BMW M5 SALOON M5 4dr DCT

The seventh generation BMW M5 is familiar - yet very different. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

BMW's M5 is the yardstick against which all serious performance saloons are judged, a car that in seventh G90 generation form gets Plug-in Hybrid tech for the first time. The company insists that the bespoke PHEV set-up is compatible with its brand values: it's certainly dramatically boosted the output of this model's re-fettled 727hp 4.4-litre V8 powertrain. Rear-wheel steering's been added to sharpen things through the turns and there are a myriad of drive mode settings to make this the most configurable performance car on the planet. Munich, it seems, has thought of almost everything.

Background

BMW invented the executive super saloon with their M5 and though Audi's RS 6 and AMG versions of Mercedes' E-Class have offered stiff competition in recent years, for many, this remains the definitive motorsport-bred business blaster. Time to rate this G90-series seventh generation version. From the outset in 1984, this model line was all about straight six power, normal aspiration and rear wheel drive, but over the years all these original staples have evolved as BMW sought to reinterpret what the ultimate super saloon should be. A V8 engine arrived for the E39 third generation version in 1998. And turbocharging was adopted for the fifth generation F10-series version in 2011. With the sixth generation F90 model of 2018, we got 4WD too. In short, the M5 has had to evolve considerably with every passing generation. Even so, few would ever have expected it to become a Plug-in Hybrid, but that's just what we've got with the seventh generation G90 design, a car that arrived in mid-2024. BMW claims it had little choice but to make this change; without significant electrification, there was the risk of not being allowed to sell it in certain markets. But pairing this car's trademark big V8 with PHEV tech has produced a much weightier confection that proved hugely challenging for the company's M division to engineer. It's all created a fresh chapter in the history of one of our favourite high performance standard-setters.

Engines and Tech Spec

Mercedes AMGs and Audi RS models are all very well but for many enthusiasts, this is the only badge that matters in this segment. We'll admit to being among them. We've tested every generation of M5 over the last forty years - but nothing quite like this seventh G90-series incarnation, powered as it is by the most potent engine ever devised by BMW's high performance M division. We were told that last time round with the previous F90-series model, but it's more difficult to believe here because the new S58 4.4-litre V8 beneath the bonnet has slightly less power than the old car's same-capacity S63 series V8. As a result, there's also a slightly slower 0-62mph sprint time, an inferior power-to-weight ratio and, perhaps most significantly, 465kgs of extra weight. But 270kg of that extra bulk is there to facilitate the electrified addition to this M5's drivetrain that's increased total output so much. From 625hp in the old F90 M5 Competition to 727hp here. 585hp of that is from the engine and 197hp from an electric motor energised by an 18.6kWh battery large enough to make this a performance PHEV, with an all-electric range of up to 47 miles. Ignore the EV drive modes and this M division-curated confection shrugs off its prodigious 2,435kg kerb weight with bombastic speed, 1,000Nm of torque hurling this hottest ever 'Five' to 62mph in 3.5s en route to 179mph (if the optional 'M Driver's Pack' is fitted). Power is channelled via a toughened-up version of the 8-speed automatic transmission you'd find on a regular combustion 5 Series and there's a 'Boost' mode you can activate to prompt faster acceleration by pulling on the wheel's left hand gearshift paddle. So it's fast enough in a straight line. Where you might worry, given all that extra bulk, is in this beefier G90 series M5's ability to tackle the turns. The Garching engineers fretted about this too and spent six years on handling development as a result. For sharper corner turn-in, they added rear-wheel steering ('Integral Active Steering' in BMW-speak), which can turn the back wheels by up to 1.5-degrees. Plus there's a wider track, re-tuned steering, bespoke kinematics and elastokinematics on both axles and an adaptive suspension set-up able to adjust the new Bilstein dampers independently at each wheel. BMW's resisted the temptation though, to add the active anti-roll bars that are fitted to the M60; apparently, the M5's passive ones give more linear, natural levels of body roll. Thanks to the Hybrid system, there's now an even wider choice of drive modes - 'Hybrid' and 'M Hybrid' (which mix the power sources), 'Electric' (full-EV), 'Dynamic' (for track and fast road driving) and 'Dynamic Plus' (for all-out system power). All that's before you start accessing the centre screen to adjust chassis, steering, brakes, all-wheel drive and transmission, saving your preferred to settings to the red M paddles provided for the purpose behind the steering wheel. On the move, expect to notice this G90 series model's extra weight; but on tighter roads, you'll notice it's considerably wider width even more.

