Hi, I'm John Davis and this is MotorWeek !

We're topped off and charged up for a test of the first plug-in BMW M5... Audra Fordin shows us how to keep cool when engines don't... Greg Carlos stops by a nonprofit spreading awareness with cars... Then, it's a royal ride for us commoners, the Toyota Crown Signia...

So, come drive with us, next!

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whether it's... JOHN: BMW has been powering the very definition of what it means to be a sport sedan for decades, with the M5 constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in a luxury-minded midsize 4-door.

Well...these days, most boundary pushing involves electrification.

So, time for us to plug into a new level of performance from BMW!

♪ ♪ Don't worry, the M5 has not gone all-electric.

There's still a powerful gas-burning V8 cranking away under the hood; but for the 2025 version of the M5, BMW somehow managed to shove an entire EV's worth of performance right alongside it.

The Competition version of the last M5 made 617 horsepower with a 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8.

That free-revving 4.4 liter makes a return here, although now it's working with "just" 577 horsepower.

But by integrating a 145 kilowatt electric motor into the M5's 8-speed M Steptronic transmission there's now a total output of 717 horsepower, exactly 100 more, with a 738 pound-feet sledgehammer of torque, all of it arriving with EV-like immediacy.

Throw in a 14.8 kilowatt hour battery, which is big enough for delivering 27 miles of EV driving, and standard all-wheel drive, and there's a significant weight penalty to pay here, something we don't always like in our sport sedans.

But there's more than enough power to make it disappear, as "get you in trouble" speed arrives almost immediately, yet the M5 feels so smooth you really have to closely pay attention to the speedometer.

And at our Mason Dixon track it was sheer brutality, with the most insane launches we've ever experienced in a BMW.

Launch control was easy to engage and worked flawlessly run after run, unleashing a full onslaught of power to all four wheels that had them all struggling for grip.

It was a real handful trying to keep it pointed in a straight line for the first 50 feet or so, but just as quickly it seemed to lock its radar on the track's finish line and did all it could to get there as fast as inhumanly possible.

We could feel heavy bolts of EV-style propulsion off the line, with increasing amounts of engine power taking over as we got moving, hitting 60 in 3.1 seconds and clearing the quarter-mile in 11.1 seconds at 129 miles per hour.

Shifts in the 8-speed automatic were fast and hard with no interruption in power delivery, as this 5,400 pound beast streaked down the track.

We won't go so far as to say that weight disappears in handling situations, you know it's there; but instead of holding you back, it just seems to effectively push the tires into the pavement that much more, creating so much grip that we could carry very fast speeds through our cone course without any drama at all, and the M5 not really even breaking a sweat.

They still haven't been able to engineer much steering feel back into the equation, but making this wide-bodied monster feel like a nimble sport sedan was probably a much more impressive engineering feat.

Strong initial bite, firm pedal feel, no fade; all make for great brakes, and a good average stopping distance of 115 feet from 60.

That was with the standard M Compound brake setup behind 20 and 21 inch wheels, carbon discs are an option.

[Engine revs] BMW insists on getting quirkier with exterior design, maintaining traditions like their twin kidney grille, yet incorporating LED lighting into it.

The low, wide stance along with all of the added carbon fiber for the rear spoiler, side mirrors, and even roof, definitely portray a serious nature.

Plenty of luxury inside, yet with carbon fiber everywhere, and M logos and M buttons that seem to be calling you to a different mission.

The overwhelming amount of ambient lighting can be a bit much.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 50 Combined for MPGe, 14 Combined with strictly gas.

We obviously spent more time hammering around than plugging in as we averaged just 13.9 miles per gallon of Premium.

M5 Sedan pricing starts at $123,275.

The BMW M5 has been powering our high-performance dreams for 40 years.

And over these seven generations, BMW has continued to slowly turn up the heat on the boiling pot of technology, introducing more and more of it, kinda hoping that no one will notice.

It's hard to argue with their process as it has made for some truly remarkable sport sedans.

But there's no missing the electric propulsion here, and there's also no denying that BMW has created yet another splendid sport sedan, and another fantastic M5.

♪ ♪ JOHN: From incredible podium finishes to dream builds finally coming together, there are just so many great automotive stories to tell.

But this next one is clearly different.

"Driven to Cure" is a nonprofit spreading awareness on rare forms of cancer.

Located right in our own backyard, Greg Carloss tells us more.

♪ ♪ GREG CARLOSS: Cars are often a direct reflection of their owners, and this Nissan GT-R right here was built to drive and "Driven to Cure."

And ever since 2016, it's been doing that for people all over the country.

Everyone has a dream car and making that dream a reality can be lifechanging.

