The new BMW M5 G90 keeps the 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo engine, but gets an additional 18.6kwh battery to produce 717bhp. Oh, and it weighs 2.4 tonnes and costs £110k!
Inevitable. After 40 years since the first M5 arrived on the scene, coining the term super-saloon, today, BMW has revealed its first plug-in hybrid electric M5. Thankfully, though, some things never change and that V8 engine has still been retained. The 4.4-litre capacity motor is good for over 500bhp, while the new 18.6kwh battery produces the extra 194bhp for a cool 717bhp collectively.
And while that is the biggest talking point, it’s the exterior that has to get a mention here. No, and not in a positive light either. It’s bigger than ever, but has lost some of its aggressive looks. In fact, it has a 75mm wider front track over the outgoing F90, while also being 48mm wider at the rear.
All of this growth, and the addition of the electric battery has meant that the car’s overall weight has bloated to a colossal 2,435kg… The result is that while it’s the most powerful M5 ever, it’s slower than the outgoing M5 Competition from 0-62mph. The new car completes the sprint in 3.5 seconds, while the outgoing Comp had it done with in 3.3 seconds. Progress and all that.
Tell me more about the new BMW M5 G90
As always, the options list has opened up an opportunity to lose some of that additional weight the M5 has gained. As standard, it comes with a sunroof, however, you can opt for a carbon pack, which gives you the traditional Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) roof, and carbon wing mirrors. This results in a weight saving of around 34kg. Furthermore, you can opt for 20kg-lighter carbon ceramic brakes. Presumably in time the M Performance store will add lightweight wheels and a performance exhaust option for those wanting more.
That being said, according to BMW, its M5 buyers prefer cars that are easier to get in and out off, and offer more comfort over something like an M3. As a result, inside you won’t find those spectacular bucket seats as seen in the M3/M4, instead getting a comfier sports seat.
As you’d expect from a modern BMW M car, power is sent to all four wheels, but you can dictate how much power is sent to the rear wheels, including all of it.
Adjustability is the order of the day in the new M5, with multiple settings for stability control, as well three mods for the adaptive suspension. You also get options to adjust the gearshift speeds, steering weight and brake pedal sensitivity.
How fast is the new BMW M5 G90?
Officially it produces 717bhp and 737lb ft of torque. It accelerates from 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds, and will go on to a limited 155mph, or 190mph if you tick the correct options. For those wondering about that electric battery, you can drive on solely electric power, however you’ll only be able to travel a maximum of 43 miles. The top speed in all-electric mode is 87mph.
How much does the new M5 cost?
The new BMW M5 G90 will start from £110,500. BMW has also announced that it will be building an M5 Touring, too, which we’re excited to see.
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