Design and Build

The previous F90 series M5 was deemed by many to be rather too over-subtle in its looks. BMW was obviously keen to avoid that with this G90 model and, in any case, a more visually arresting look was necessary to differentiate it from the electric i5 M60 M Performance 5 Series model. Hence the beefier track widths that have created wheel arches swollen by 75mm at the front and 48mm at the rear, housing huge staggered 20 (front)/21-inch (rear) M rims. That's complemented by enough spoilers and splitters to more than hint at the vast performance potential beneath the expensive bodywork, which features M5 badging on the C-pillar Hofmeister kink. It's also significant that this is a much bigger car than before - the first M5 to stretch over five-metres in length. If BMW had attempted to launch a car like this a decade ago, they would have had to badge it 'M7' rather than 'M5'. The extra metalwork actually accounts for 195kg of this G90 model's 465kg weight increase. It's also important to note that this time round, as well as a saloon, a Touring estate body shape is available. Inside, the full-M flourishes are more difficult to spot and you might think you were in an M60 were it not for the trademark red M short-cut paddles behind the bespoke M steering wheel. You might find the bucket seat driving position a little high - it's set up at 564mm, 31mm loftier than before. You can't have the more race-like M Carbon bucket chairs found in M3 or M4 models. But both screen and the head-up display have M-specific info. Engage the M Track mode and the centre screen will automatically be switched off to prevent destruction. As in any other 5, there's comfortable room for two adults in the back, though the centre part of that bench is even less suited to a middle-seated occupant. And the saloon has a 466-litre boot; it's 500-litres in the M5 touring estate, enough to take one potentially rather queasy large Labrador, and with that estate, the seats can be flattened to free up as much as 1,630-litres of space.

Market and Model

BMW wants a not-insignificant £110,500 for this seventh generation G90 M5 - that's for the car in saloon form. This time round, there's also the option of a Touring estate version too - for £112,500. These are considerable figures; around £13,000 more than the brand's i5 M60 electric model that goes just as fast. And, perhaps more relevantly, a full £20,000 more than this BMW's most direct rival, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ performance PHEV - though that has 'just' 603hp to play with - 124hp less than this G90 M5. Spec the Merc up to M5 levels though and you could probably halve that price deficit. That's because the M5 comes pretty loaded with kit; soft Merino leather upholstery, augmented reality for the navigation, Bowers & Wilkins tech for the audio system sound and the expected flat-bottomed leather M steering wheel with its trademark red short-cut performance mode paddles. There's also the brand's 'Parking Assistant Professional' system, which enables automated parking and manoeuvring over distances of up to 200 metres, controllable either from inside the car or remotely via smartphone. But you might still want to keep some budget aside for options - things like ceramic brakes, alcantara upholstery, a tow bar and a range of wild BMW M Performance parts. You'll probably want to pay the extra BMW wants for the optional 'M Driver's Package' that lifts top speed from 155mph to 189mph. You also have to pay extra for ultimate drive assist niceties. The optional 'Driving Assistant Professional' pack adds Active Cruise Control with a Stop&Go function, together with tech including the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, traffic light detection, automatic Speed Limit Assist and Active Navigation.

Cost of Ownership

An M5 with 8% Benefit-in-Kind taxation would have seemed an impossibility with previous generation models, but it's a reality here thanks to the Plug-in Hybrid tech that enables a 47 mile EV range when the 18.6kWh battery is fully charged. Irritatingly for BMW though, rivals Mercedes currently do PHEV tech rather better. The Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ claims nearly 60 EV miles from a charge and one of those can DC fast charge at up to 60kW; the best an M5 can do is 11kW. AC charging time for this BMW from a typical 7.4kW wallbox is three hours 15 minutes. Fuel consumption is rated at up to 201.8mpg on the combined cycle, but it's more relevant to look at the figure with a discharged battery - 27.7mpg (compare with 31.7mpg for the E 53). The CO2 stat is up to 32g/km (up to 21g/km for the E 53). The 'BMW Charging' package comes as standard on the M5, which gives owners attractive kilowatt hour tariffs for AC and DC charging throughout the UK and Europe. Obviously, if you use your M5 regularly on track days, you'll need to allow plenty of extra spend for brake pads and tyres. The grippy rubber that comes as standard - likely to be either Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 or Pirelli P Zero R - is fearsomely expensive to replace. There's the usual unremarkable BMW three year warranty.

