With nearly 100 grand between them, find out how two of the most potent hybrid-sedans on sale today stack up against each other
by Amreetam Basu on November 7, 2024, 11:00German automakers are still at the top of their game when it comes to luxury performance sedans. Take the Panamera for example. Porsche dropped the third generation in November 2023, and eventually hit us with the craziest Panamera yet – the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid for the 2025 model year. This thing packs a frankly ridiculous 771 horsepower and a price tag that’ll make your eyes water – over $225,000! Yeah, it’s gonna cost you big money, but it’s hands-down the fastest Panamera ever.
Now, over in BMW land, the M5 is making some serious waves. Not just because of its performance, but mostly because of its 5,390-pound curb weight, making it heavier than some SUVs and trucks! Can you believe that? The new hybrid M5 sits in the same ballpark with models like the Land Rover Defender (>5,035 pounds) and a Ford F-150 (>4,065 pounds)! But hey, let’s not get hung up on that. The new G90 M5 is all-new for 2025, marking its seventh generation, and borrows its powertrain from the big daddy XM SUV. With a V8 hybrid combo under the hood, pumping out 717 horsepower, it’s officially the most powerful BMW sedan to date.
So, how do these two titans stack up against each other? Can the 2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid really claim the crown when pitted against the new G90 M5? Let’s dive in and see what these performance hybrid heavyweights are all about!
Key differences: 2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid vs. 2025 BMW M5
The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid blows the new G90 M5 out of the water in many ways, which makes sense, because it’s also way more expensive. I mean, we’re talking the aforementioned starting price of $226,500! That’s over a hundred grand more than the M5.
But hey, if you’ve got that kind of cash to throw around, the Panamera will shower you with awesome goodies: super-bright HD Matrix LED headlights, doors that softly shut themselves (fancy!), adaptive air suspension that smooths out any bumps, rear-axle steering for crazy maneuverability, standard carbon ceramic brakes, heated and cooled seats for everyone, and a booming 14-way Bose sound system. Basically, it’s got everything but the kitchen sink.
Now, the M5 might be easier on your wallet but don’t think it’s skimping on the cool stuff. This heavyweight beast rocks a glowing kidney grille up front (because why not?), Merino leather, toasty heated front seats, an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, four-zone climate control (no more fighting over the temperature!), an electronic rear differential to help you carve corners like a pro, and rear-axle steering just like its Porsche rival.
When it comes to tech, both cars are decked out with dual displays on the dash. Personally, I’m digging the BMW’s curved display and its iDrive 8.5 system—it just looks slick. But if you want to keep your passengers entertained, Porsche also offers an optional 10.9-inch touchscreen.
2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid | 2025 BMW M5 | |
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Exterior Features | HD Matrix LED headlights, 21-inch Panamera Turbo S wheels with center locking system, Turbonite-colored wheels and logos, rear diffuser, panoramic sunroof, soft-close doors | Adaptive LED headlights, illuminated Kidney Grille, 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels, panoramic sunroof |
Interior Features | Leather upholstery, adaptive sports seats with 18-way power adjustability, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, 12.6-inch driver information display, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, carbon fiber trim on the dashboard and center console, dual-zone automatic climate, 14-speaker Bose sound system | Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, power-adjustable front seats, wireless charging pad, four-zone automatic climate control, head-up display, 12.3-inch driver information display, 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, Bowers & Wilkins 18-speaker sound system |
Aerodynamic Features | Electronically deployable rear spoiler | Aerodynamically optimized exterior mirror caps |
Chassis Features | Adaptive air suspension, rear-axle steering, torque vectoring, 17.3-inch carbon ceramic front rotors with 10-piston calipers, 16.1-inch carbon ceramic rear rotors with 4-piston calipers | Adaptive dampers, electronic rear differential, aluminum rear axle subframe for reduced unsprung mass, rear-axle steering, 16.1-inch front rotors with 6-piston calipers, 15.7-inch rear rotors with single-piston calipers |
Cargo Capacity | 14.9 cu.ft. | 16.5 cu.ft. |
Price | $226,500 | $119,500 |
Performance: 2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid vs. 2025 BMW M5
Both the new-generation Panamera Turbo S and the M5 are hybrid powerhouses. They share similar powertrain layouts but differ in a few key ways. The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid boasts a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine coupled with an electric motor integrated into its eight-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic gearbox. A 25.9 kWh battery pack, located near the trunk floor, powers the electric motor. This hybrid powertrain generates a staggering 771 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque, which is delivered to all four wheels through the PDK gearbox.
