With every generation, the 5-Series (and M5 by extension) seems to wear BMW‘s design language better than any other model in the range. Now, our spy photographers have captured the next-gen 2024 M5 with its production body for the first time, and compared to the German automaker’s recent M releases, it’s a breath of fresh air.
As mentioned above, this is the first time we’re seeing the new M5 without heaps of camo on it, and while there is still plenty left to the imagination, it’s one of the best looks we’ve gotten yet. Unlike the M3/M4, which feature grossly oversized grilles that many still can’t get used to, and the new M2, whose brutal design full of basic shapes and openings is rather unrefined, this new M5 looks to keep some of the class of its predecessor while still retaining the aggressiveness of any good M car.
Read More: 2024 BMW M5 Flaunts Its Edgier Design, Will Pack Plug-In Hybrid Power
Up front, the overall design looks to be somewhat similar to the recently refreshed 3-Series. Most importantly, though, is that it appears to have normal-sized kidney grilles that are thankfully wider than they are tall. Another trait that looks to be inspired by the new 3-Series is the large central intake. As we’ve seen in previous spy shots, the trapezoidal design almost looks straight off the M3 minus the “coffin”-style kidney grilles splitting it down the middle.
Elsewhere, the M5 shows canted, straight-edged headlights, which are also reminiscent of those on the 3-Series. On that car, these lights feature “halo” DRLs that wrap around the top of the headlight rather than the bottom, but due to the camouflage, it’s unclear which way the DRL signature will go on the new 5er.
See Also: 2024 BMW M5 Hybrid Prototype Drops Arch Flares, Shows Glimpse Of M4 CSL-Style Grille
Like just about every other car in BMW’s lineup, the taillights have gone from an L-shape to a single line, and these ones in particular look as though they could borrow some cues from the new 7-Series. Other noteworthy items at the rear include the large quad tailpipes and chiseled bumper.
Moving to the side of the vehicle, as is the trend these days, many of the car’s character lines have been somewhat smoothed out. Other small details include flush door handles, aggressive side skirts, M side mirrors, and a retention of the Hoffmeister kink. We can also see split-spoke wheels that have a similar design, if not the exact same one, as the M2, M3, and M4.
Related: 2024 BMW M5 Will Embrace Electrification, Prototype Spotted Wearing Hybrid Badges
One of the biggest changes to this new M5 compared the outgoing model is the addition of electrification. The expected powertrain of choice will be a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 paired with an electric motor, not unlike the setup found in the XM Label Red. In that vehicle, the system makes a combined output of 738 hp (748 PS / 550kW) and 735 lb-ft (997 Nm), but there have been reports that the M5 could send as much as 790 hp (801 PS / 589 kW) to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Regardless, as much as we already know, there is still plenty to find out about the next M5 before it arrives in 2023 as a 2024 model year vehicle.
