsory) 420-mm carbon ceramic brakes and really huge 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 automobile is heavy. However it might not be the neutered expertise the YouTube evaluations and Instagram remark sections may need led you to imagine.
2026 BMW M5 Gasoline Economic system and MPG
After we visited this part final yr, the EPA had but to check the large hybrid. On the time, we thought the hybrid system would possibly enhance on the outgoing technology’s dismal 15 metropolis and 21 freeway mpg. We additionally mentioned 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 colour alternative. Newly accessible (from March 2025) are Darkish Violet/Black and Taupe Gray/Deep Lagoon Merino leather-based choices. in The Government Bundle ($1,600 for Touring fashions, $1,850 for sedans) is effectively value it, including rear sunshades, rear heated seats, a encompass view digital camera system, and entrance ventilated seats. Nearly all choices might be added a la carte, as effectively, however we suspect most patrons will simply load the automobile up. At this worth, why not? Inside,
If you happen to’re after day by day usability and true practicality, the M5 Touring is the one you need. The Touring gives 18 cubic ft of cargo area, which could not sound like so much when you think about the sedan’s trunk gives 17 cubic ft of area. However fold down the seats, and the wagon comes up with 58 cubic ft of room. For reference, that’s simply shy of Audi’s outdated RS6 Avant, which supplied 59 cubic ft 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 standard array of tech goodies. Normal 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 assist for a variety of BMW ConnectedDrive apps. The 2026 BMW M5 continues to depend on iDrive 8.5, powering the 14.9-inch middle show and 12.3-inch M-specific digital instrument cluster.
Security and Driver Help Options
The 2026 BMW M5 comes filled with a complete suite of superior security and driver-assistance applied sciences designed to maintain each driver and passengers safe in practically any driving situation. Normal tools consists of Frontal Collision Mitigation, which helps detect and stop potential impacts with automobiles or obstacles forward, and Lane Holding Assistant, which gives light steering corrections to maintain the automobile centered on the street. BMW additionally consists of Lively Blind Spot Detection, Rear Finish Collision Prep, and Cross Site visitors Warning. As well as, BMW Help comes customary, offering automated collision notification, roadside help, and direct emergency contact options by BMW’s linked companies.
For many who favor an excellent greater diploma of automation, the non-compulsory Driving Help Skilled Bundle — priced at $1,700 — provides Steering Assistant, Lane Change Assistant, and adaptive cruise management with digital camera and radar integration for semi-autonomous freeway driving. Nonetheless, for many lovers, 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 opponents 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 handbook transmission in that case desired. The Porsche Panamera Turbo exists on the a lot greater finish, commanding nearer $200,000. AMG’s direct M automobile opponents 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
If you happen to pine for the times of a naturally-aspirated engine or a handbook transmission, this merely isn’t the automobile for you. Nothing about driving the M5 actually connects it to its predecessors, however there’s one frequent thread: in the present day, as up to now, the BMW M5 is likely one of the highest performing and superior sedans cash can purchase. And if that’s the expertise you’re chasing, you received’t be disillusioned by the 2026 BMW M5.
First printed by https://www.bmwblog.com