According to Porsche, the 2025 Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.8 seconds, making it a tenth of a second quicker than the new 992.2 911 Carrera GTS. It also achieves a top speed of 202 mph—an impressive feat for a four-door sedan.
In contrast, the G90 M5 features a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, codenamed the S68. This engine is paired with an electric motor within its eight-speed ZF-sourced torque converter automatic gearbox. An 18.6 kWh battery pack powers the electric motor. Combined, the V8 and electric motor produce 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, a significant increase of 171 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque over the previous F90 M5. BMW claims the all-new M5 hybrid can sprint to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 190 mph with the optional M Driver’s Package.
When comparing performance figures, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid emerges as the clear winner. It boasts 54 more horsepower than the new M5, resulting in quicker acceleration. It reaches 60 mph, almost a full second faster than the M5 and has a higher top speed of 202 mph without any optional packages. The BMW, on the other hand, has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, requiring a $2,500 upgrade to unlock its full potential of 190 mph.
Also, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid features a larger 25.9 kWh battery pack compared to the G90 M5’s 18.6 kWh unit. This translates to an estimated 40 miles of electric-only range for the Porsche, which in my opinion is excellent for short stints around town. The BMW is meanwhile expected to achieve around 25 miles. Impressively, despite having a larger battery pack and more standard features than the M5, the new 2025 Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is 79 pounds lighter.
One area where the two models differ significantly is in their driving dynamics. The Panamera, with its advanced chassis technology like PDCC Sport and PTM, prioritizes precise handling and agility. Its rear-axle steering and adaptive air suspension should further enhance its cornering abilities and ride comfort. The M5, on the other hand, leans towards a more muscular and aggressive driving experience. Its M xDrive system and active rear differential should provide excellent traction and stability, making it a formidable performer on both the road and track.
While both cars offer big performance, the Panamera’s focus on precision and technology distinguishes it from the M5’s raw power and dynamic prowess. Having said that, both offer distinct experiences when it comes to everyday usability, interior space, and features. The Panamera, despite its sporty nature, provides a more luxurious and refined interior with higher-quality materials and a more spacious rear seat. It also offers a larger cargo capacity of 14.9 cubic feet compared to the M5’s 16.5 cubic feet.
However, the M5 excels in terms of practicality with its four-zone climate control, larger touchscreen infotainment system, and optional features like a head-up display. To wrap things up, the new hybrid M5 offers exceptional value when compared to the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid which carries an MSRP of $226,500. The Porsche commands a price premium of over $100,000 compared to the M5’s starting price of $119,500.
2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid | 2025 BMW M5 | |
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Engine | 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 + e-motor | 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 + e-motor |
Horsepower | 771 hp | 717 hp |
Torque (lb-ft) | 737 lb-ft | 738 lb-ft |
Gearbox | 8-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic | 8-speed torque converter automatic |
Drive Type | AWD | AWD |
0-60 (mph) | 2.8 seconds | 3.5 seconds |
Top speed (mph) | 202 mph | 190 mph (w/ M Driver’s Package) |
Battery size | 25.9 kWh | 18.6 kWh |
Curb weight | 5,311 lbs. | 5,390 lbs. |
EV only range | 40 miles (estimated) | 25 miles (estimated) |
Amreetam Basu
While Amreetam hustles during the week, free time means one thing: hitting the open road. He dreams of cruising the Alps in a German masterpiece – a Porsche 992 911 GT3 RS or an F87 BMW M2 would be ideal! This 26-year-old automotive journalist loves every part of the job. Read full bio