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BMW M5 Facelift Spied Testing With Deeper V8 Exhaust Note
A prototype of the facelifted BMW M5 has been filmed testing near the Nürburgring, with a more aggressive V8 soundtrack and an interior expected to draw on the latest 3 Series.
By Edward Beaumont · 3 min read
BMW's facelifted M5 has been caught on camera testing near the Nürburgring, with a spy video revealing a deeper and more aggressive exhaust note from its twin-turbocharged V8. The prototype, which is still in development, suggests the high-performance saloon will retain its plug-in hybrid powertrain while gaining a revised cabin and subtle exterior tweaks.
The current M5 pairs a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor integrated into its eight-speed automatic transmission, producing a combined 717 horsepower in the United States. In the footage, the camouflaged car emits an angry growl under acceleration that sounds more pronounced than before. However, BMW could still adjust the exhaust system, engine calibration or sound management before production begins, so the final car may not match the prototype exactly.
Externally, the facelift appears evolutionary rather than a full redesign. The test car keeps separate kidney grilles instead of adopting the unified horizontal grille seen on the smaller 2027 3 Series. At the rear, the taillights are expected to retain their current shape and size, with only revised internal graphics. The most significant changes are anticipated inside, where the 5 Series cabin is set to receive a more upscale look while following the dashboard layout of the 3 Series, including an optional passenger screen.
Mechanically, the facelifted M5 is expected to retain its plug-in hybrid setup, with the prototype's charging port visible on the driver-side front fender. European versions already differ from their American counterparts in power output because of emissions regulations, and any revisions could vary by market. Ideally, the Euro-spec M5 will regain some of the V8 performance it lost to comply with Euro 7 rules.
The M5 Touring is expected to receive the same updates, keeping BMW's high-performance estate in step with the saloon. Production of both models is reportedly scheduled to begin next year. If BMW approves another M5 CS, the Competition Sport treatment is likely to extend to both body styles, but only after the facelift arrives, with the hotter derivative unlikely to launch before 2028 or 2029.
The spy video offers an encouraging sign for enthusiasts as electrification reshapes BMW's M division, with an electric M3 also on the horizon. The current M5 has not been on the market for long, but BMW is already deep into testing its mid-cycle update, putting the car through heavy track abuse at the Nürburgring.
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