2026 BMW M5
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Model Highlights
Explore the BMW M5 at BMW of Akron
This is the biggest change to the M5 in decades, and it's not a subtle one. BMW's benchmark performance sedan has gone plug-in hybrid, and the result is more power than any M5 before it while still being genuinely capable of a quiet, electric-only commute. Shoppers who remember the last few generations tend to ask a lot of questions about what's actually changed under the skin, and it's more than most expect.
BMW's First Plug-In Hybrid M5: 717 Horsepower Combined
A twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 pairs with an electric motor built into the transmission, producing a combined 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Power routes through an eight-speed automatic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel drive, and the added electric assist fills in torque gaps that a turbocharged engine alone would leave on the table.
Faster Charging for 2026
This year's change is a practical one: maximum AC charging power rises from 7.4 kW to 11 kW, meaningfully shortening the time it takes to top off the battery on a Level 2 home charger. For drivers who actually plan to use the M5's roughly 25 miles of electric-only range for a daily commute, that's a real quality-of-life improvement.
Sedan or Touring: Same Powertrain, Different Body
Buyers can choose between the traditional Sedan and the Touring wagon body style, both of which share the identical plug-in hybrid powertrain and chassis hardware. The Touring adds a folding-seat cargo area, a panoramic glass roof, and an automatic liftgate for shoppers who want M5 performance with genuinely more usable cargo space.
A 2WD Drift Mode for the Track
Despite the added hybrid hardware, the M xDrive system retains its selectable rear-wheel-drive drift mode for track use, letting experienced drivers disconnect the front axle entirely. It's the kind of feature that tells you BMW didn't build this hybrid system to soften the M5's character.
Experience the New Powertrain at BMW of Akron
Whether you're weighing the Sedan against the Touring or just want to feel what 717 combined horsepower does off the line, our team can get you scheduled for a test drive and walk through exactly what's changed with this generation's hybrid system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the 2026 BMW M5
Is the M5 a hybrid now?
Yes, the current M5 generation introduced BMW's first plug-in hybrid M5 powertrain, combining a twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor for a combined 717 horsepower.
How far can the M5 drive on electric power alone?
The M5 offers roughly 25 miles of electric-only range, enough for many daily commutes before the V8 engages.
What's new on the 2026 M5?
The main change for 2026 is faster AC charging, with maximum charging power increasing from 7.4 kW to 11 kW, reducing time spent charging at home.
Is the M5 available as a wagon?
Yes, the M5 Touring offers the same plug-in hybrid powertrain and chassis as the Sedan, with a folding-seat cargo area and panoramic glass roof.
Does the M5 have a rear-wheel-drive mode?
Yes, the M xDrive system includes a selectable rear-wheel-drive drift mode intended for track use.