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An image of what appears to be the next M5 has leaked from a BMW facility, while a prototype was spotted testing in camouflage at the Nurburgring.
The 2024 BMW M5 high-performance sedan has been caught on camera in a leak from what appears to be a BMW facility.
Overseas reports believe image of the rear of the new-generation sedan is the upcoming plug-in hybrid M5 rather than a standard 5 Series, given the lip spoiler along the trailing edge of the boot, the aggressive shapes glimpsed in the rear bumper bar, the black roof – possibly made from carbon-fibre – and what could be widened rear guards, similar to the BMW M3.
The image also shows the vehicle has the same tail-lights expected on the rest of the new-generation line-up, as well as a more rakish rear-end – a departure from the traditional ‘three-box’ sedan shape used by the BMW 5 Series since the early 1970s.
Earlier this week, the new BMW M5 was also caught on camera testing at the Nurburgring while cloaked in a heavy camouflage wrap.
While the rear bumper has been covered in an attempt to hide details shown in the leaked photo of the undisguised car, the front-end reveals a similar design language to the front spoiler to the M3.
The new BMW M5 also appears to maintain more traditional front ‘kidney’ grilles – albeit with a larger and more upright opening – rather than the controversial tall ‘coffin’ grilles on the BMW M3.
In June 2022, a well-known BMW insider revealed a wagon version of the M5 was scheduled for production in late 2024.
The new BMW M5 is expected to use the same – or similar – 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with plug-in hybrid technology that debuted on the BMW XM.
It’s believed the new BMW M5 could deliver an electric driving range of more than 80 kilometres, while also offering as much as 550kW and 1000Nm of combined power, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
A report from August 2021 suggests the upcoming BMW M5 will be one of the last V8 engines – if not, the very last – to be developed by the German car company, with the European Union imposing strict emissions laws in the coming decade and beyond.
BMW will also launch an electric 5 Series for the first time with the new generation, with the car-maker teasing the ‘i5’ – as it will be badged – in March 2023.
As reported at the time, the i5 could adopt the BMW iX’s electric motors, to produce as much as 455kW and 1100Nm – offering a viable emissions-free alternative to the V8-powered M5.
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