BMW Philippines, through SMC Asia Car Distributors Corporation, has officially brought in the newest generation of the benchmark sports business sedan. However, for the first time since the E60 generation ended production in 2010, a Touring (or wagon in BMW marketing speak) variant is also making a comeback. Say hello to the 2026 BMW M5, embracing plug-in hybrid technology in the electrified era.
The First Plug-In Hybrid M5
That V8, the same S68 4.4-liter twin-turbo unit that’s been fitted in numerous BMW M cars, including the XM super SUV, has 577 hp and 750 Nm of torque, less than the M5 Competition’s 617 hp and the 627 hp from the M5 CS. However, that V8 is augmented by a 194-hp and 280-Nm electric motor mounted into the ZF eight-speed automatic. Thanks to a patented pre-gearing stage between the electric motor and the automatic transmission’s input shaft, that electric motor’s torque figure is raised to 450 Nm.
That gives the new M5 a total output of 717 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque, which is good enough for a 0-100 kph time of just 3.5 seconds. However, due to the plug-in hybrid system, the new model weighs a whopping 2,445 kg versus the previous M5 Competition. On the upside, the 18.6 kWh battery allows the M5 to travel up to 67 km in pure electric mode, thus earning its green plate coding-free benefits for electrified vehicles in the Philippines. The battery can be charged through AC of up to 7.4 kW, which is good for a 0-100 percent charge in just three hours and 15 minutes.
Still Thoroughly Sporty
On the upside, the M Hybrid drivetrain allows for a more responsive throttle than ever before, as well as having more consistent power delivery since the electric motor fills in any performance gaps of the gasoline engine. There’s even a Boost Control system that, when you pull back from the left paddle, puts all of the vehicle’s settings into its highest-performance mode.
But an M car isn’t just about straight-line performance, because what buyers truly want out of their M cars is tenacious cornering capabilities that enable them to have a bit of fun. With that, the 2025 BMW M5 continues to feature all-wheel drive (AWD), but it can be switched to a rear-biased setting or a complete rear-wheel drive (RWD) setup altogether by deactivating the front axle. Furthermore, the Active M Differential can also shuffle the power between the left and right wheels. The system can even send power to just an individual wheel if it thinks the car is headed to an understeer.
Wider, Sportier Looks
Finally, we’ve now come to the part you’d often love to scrutinize in any new BMW, and that’s its styling. In the 2025 BMW M5, things are not as shock-and-awe since you’ve already seen the standard 5 Series in the first place. It looks rather nice, though the implementation of the CLAR platform in the current 5 Series to take into account an electric version means it looks a bit taller than the outgoing F80 M5.
In the Philippines, the 2026 BMW M5 is fitted with the M Carbon exterior if you opt for the sedan, which adds carbon fiber to the roof, mirrors, and rear spoiler. The M5 Touring, on the other hand, also gets carbon fiber mirrors, though it gets the Sky Lounge Panoramic Roof instead of a carbon fiber roof. Elsewhere, you get the staggered 20- and 21-inch wheels, along with M Carbon ceramic brakes as standard.
Other features worth mentioning are its adaptive LED headlights and the Driving Assistant Professional, which means that the M5 comes fully loaded with BMW’s full list of advanced driver-assistance systems. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go Function, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Rescue Lane Assistant, Emergency Stop Assistant, Avoidance Assistance, Crossing Traffic Warning (Front & Rear), and Lane Change Assistant, among other features.
More Luxurious And Tech-Laden
Perhaps another contributor to its weight gain is the sheer amount of tech and luxury that’s offered in the 2026 BMW M5. The interior is, as expected, built to the highest quality, and it’s also luxuriously trimmed with Merino Leather and carbon fiber panels. Tech also plays a major role in the M5, with those two screens powered by the iDrive 8.5 operating system. Those screens contain M-specific menus and displays, while the Interaction Bar, which also acts as the ambient lighting, can be programmed to feature the BMW M signature tri-color motif.
For the Philippines, the M Multifunction seats are also fitted as standard, which blend both lateral support and long-distance comfort through generous cushioning, as well as their heating and ventilation functions. Further building on its luxury orientation are the standard Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system and the Sky Lounge Panoramic Roof that’s exclusive to the M5 Touring (remember, the sedan gets a carbon fiber roof).
The 2026 BMW M5 in both sedan and wagon versions is now on sale for a price tag of P12,790,000. Every M5 purchase comes with a 7 kW AC home charger, as well as a five-year warranty for the vehicle itself. Meanwhile, the M5’s battery comes with an eight-year warranty.
0 comments on “2026 BMW M5 Plug-In Hybrid Now In PH, Priced At P12.790M”