2028 BMW M5 Facelift Spy Video

It hasn’t even been two years since BMW introduced the M5. Although the electrified super sedan is still relatively fresh, especially considering deliveries didn’t start until late 2024, an updated version is already being tested. Spy footage shot this week at the Nürburgring shows a couple of prototypes going all out.

While the full-body camouflage may suggest BMW is completely redesigning its AMG E63 fighter, that’s not going to be the case. This will still be a mid-cycle facelift rather than a next-generation model, despite featuring a completely new face. Indeed, these test cars are hiding an all-new front end that already looks familiar.

The large kidneys are gone, making way for a new grille that appears to blend seamlessly with the headlights. Where have we seen that before? On the new electric i3 sedan, which also previews the next-generation 3 Series coming later this year. Being an M5, it adopts a much more aggressive front bumper, featuring a cornucopia of air intakes.

If you know your BMWs and have a keen eye for detail, these prototypes are missing an important design trait. The M-specific side mirror caps are gone, but these aren’t the regular 5 Series mirrors either. They appear to be borrowed from the new i3, further suggesting even facelifted models will embrace the Neue Klasse design language.

At the back, the taillights appear slimmer than those on the current M5. However, these may be placeholders until later prototypes hit the road with the final rear lights. Even so, the shape and size are unlikely to change, as that would require different body panels. Instead, the production-ready taillights are expected to feature sleeker graphics derived from the new i3.

It’s still a plug-in hybrid. The cap covering the charging port sits in its usual place on the front fender. As if that weren’t obvious enough, the yellow sticker is mandatory on electrified vehicles testing at the Nordschleife. In the event of an accident, its role is to inform safety personnel that the prototypes are equipped with a high-voltage electrical system.

Photos by: BMW

Photos by: BMW

Although the photographer couldn’t peek inside, the i3’s cabin is likely an accurate preview of what’s coming for the 5 Series facelift and its more athletic M5 twin. You can kiss the iDrive rotary dial goodbye, as BMW will remove the physical knob from all future models.

The M5’s dashboard will be completely different, featuring a large central touchscreen supplemented by a full-width windshield projection stretching from one pillar to another. There are also rumors of an optional passenger screen, which neither the iX3 nor the i3 currently offer. As with the two Neue Klasse EVs, BMW is expected to remove even more traditional controls by shifting functions to the touchscreen.

To a certain extent, the i3’s dashboard and switchgear will carry over to the next 3 Series later this year, before the larger 5 Series adopts the so-called minimalist look in 2027. The updated M5 is also expected to break cover before the end of next year, hopefully joined from day one by the more practical Touring.

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Source: BMW

Motor1’s Take: Never in the history of the M5 has the performance sedan received such a radical update within the same generation. Between the new face and the overhauled dashboard, it will give the impression of a next-generation model.

For those who would rather have a new M sedan without a plug-in hybrid, one is on the way. BMW insiders claim the next M3 with an inline-six is due in 2028, but that one too will likely feature some form of electrification as well. Rather than going the PHEV route, it’s rumored to adopt a mild-hybrid setup, which should help limit the weight penalty.

However, traditionalists may want to buy the current M3 if they’re after the classic recipe with rear-wheel drive and a manual gearbox. The next one could go AWD- and automatic-only, much like big-brother M5.