Summary

According to BMW, each M5 generation has brought us greater levels of technological innovation. That's one way of looking at it. Another would be to point out that only the first E28 generation version had a fully motorsport-tuned engine and that since then, we've lost the purity of straight-six engine-ware, the instancy and screaming character of normally aspirated power and what was once the founding tenant of BMW design, rear wheel drive engineering. This G90 model adds a huge amount of extra weight too. At the same time though, much has certainly been gained. With the MK6 F90-series model, the development team proved that an AWD M5 could still retain a rear-driven, enthusiast-orientated character. And with this MK7 G90 version, they've showed that this can even be preserved with the extra weight of a complex Plug-in Hybrid system, creating a super saloon that's as happy collecting your dry cleaning as it is on the Nurburgring Nordschleife. To enjoy this M5 to the full, you'll need to master the initially baffling range of driving modes on offer, introducing a level of complexity to this BMW that some have moaned about. We don't really see why. As an owner, you'd sort your preferences out at the beginning, load them into the two steering wheel pre-set buttons and then just get on with enjoying the car. It's a little more valid to complain about the less wieldy dimensions. Or the fact that a rival Mercedes E 53 costs less, charges faster and goes further on battery power. But these aren't failings that will worry many potential M5 customers, who'll point out that this BMW is a little more agile and faster than that Stuttgart super saloon. It would in fact be our fast four-door of choice if money were no object - and, we suspect, probably yours too. We wish it wasn't so expensive, but there's the potential here for even more engagement than the old model and more real-world usability too. In short, this car is, more than ever, everything an M5 should be.

Body Glass

Heated windscreen washer jets

Electric front and rear windows with fingertip open/close + anti-trap all round and comfort closing function

Sun protection glass

Rain sensor including auto headlights activation

Brakes

Electromechanical parking brake with automatic drive away release and auto hold function

Trailer stability control

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Anti lock braking system (ABS) with cornering brake control

Emergency brake assist

Brake assist function

PC iBrake PostCrash approah collision warning with braking function

Carpets/Rugs

Floor mats in velour

Chassis/Suspension

M Drive professional with M track mode,M laptimer,dynamic and dynamic plus,boost control

Adaptive M Suspension with electronically controlled dampers and integral active steering

Communication

Bluetooth Wi-Fi interface

Personal e-SIM

BMW interaction bar

Driver Aids

M Servotronic steering

BMW Iconic sounds electric

Flat tyre monitor

Active Guard

Driver Convenience

Automatic operation of tailgate with remote opening and closing

Driving Assistant Plus Preparation

Driver Information

Service interval indicator

Connected drive services

Oil sensor for level and grade

BMW Live Cockpit Professional with head up display with driver profile,4G LTE connectivity,augmented view,full colour head-up display

BMW Teleservices

BMW legal emergency call

On board computer (OBC) includes average speed, fuel consumption and range, journey computer, outside temperature display, personal profile functions

Driving Mirrors

M specific electrically adjustable/foldable/heated exterior mirrors with integrated direction indicators

Automatic dimming door mirrors

Interior rear view electrochromatic mirror with automatic anti dazzle function

Engine

BMW xDrive system

Entertainment

Wireless charging with smartphone storage tray

Bowers and Wilkins surround sound system

DAB radio

Exterior Body Features

BMW Iconic glow kidney grille

Body coloured bumpers

Rear side hinged doors

Rear boot

Fixed panoramic sunroof with electric sunblind

Exterior Lights

High beam assistant

M lights shadowline

LED daytime running lights

High level LED brake light

Adaptive LED Headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

4 zone control automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

M steering wheel with paddle shift

Armrest - front and rear integrated door trim, centre console includes storage compartment, rear centre includes 2 cupholders

12V power sockets 2 x rear, 1 x luggage compartment (additional 1 X double USB adaptor with 2A charging current)

Height and length electric adjustment steering column

High-gloss black door switch cluster, power window switch and tailgate button on first and second row seat

Glove Compartment with light

Steering wheel heating

Multifunction controls for leather steering wheel

Interior Lights

Ambient lighting in front and rear doors

Packs

Parking assistant plus pack with anti travel recorder - M5

Connected package professional - M5

Exterior design pack - M5

M high gloss shadowline with extended contents pack - M5

M high gloss Shadowline exterior trim pack - M5

Safety

Child locks

Three inertia reel rear seatbelts

Head airbags

Side impact protection

Airbag deployment is controlled with respect to the intensity and scope

Crash sensor for activation of hazard warning lights

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Tyre pressure monitoring system

M Sport seatbelts

Driver central airbag

Automatic door lock when driving away

Acoustic protection for pedestrians

Driver and front passenger airbags

Side airbags for driver and front passenger

Seats

M multifunctional seats driver and front passenger with and illuminated M5 logo headrests

Through loading system with 40/20/40 split folding rear seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Driver and front passenger lumbar support

Electric seat adjustment with memory

Child seat ISOFIX attachment with rear outer seats includes top tether

Headrests for all seats

Single front passenger seat

Security

Locking wheel bolts

Alarm system for monitoring doors, engine compartment,interior movement sensor,tilt sensor and siren with emergency power supply