It definitely was for the founder of the Washington D.C. based nonprofit, Driven to Cure.

ANTHONY CASTRO: Driven to Cure started back in 2015 with the gentleman's name of Andrew Lee.

He found out he had a rare form of kidney cancer called HLRCC back in his freshman year of college.

There was no treatment, no cure.

When his family found out his father asked him, you know, "What's your life goals, what do you want to achieve?"

And Andrew was like "You know what, I always wanted my dream car, a Nissan GT-R." Couple days after, his dad went to him and was like "Hey, you know let's go get that car."

GREG: When Andrew and his dad Bruce picked up the 2015 GT-R, it was white with a tan interior.

But that didn't last long because Andrew had a vision.

And it went beyond making the car his own, as he describes here back in 2016.

ANDREW LEE: And then I had the idea if we turn it into a show car, you know, we could start raising awareness for kidney cancer in a way that no one has ever really done before.

And uh, built the car, made it orange for kidney cancer awareness and we've been going to shows and having a lot of fun.

GREG: Sadly, Andrew passed away in 2019 and in 2022, his dad Bruce lost his own battle with pancreatic cancer, but Driven to Cure continued on with its mission thanks to volunteers like Anthony Castro.

ANTHONY: Driven to Cure has helped a lot throughout the years.

We have collected over $1.5 million in total donations.

Donations through either NIH and National Cancer Institution.

We do car shows around the DMV area.

We sell merchandise like sweaters, shirts, hoodies, stickers.

We also collect donations on our website.

GREG: Raising awareness requires grabbing people's attention, and Andrew knew just how to do it.

Even as we were filming this segment, people gathered around to ask about the car.

And the first question: "What color is that?"

ANTHONY: Andrew wanted a specific color for his car.

After a couple of tries he figured out, "Man, this is the color of paint for the vehicle."

And we now call it Driven to Cure Orange.

It is a trademark color now.

GREG: 20-inch VIPMODULAR wheels are canopied by a Liberty Walk body kit while an Airlift suspension drops it into its show stance.

There's carbon fiber-backed Bride seats inside and custom DTC badging all around.

GREG: I normally wouldn't ask this, but this car's so awesome.

Can I drive it?

ANTHONY: Absolutely, let's go for a ride.

[Low rumble of engine] [Engine roaring] [Chuckles] GREG: That, that sounds good.

It is unique!

ANTHONY: Again, it is a car tuned by, uh, SB Automotive, formerly Baker Performance.

Um, they tuned it to, uh, for the car to make 650 horsepower.

GREG: Alright can I get into it just a little bit here?

ANTHONY CASTRO: Yeah, absolutely.

Go ahead.

GREG: [Laughing] Oh man, that's good.

That sounds so good, man.

ANTHONY: It sounds amazing.

GREG: So, do you ever give it a little bit of a workout?

I know you said you don't really drive it very often.

ANTHONY: Maybe once, you know, once in a while, I definitely can hear Andrew saying "alright go on!

Go for it!"

GREG: That's what Andrew would've wanted.

ANTHONY: Exactly.

GREG: It feels good on the road.

ANTHONY: Yeah and that's one of the things that Andrew loved about when-- when he was driving his GT-R. Middle of the night, nobody around, he would just go to the back roads and just enjoy his car.

Again, this was his cure.

GREG: It's an honor to drive it.

I really appreciate you letting me do it.

ANTHONY: Of course.

GREG: And, uh, we should probably park it before I get into any trouble, but one more time lets, uh... [Engine roars] Ok, I'm done.

I promise!

ANTHONY: No problem.

GREG: Though I never actually met Andrew, driving his car kind of makes me feel like I did.

This car is Andrew Lee.

And it will always be Driven to Cure.

JOHN: Engines can get hot.

Really hot.

But you already knew that.

What you may not know is what to do when that needle ticks into the red.

It could mean a number of things and Audra Fordin is here to run down the list on MotorWeek's "Your Drive."

♪♪ AUDRA FORDIN: Imagine this: You're cruising along in your old reliable ride, wind in your hair, tunes are blasting, and suddenly, your dashboard lights up.

Your temperature gauge is climbing faster than a squirrel up a tree, and that's your cue your engine might be feeling the heat.

When your car starts steaming like a mad scientist's kettle, you've got to act fast!

First things first, don't panic!

Find a safe spot to pull over, away from traffic.

We're talking shady spots or a breezy shoulder, somewhere your car can catch a break.

Let your car cool down before you even think about touching anything under the hood.

Safety first, folks!

Once it's safe, pop the hood and take a peek at the coolant level in the overflow tank.

