In the latest review from Car and Driver's September/October 2026 issue, the new BMW M5 demonstrates its formidable capabilities, achieving an impressive 0-150-0 mph time of 43.6 seconds. This high-performance luxury sedan, equipped with a sophisticated plug-in hybrid powertrain, offers a blend of raw power and advanced technology, setting new benchmarks for vehicle performance. Its all-wheel-drive system ensures superior traction, allowing it to surpass many competitors in both acceleration and braking efficiency. The article delves into the intricate details of handling such a powerful machine, highlighting the advanced configurations required to unleash its full potential.
The 2026 BMW M5 boasts a formidable powertrain, combining a 577-horsepower twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine with a potent 194-horsepower electric motor, culminating in an astonishing 717 total horsepower. This impressive output is managed by a sophisticated four-wheel traction system, ensuring that power is delivered efficiently to the road. Priced at a base of $132,050, with the as-tested model reaching $146,500, the M5 is equipped with high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport S5 tires and robust carbon-ceramic brakes, featuring 16.5-inch vented, cross-drilled discs at the front and 15.7-inch discs at the rear. These specifications underscore the vehicle's design for both extreme speed and precise control.
Preparing the M5 for optimal performance involves navigating its extensive menu system to activate the sportiest settings. Drivers must engage 'Sport Plus' for the drive logic and select either 'ESC Off' or 'M Dynamic Mode' for stability control. The launch sequence requires holding both the brake and accelerator until 'Launch Control' appears on the driver's display. Monitoring the turbo-boost gauge is crucial to initiating the launch at the perfect moment, after which releasing the brakes unleashes the vehicle’s full power, causing the tires to audibly 'bark'—a testament to its immense torque and grip. This meticulous setup process is essential for achieving the M5's record-breaking performance figures.
When tested against the M2, the M5 showcases its superior speed and braking. While it gains approximately one second on the M2 in the sprint to 150 mph, its stopping power is even more pronounced, coming to a complete halt in 609 feet, significantly shorter than the M2's 634 feet. This demonstrates the M5's advanced braking system and its capability to manage high speeds with exceptional control and safety. The M5's ability to combine such raw power with precise handling and rapid deceleration truly sets it apart in the high-performance sedan category.
This comprehensive review from the latest Car and Driver issue meticulously examines the 2026 BMW M5's performance metrics, highlighting its advanced hybrid powertrain, impressive acceleration, and superior braking capabilities. The article details the vehicle's sophisticated engineering and the precise operational steps required to maximize its on-track potential, solidifying its position as a top-tier luxury performance car.
