BMW I7 vs BMW M5
What's the difference?

BMW I7

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2024 price

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BMW M5

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2025 price

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Rolls-Royce Spectre (bev)

Summary

2024 BMW I7

2025 BMW M5

By Laura Berry

By John Law

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Bi Turbo V8, 4.4L

Fuel Type

Electric

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

3.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Superbly comfortable and easy to drive
31.3-inch display in the second row
Big battery gives 625km range

Stunning speed
Drive mode customisation
Impressive agility

Dislikes

Door release button can be accidentally bumped
Synthesized motor sounds and boost countdown
Illuminated crystal-effect dashboard trim

Awkward boot
Brake and steering feel
Low on hooliganism

2024 BMW I7 Summary

It was always going to happen - an electric version of the BMW 7-Series - but how well does the i7 handle the limousine fundamentals - comfort, power, room and style?

Well, luxury transport has been missing one major component all these years and the i7 has it.

Let me explain...

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2025 BMW M5 Summary

Balancing luxury car comfort, hot hatch agility and supercar speed is no easy task, yet that is what made the six previous generations of BMW's M5 so iconic.

In seventh-generation ‘G90’ guise, the M5 has another skeleton in the cupboard: the toughest emissions regulations that Europe, and now Australia, have ever seen.

A twin-turbo V8 was untenable and going battery electric was not an option. Plug-in hybrid was the only answer. For the new M5, BMW combined a revised 4.4-litre ‘S68’ bent eight with a punchy electric motor for 535kW and 1000Nm.

Problem is, the G90 is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest BMW M cars of all time, especially in CS trim. And thanks to a circa-600kg weight hike to nearly 2500kg, the new M5's 0-100km/h claim is actually slower than the old 'F90' M5.

Doesn’t exactly sound like a big leap forward, does it?

A drive through the Central West of NSW and around the iconic Mount Panorama racing circuit gave us answers to two questions. Does the M5 work on Australia roads, and does BMW M's latest super-sedan represent progress?

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Deep dive comparison

2024 BMW I7 2025 BMW M5

Verdict

The i7 xDrive60 M Sport is close to the perfect 7 Series. From the comfort of being driven in it, to the ease of driving it, even for hours on end.

The i7's range of 625km is outstanding for an electric vehicle, but a petrol powered 740i will get you about 900km on a full tank. How many kilometres a day will you cover? Do you have time and a way to charge the i7 daily if you do cover a lot of distance?

If driving range isn't an issue, the i7 will reward you with a smooth, effortless driving experience and your passengers will have a serene journey in luxurious, high-tech surroundings. Just don't bump the door release button accidentally!

Verdict

Let’s get one thing out of the way: the new M5 is a very good car. Considering the emissions limitations and size increase of its base model, it is an impressive bit of engineering.

What’s trickier is deciding whether the new car is really better to drive. Less edgy but supremely comfortable and quiet; BMW leaned into the daily usability of the plug-in hybrid M5 rather than amping the petrol-electric system for maximum thrills. And do you know what? That’s fine with me.

The new M5 still performs on road and track and does an incredible job of hiding its weight (most of the time). Perhaps the G90 is a little more Audi RS6 than F90 in its demeanour but some would argue that’s no bad thing.

The concept of the BMW M5 is not static, it evolves with the times, and the G90 is no exception. Expect future Competition and CS variants to unlock some extra lunacy.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

BMW I7 vs BMW M5 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW I7 vs BMW M5
What's the difference?