2024 BMW M5 plug-in hybrid V8 prototype spied

A full-body prototype of the 2024 BMW M5 has been caught on camera by our European spy photography partners in recent days, with the sports sedan wearing less camouflage than in earlier sightings.

As one of the industry’s worst-kept secrets, BMW’s next-generation M5 is all but confirmed to receive a new plug-in hybrid 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 – with a charging port and ‘electrified vehicle’ stickers spied on this test car adding weight to the theory.

Previewed on the BMW XM, the engine – codenamed ‘S68’ – is expected to be paired with a high-performance electric motor to send as much as 550kW and 1000Nm to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission from Germany's ZF.

There’s no word yet on whether the M5 will receive a different engine tune to the XM SUV.

If the XM is a guide, the M5 may offer an electric driving range of in excess of 80 kilometres – allowing most owners to enjoy a silent commute to and from work using just battery power, and keeping the V8 in reserve for when greater performance is required.

As reported in August 2021, this upcoming M5 could be the last of its kind to receive a V8, as the following generation – due in 2030 or 203 – is expected to transition to a fully-electric powertrain. Buyers are being prepared for the change with this upcoming plug-in hybrid model.

Inside information from June suggests an M5 Touring is also on the cards – the first in 14 years – with the wagon variant set to go into production in November 2024, some four months after the sedan.

On the styling front, the ‘G90’ M5 sedan will retain a similar silhouette to the current model, but appears to be adopting larger, more upright ‘kidney’ grilles – complete with LED lighting – with the bonnet holding the shape of the grilles, just like on the M3 and M4.

Further details of the 2024 BMW M5 are expected to emerge over the next 18 months, with production to begin in July 2024. The standard next-generation 5 Series range is due to be revealed early next year.