Packing power and pounds: BMW M5 G90

June 11, 2025June 17, 2025 by Metropol No Comments

A ‘point and shoot’ car of the highest order, the new BMW M5 G90 is a driver-focused dream of savage acceleration, writes Metropol’s Ben Selby.

Each generation has seen its fair share of changes, with different power trains and even more technology thrown into the mix. This leads us to the latest M5 G90, an M5 yet not as we know it.

For the first time, the M5 has plug-in hybrid capability with an 18.6kWh battery pack and electric motor, accompanying the M5’s hefty 4.4L TwinPower turbo V8 petrol engine. To combine these would create a ludicrous power output – a combined 535kW and staggering 1000Nm of torque. The G90 allows you to travel 67km on electric power alone. Add the battery pack and electric motor and the latest M5 packs on the pounds over the previous generation with a kerb weight of 2500kg.

At 5096mm long and 1970mm wide, the M5 G90 is one big car and dead serious at that. The LED Matrix headlights scowl at you while every bulge and carbon covered spoiler and duct flexes like a steroid addict during a workout. It means business and doesn’t care about subtlety.
Inside things are even less subtle. Everything from the red M5 embossed heated and ventilated sports leather seats to the M-sport coloured ambient lighting screams performance. You feel cosseted and everything is driver-focused and easy to reach. Find every kind of convenience imaginable for a car that costs close to $250,000, though some of the switchgear does feel slightly second rate.

On start up, it defaults to hybrid mode which sees some silent running at suburban pace. Press M Mode 1 and this becomes Dynamic which speeds up the gear changes, increases the bellowing V8 soundtrack and stiffens up the suspension. Press M Mode 2 and you enter Dynamic Plus – everything is dialled up entirely – turning the M5 into a maniacal automotive adrenaline pump.

The extra instant torque of the batteries offers savage acceleration with no turbo lag. Keep your foot mashed into the firewall and it doesn’t let up, allowing you to reach 100kph 3.5 seconds later from stationary. An extra 10 seconds of boost can be added by holding down the downshift paddle for the 8-speed M-Steptronic gear box.

Despite its girth and weight, the M5 shrinks around you when you start truly moving. With its xDrive AWD system and Adaptive M-Suspension, it’s a point and shoot car of the highest order. Cornering hard with immense grip on offer, devour bendy bits completely flat before charging out with that electrically assisted twin-turbo V8 on full song. Dial back the exuberance and the M5 is still as docile a daily driver as you would want it to be.

Sporting a considerable price tag, the new BMW M5 is completely mad, nuts, even outrageous – yet somehow still completely wonderful.

FACT FILE: 2025 BMW M5 G90