Facelifted M5 plug-in hybrid spotted testing at Nürburgring

Motor1 published spy video on May 15 showing BMW running a camouflaged M5 prototype at speed on the Nürburgring, alongside footage of an early electric M3 test car. The outlet said the M5 prototype appeared to be a facelifted version of the current plug-in hybrid super sedan rather than an all-new generation. The video showed the car wearing a revised front end, temporary aerodynamic pieces and visible test equipment, according to Motor1. The report said both cars are expected in 2027. ### Why does this look like a facelift and not a new M5 generation? Motor1 said the prototype kept the current M5’s basic body shell while adding a “fully redesigned front fascia,” a combination that points to a mid-cycle update rather than a ground-up replacement. The footage showed heavy camouflage concentrated around the nose, where BMW typically hides the most visible styling changes during late-stage development, according to the publication. (motor1.com) Autoblog reported in July 2025 that BMW’s M5 “Life Cycle Impulse,” the company’s term for a facelift, was expected to bring Neue Klasse-inspired styling and an updated interior while largely carrying over the existing powertrain. That earlier report also said the lower front and rear fascias appeared to change less than the lighting and upper-body surfaces. (motor1.com) ### What is BMW likely keeping under the hood? BMW said when it launched the current M5 in June 2024 that the sedan uses an M Hybrid system combining a V8 engine and electric motor for 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. BMW said the car can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and has a projected electric-only range of about 25 miles. (autoblog.com) Autoblog reported that the facelifted M5 was not expected to gain more output and that the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 hybrid setup would likely carry over. Motor1 likewise described the Nürburgring prototype as a “hybrid V8-powered M5,” not a switch to a different propulsion layout. ### What in the spy footage stands out beyond the camouflage? (press.bmwgroup.com) The Nürburgring footage published by Motor1 showed the M5 running with visible testing hardware and what the outlet described as prototype aero parts. Those details usually indicate engineers are collecting data on cooling, stability, braking or airflow while validating changes at high speed, though BMW has not publicly described this specific test program. (autoblog.com) The Nürburgring Nordschleife is a common development site for BMW M cars because it allows repeated high-load laps under track conditions. Motor1 paired the M5 footage with an early look at BMW’s first electric M3, suggesting the company is validating combustion-hybrid and battery-electric M sedans in parallel. ### Could the facelift also bring BMW’s new cabin tech? (motor1.com) BMW said at CES 2025 that its new Panoramic iDrive system and BMW Operating System X would be introduced in all new BMW models from the end of 2025. The company described that package as the next-generation display and operating concept for future vehicles tied to the Neue Klasse design and software rollout. (motor1.com) Autoblog reported that the facelifted M5 was expected to adopt Panoramic iDrive as part of its mid-cycle update. BMW has not confirmed timing for the M5 specifically, but the company’s stated rollout plan and the timing of the facelift testing make the system a likely candidate for the updated car. ### When is BMW expected to show the updated car? (press.bmwgroup.com) Motor1 said the facelifted M5 and the electric M3 are both due in 2027. BMW has not announced a reveal date for the updated M5, and the company has not released official images or specifications for the facelifted car. BMW’s current M5 sedan launched with a U.S. base MSRP of $119,500 plus destination, while the M5 Touring was announced at $121,500 plus destination in August 2024. (autoblog.com) Until BMW confirms the facelift, the clearest next markers are additional prototype sightings, a formal debut date and any confirmation that Panoramic iDrive will move into the M5 lineup. (press.bmwgroup.com) (motor1.com)