The seventh-generation BMW M5, codenamed G90, is by far and away the most controversial – and considering the history of the hotted-up 5 Series, that is saying something. It’s the first to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain, which not only adds significant complexity but also a heaping amount of mass.
Sure, the power and performance figures make for some stunning reading. The S68 4.4 litre twin-turbocharged V8, allied to an electric motor integrated in the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, makes a sum total of 727 PS and a whopping 1,000 Nm of torque.
With M xDrive all-wheel drive, this behemoth flings itself to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds and, thanks to the M Driver’s Package that’s standard in Malaysia, hits a top speed of 305 km/h. Paradoxically, it also can drive in fully electric mode for up to 69 km on the WLTP cycle.
But the G90 also now weighs half a tonne more than the outgoing F90, tipping the scales at a scarcely believable 2,510 kg. To give you a sense of perspective, the M5 is now closer to the 3,500 kg weight limit of a Class D driver’s licence than it is to the original E28 M5’s featherweight 1,430 kg.
It’s the experience behind the wheel that matters most of all, however, so despite everything pushing against it, can the new M5 – which, by the way, now costs a staggering RM1,188,800 – still deliver the prerequisite thrills? Yours truly finds out on the roads in Munich, as you can watch in the video review above.
GALLERY: G90 BMW M5 in Malaysia
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
The ultimate M5 will always be the E39. Those that came after the E60 M5 are larger, heavier, more complex, more indirect, etc. compared to the driving purist centric objectives of earlier M5s.
obviously m2 and m3 were made available to fill that niche
They made it 50% more expensive, 30% heavier and 0.6 seconds slower than the F90 to 60mph?
And this is progress?
bmw m5 numbers are underwhelming. both its power, and power-to-weight, pale in comparison to its hybrid competitors from mercedes and VAG.
“hotted” up … smh
You’re actually comparing it to the 45 year old E28? The 2023 M5 was already 2t so the sky’s falling from the extra 500kg worth of hybrid stuff? Why not report something useful, like power to weight ratios or skidpad results, rather than opining on static numbers. Did it even matter?
“staggering”, “stunning”, “behemoth”, “scarcely believable”, “whopping”. I guess it can’t be helped if YOU are easily shocked, but I came for a well researched factual article, not an op-ed with corresponding hyperbole unless you think your audience are high-school kids.
TBF, your video was marginally more balanced and useful, but I shouldn’t have to spend 15mins just to get even that.
BTW, I am by no means a Bimmer apologist and/or fanboi.
You may have the last word.
Are bmw even still relevant besides instagram tiktok kids? Rather just get a xiaomi su7
A Xiaomi electric appliance?
you are going for tiktok relevance? dont be a loser.
get a real gas car.
Typical tiktokkoker