M5 turns 717bhp, 2400kg PHEV

Punchier V8 combines with electric motor and big battery in hottest 5 Series yet

- FELIX PAGE

The reinvented BMW M5 is headed to UK dealers later this year with a thumping, T 717bhp V8-engined plug-in hybrid powertrain and a starting price of £110,500.

The seventh-generation version of the 'bahnstorming super-saloon makes the landmark switch from purepetrol power to an electrified system with total outputs of 717bhp and 738lb ft - far above those of any previous iteration.

That's enough punch for 0-62mph in 3.5sec and a top speed of 189mph in derestricted Driver's Package guise.