The 2020 BMW M5 Is Arriving Sooner Than We Thought

• The new M5 will gain all the changes as the facelifted BMW 5 Series.
• Under the hood will be the same 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8.
• There might also be a Competition version at launch with 620+ PS.

Just after unveiling the 2020 LCI 5 Series, BMW has now teased the upcoming M5. BMW M CEO Markus Flasch gave us a sneak peek of the upcoming M5 in an Instagram poll. The image is of a bright orange coloured M5 hidden beneath covers. But we have a vague idea of what to expect as the facelifted 5 Series previewed some of the changes. 

From the images, we can see the new front bumper which carries a rather simple design along with new slim LED headlamps. These headlamps also feature BMW’s laser technology. Apart from that, we can also see the gloss back alloy wheels, which indicates this example might be the Competition version. The side profile is expected to get relatively fewer changes than the pre-LCI version while the rear will be distinct with new tail lamps and bumper design.

The fast sedan is expected to come in two versions: a standard 600PS and a Competition edition with output figures north of 620PS. The powertrain option is the same 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, paired to an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Further details are scarce at this point.

But Markus Flasch has also revealed that while electrification is inevitable, it will not happen anytime soon as there are no immediate plans to electrify any M cars. That said, the current M5 might be the last ICE-only powered version as the next-gen will most definitely incorporate hybrid setups to comply with the emerging stringent emission norms.

He also revealed that BMW is actively testing an electric M vehicle. The launch timeline and mechanical details were not disclosed but it will most likely be the production version of the VISION M NEXT Concept. Let’s not get into that for now and instead savour the ICE cars available at the moment. In that regard, the new M5 and the M3/M4 are strong players and are highly anticipated cars from Bavaria for 2020. We just hope the M3/M4 doesn't have a hideously large grille.