BMW M5 PHEV Review: Everyday Strengths and Real Trade-Offs

BMW M5 PHEV carries a calm, everyday sort of styling that should wear well over time. The stronger part of that impression comes from a sedan shape, 5096 mm length with a 3006 mm wheelbase and 10 visual references. The styling reads as neat and sensible, even if it is not the loudest thing in its class. That tends to show itself fastest in weekday commuting, when the easy bits and the compromises stop hiding.

BMW M5 PHEV gives the impression of a cabin built for real routines rather than a quick first glance. The useful detail sits in 5 seats, wireless phone charging, seat material and seat layout, which gives the car more shape in real use. Those are the sort of touches that make the cabin easier to enjoy after a few months of real use. That tends to show itself fastest in weekday commuting, when the easy bits and the compromises stop hiding.

BMW M5 PHEV looks likely to be straightforward on the road without pushing into anything especially sharp. The stronger part of that impression comes from plug-in hybrid, 145 kW maximum power, 280 Nm maximum torque, automatic transmission and Real-Time All Wheel Drive. That usually means relaxed commuting rather than a genuinely sharp or playful character. That tends to show itself fastest in weekday commuting, when the easy bits and the compromises stop hiding.

BMW M5 PHEV appears to have the sort of footprint that pays off once the car is fully used. The stronger part of that impression comes from a sedan body, 5 seats and 5096 mm length and 3006 mm wheelbase. The dimensions point to a cabin that can stay more relaxed when the car is fully used. That tends to show itself fastest in weekday commuting, when the easy bits and the compromises stop hiding.

BMW M5 PHEV looks to have a sturdier safety foundation than the bare minimum. The stronger part of that impression comes from ABS, seatbelt reminder, driver airbag, front passenger airbag, front side airbags and 9 named safety items. That gives the car a more reassuring backbone for daily commuting and family use. That tends to show itself fastest in weekday commuting, when the easy bits and the compromises stop hiding.

BMW M5 PHEV is harder to defend as an easy ownership choice when the cost picture stays this open. The stronger part of that impression comes from an entry price around RM 1,200,800, 1.6 L/100 km combined fuel use and plug-in hybrid. It is harder to call this a low-stress ownership choice when the numbers do not clearly lean that way. That tends to show itself fastest in weekday commuting, when the easy bits and the compromises stop hiding. For a plug-in hybrid sedan like this, trim and setup can still change the real impression quite a bit.