Only open the radiator cap when the engine's cooled down, to avoid an engine bay geyser.

If the coolant is low, add coolant or distilled water.

Plain water will work too but, well you have to know that that will dilute the remaining coolant and then lower the boiling point in your cooling system.

Don't be shy about calling for backup!

Roadside assistance plans are made for times just like this, so don't hesitate to give 'em a ring.

Now, here's the good part.

Let's talk about avoiding this kind of hot mess altogether.

Regular maintenance checks are your best friend.

Keep an eye on your coolant levels, your hoses, and your belts.

They're like your car's own personal lifeline.

In most cars, well the drive belt, it spins the water pump, and big radiator hoses, well, they circulate coolant through the engine and the radiator.

Check your drive belts for signs of wear, including cracks and fraying, or a shiny appearance called "glazing."

High-pitched squealing can indicate belt slippage.

Of course, to check your owner's manual for replacement intervals, typically between 60,000 and 100,000 miles.

As for radiator hoses, have them checked around 60,000 miles.

Squeeze them gently to check for any bulges or soft spots.

Like belts, check for cracks and splitting.

Even small frays can give way to big problems.

If your coolant bottle constantly needs topping off, well, that's a telltale sign right there of leaking fluid or some other problem.

If you're not sure what's going on, your trusted mechanic can quickly determine what, if anything, is ready to be replaced.

A little prevention goes a long way when it comes to helping your car beat the heat.

If you have any questions or comments, reach out to us right here at MotorWeek .

JOHN: From revived to redesigned, we're always ready for another QuickSpin!

♪♪ JESSICA RAY: Many a MotorWeek adventure has required a passport; ironically, no passport was needed to drive the all-new 2026 Honda Passport.

That said, a First Drive itinerary set in San Juan, Puerto Rico, was adventurous enough.

The purpose-built trails were as sight-full as they were insightful, ideal for testing this fourth-gen Passport's grit, the most capable Honda utility to date.

All trims benefit from a stiffer structure, upheld by Honda's light truck platform with a wheelbase that's slightly longer and wider.

Front and rear suspension has also been updated for increased roll and lateral stiffness.

All grades are powered by the brand's familiar naturally-aspirated 3.5 liter V6, now producing 285 horsepower, to be delivered by a 10-speed automatic to Honda's i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system, now with a more responsive rear unit.

Those enhancements are innate to all Passports, hidden by a new, boxy style; though it's the TrailSport and TrailSport Elite which most justify the Passport's plastic body cladding and chiseled brawn.

An off-road-tuned suspension meets the earth through 18-inch wheels wrapped by all-terrain rubber; other overlanding musts include steel skid plates, and recovery points front and rear.

Not just muscle, the Passport's brains are seen through its TrailWatch camera system, projected onto the new 12.3 inch infotainment screen.

You can definitely tell that the suspension in the TrailSport is beefed up because it handles so smoothly off the pavement.

Right now, I'm just on a muddy trail and it's shockingly comfortable.

The 2026 Honda Passport starts around $46,000 with delivery, with the first TrailSport under $50,000 and the Elite near $55,000, available at dealers now.

There's so much more to talk about regarding the all-new Honda Passport, and we'll have a full Road Test, and more QuickSpins, soon!

JOHN: Stephanie Hart has something "extra, extra" for us this week.

It's all in the latest Motor News!

STEPHANIE HART: What better way to celebrate 125 years of the New York International Auto Show than with one of the best U.S. auto shows in recent times.

Subaru unveiled three vehicles, including the seventh-gen 2026 Outback.

It trades some hallmark wagon proportions for more SUV boxiness and a more spacious interior.

An enhanced Wilderness variant also debuted with more aggressive tires and electronic suspension dampers.

An updated Solterra EV premiered with paint matched body cladding and more range, now up to 285 miles.

And an all-new EV, the Trailseeker, will effectively serve as a longer version of the Solterra with an estimated 260 miles of range.

Korean brands made a lot of news at the New York show.

This Kia K4 Hatchback will soon join the well regarded K4 sedan.

It's 11 inches shorter but provides more headroom and cargo space.

The EV4 is Kia's first all-electric global sedan, boasting up to 330 miles of range.

What we've seen so far is very reminiscent of the EV6 utility.

Meanwhile, Hyundai showcased the second-generation Palisade three-row SUV, including a first time hybrid.

Expect 30+ highway mpg and 619 miles of range.

A new XRT PRO grade packs more off-road goodies for the explorer at heart.

Luxury off-shoot Genesis unveiled the X Gran Equator Concept.

Its bold, squared-off styling is met by the brand's iconic parallel LED lighting, and an upscale, yet simplistic interior.