Comfort access system with BMW digital key plus,digital key card,smartphone as vehicle key,smart opening/closing,gesturing tailgate,light staging

Automatic door locking

Interior camera

Transmission

M Sport differential

Vehicle Charging

AC Fast charging preparation (Maximum charging power 11kW)

Charging cable professional (mode 3) for public charging (up to 22 kW)

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 705

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 195

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 135

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 22.1

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Low: 25.9

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Medium: 23.9

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - High: 25.9

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Extra High: 32.7

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - City: 24.9

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 27

WLTP - AER (km) - City: 77

WLTP - AER (km) - Comb: 71

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Low: 70

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Medium: 76

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - High: 71

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Extra High: 56

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - City: 74

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 68

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEL: 69

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEH: 63

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb: 24.9

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 22.2

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 26.8

WLTP - EC AC Ch Dep (kWh/100km) - Comb: 28.2

WLTP - AER (miles) - City: 47.8

WLTP - AER (miles) - Comb: 44.1

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - City: 2.5

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 2.3

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Extra High: 1.9

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - High: 2.4

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Low: 2.4

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Medium: 2.6

WLTP - EC AC Ch Dep (miles/kWh) - Comb: 2.2

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb: 2.5

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 2.3

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 2.8

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - City: 46

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 42.3

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEH: 39.1

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEL: 42.9

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Extra High: 34.8

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - High: 44.1

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Low: 43.5

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Medium: 47.2

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: N

Charging Port Location: Left Side Front

Usable Battery Capacity: 18.6

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 11

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 87

HC+NOx: N

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Low: 248

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Medium: 279

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - High: 200

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Extra High: 230

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Comb: 233

WLTP - CO2 Charge Depleting (g/km) - Comb: 14

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 38

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 37

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 43

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 89

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 88.3

CC: 4395

Cylinders: 8

Cylinder Layout: V8

Number of Valves: 32

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Engine Code: XB1161T0

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Low: 25.9

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Medium: 23

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - High: 32.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Extra High: 28

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb: 27.4

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low: 10.9

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Medium: 12.3

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - High: 8.8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Extra High: 10.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb: 10.3

WLTP - FC Ch Dep (l/100km) - Comb: 0.4

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb: 1.7

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 1.6

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 1.9

WLTP - FC Ch Dep (mpg) - Comb: 706.2

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb: 166.2

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 176.6

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 148.7

General

Coin Series: M5

Coin Description: N

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 49E

Badge Power: 727

Badge Engine CC: 4.4

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 8

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.5

Top Speed: 155

Engine Power - BHP: 727

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 535

Engine Power - RPM: 5600

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 738

Engine Torque - NM: 1000

Engine Torque - RPM: 1800

Engine Torque - MKG: 102

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 285/40 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 295/35 R21

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: DOUBLE SPOKE - 951M

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 5096

Width: 1970

Wheelbase: 3006

Width (including mirrors): 2156

Height: 1510

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2435

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2940

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 60

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 505

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 466

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.6

Brakes

M Carbon ceramic brakes

M Compound brake in high gloss red

M Compound brake in high gloss black

Embellishment Trims

Dark silver accent combined with fine wood trim dark oak high gloss

Dark Silver M accent combined with carbon fibre and high gloss silver threads

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

BMW Individual special paint

BMW Individual Frozen paint

BMW Individual Metallic paint

Interior Features

Additional merino leather upholstery

M headliner alcantara anthracite

Individual merino leather upholstery

Packs

Comfort pack active seat ventilation in the front seats - M5

M Carbon exterior pack - M5

M Drivers pack - M5

Driving assistant professional pack with active cruise control - M5

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Isle of Man green

Metallic - Brooklyn grey

Metallic - Fire red

Metallic - Marina Bay blue

Metallic - Sophisto grey

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Carbon black

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

BMW Individual metallic paint - Storm bay

BMW Individual paint - Frozen deep grey

BMW Individual special paint - Custom

Towing

Trailer towbar hitch

Trim - Leather

Merino leather - Black/Silverstone

Merino leather - Red/black

Merino leather - Kyalami orange/black

Merino leather - Black

Individual merino leather - Black/Dark Violet

Individual merino leather - Taupe grey/Deep lagoon

Vehicle Charging

Flexible charger (Mode 2)

Wheels - Alloy

20"/21" M light alloy black wheel with mixed tyres - style 951M

20"/21" M light alloy bicolour black wheel with mixed tyres - style 952M

20"/21" M light alloy bicolour midnight grey with sport tyres - 951 M

20"/21" M light alloy black with sport tyres - 951 M