Rugged luxury is the theme of the Jeep Wagoneer Overland Special Edition.

Limited to just 2,000 units, the Overland has air suspension, a two-speed transfer case, 32 inch all-terrain tires, skid plates and more, priced about $75,000.

And for a more compact thrill, Volkswagen showed a new Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo.

Its turbo-four is uprated to 268 horsepower with all-wheel-drive standard.

It arrives this fall.

And that's it from the Big Apple and this week's MotorNews!

JOHN: The Toyota Crown arrived 2 years ago, replacing the full-size Avalon as the brand's four-door bridge to the Lexus experience.

Well now, Toyota is expanding the Crown's popularity and profile by adding an SUV.

It's called the Crown Signia, so let's find out what that signifies for Toyota.

♪♪ Say what you want about Toyota's Crown four-door sedan, after being on the road for two years it still turns heads.

This 2025 midsize Toyota Crown Signia is not a standalone SUV, but rather a more versatile five-door member of the Crown family.

You could also think of it as Toyota's version of the popular Lexus RX, as they ride on the exact same 112.2 inch wheelbase.

Also, this is the first time Toyota has used the top-of-the-line Crown name for an SUV.

The five-passenger Crown Signia crossover does replace the Venza in the Toyota lineup, which is now gone for a second time.

Compared to the Crown sedan, overall length is 2 inches shorter, it's over 3 inches taller, with ground clearance up by almost an inch.

Toyota has made the decision-making process as easy as possible by making all Crowns hybrids with all-wheel drive.

The Signia uses the base Crown sedan's naturally aspirated 2.5 liter I4-based powertrain, but it works with a larger 134 kilowatt motor.

The 40 kilowatt rear motor powers strictly the rear wheels for Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive.

Combined rating is 240 horsepower, which is a slight bump over the sedan.

The sedan's 340 horsepower Hybrid Max option is not offered, at least for now.

While the sedan's funky pseudo-rugged vibe was not a hit with everyone, the theme certainly works better in SUV form; less black paint helps too.

Available in just XLE and Limited grades; this Limited rides on 21 inch wheels with XLEs getting 19s.

But both have leather seating and Toyota's latest multimedia system on a 12.3 inch touchscreen, along with a 12.3 inch gauge display.

Materials, including some unique Bronze-finish trim are very nice.

Limited comes with a big fixed-glass panoramic roof and an attractive Saddle Tan interior theme, though you can also opt for a blander black theme if it's too much for you.

Rear seats offer plenty of legroom for adults and good comfort too.

There are lots of USB charge ports throughout the cabin, and wireless phone charging is standard.

25.8 cubic-feet of cargo space puts it closer to Toyota's Corolla Cross than Rav4, but it's a nice wide and flat space that expands to 68.8 cubic-feet with rear seatbacks folded.

Riding on the same chassis that underpins just about every Toyota car these days, driving around, it's no surprise it feels much more like a tall wagon than a traditional sport-Ute.

It's luxury quiet and comfortable.

Even the electronic CVT is mostly onboard with that mission too.

Our test car arrived at the heart of the Mid-Atlantic winter, and a snow-covered test track prevented us from getting the full track experience, but Toyota claims the 0-60 run takes 7.1 seconds, which feels about right to us.

More importantly, Government Fuel Economy Ratings come in at 39 City, 37 Highway, and 38 Combined.

Considering you're getting pretty much the full Lexus treatment here, the Crown Signia's base price of $44,985 is a relative bargain compared to the rest of Toyota's very comprehensive SUV fleet.

The Crown sedan was Toyota's attempt to replace the Avalon with something a little more special, giving it an SUV vibe and bestowing it with the legendary Crown name.

Now they've gone full SUV with it and the results are quite good.

Its hardest task will be getting attention among the many off-road-ready utilities lining the aisles at Toyota dealerships.

But, the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia perfectly bridges the gap between Toyota and Lexus in a way the Venza never could.

Like us, we think buyers will quickly notice.

Well, that's our show, I hope you enjoyed it.

Now, for more MotorWeek , including daily news updates, podcasts, and even complete episodes, cruise on over to PBS.ORG/MOTORWEEK.

And I hope you'll join us next time for a doubleheader Road Test of the latest Honda Civic Si and Civic Hybrid, followed by a pumped-up small Ute, the Nissan Kicks.

Dan Maffett will take our paint skills to the next level while we join one group making clean gas from all our trash.

Until then, I'm John Davis.

We'll see you right here on MotorWeek !

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Learn more at AutoValue.Com and BumperToBumper.Com.

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We test tires, then share our results.

We stock over one million tires.

We offer multiple installation options.

We do this because we believe tires matter.

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