Redefining Limits

2023 BMW M5 G90

The BMW M5 G90 represents decades of evolution in the high-performance sedan segment. Launched in 2023, this latest iteration introduces cutting-edge technology and a bold new design, continuing the M5’s legacy as a symbol of power and luxury.

The high-performance version of the BMW 5 Series traces its roots back to 1984 with the E28, a sedan that redefined expectations for luxury sports cars. Each successive generation introduced groundbreaking technology and increasingly higher performance levels, evolving from inline-six engines to V8s and even the astonishing V10 inspired by Formula 1. Now, with the G90, the M5 enters a new era as the first in its lineage to incorporate hybrid technology.

At the heart of the M5 G90 lies the formidable M Hybrid V8 High-Performance TwinPower engine. The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 delivers an impressive 585 horsepower between 5,600 and 6,500 rpm, while an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission boosts total output to a staggering 727 horsepower and 1,000 Nm of torque. This makes the G90 one of the most powerful sedans ever built.

Comfort, driving dynamics, and handling blend seamlessly, striking a perfect balance between a luxury business sedan and a true performance machine. With the M Driver’s Package, the electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h is lifted, allowing the M5 to reach a breathtaking 305 km/h.

In previous generations, distinguishing the M5 from a standard 5 Series required a trained eye. Not anymore. The G90 makes its presence known with flared wheel arches, a bold gloss-black front grille, massive 21-inch wheels, and a rear diffuser that underscores its aggressive, monolithic design—perfectly encapsulating the essence of M performance.

Inside, the new flat-bottom M steering wheel features the signature M1 and M2 buttons for instant access to customizable driving modes. The dashboard is dominated by BMW’s curved display, comprising a digital instrument cluster and a central touchscreen running the latest BMW Operating System 8.5, complete with M-specific graphics. The premium interior is further enhanced by heated M multifunction seats wrapped in Merino leather, a head-up display, four-zone climate control, and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system.

The transition to a plug-in hybrid system brings unprecedented power but also adds weight. The M5 G90 tips the scales at 2,500 kg—significantly more than the 1,865 kg of its predecessor, the F90. However, this increase is effectively counterbalanced by the surge in power and an optimized weight distribution that enhances handling.

The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system features an electronically controlled rear differential and specialized driving modes, including a 2WD setting that disables stability control, sending all power to the rear wheels for a purist driving experience. The adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers works in tandem with rear-wheel steering to ensure precise handling.

It’s a crisp January morning as we leave the city behind, quickly merging onto the Brenner Autobahn—an ideal proving ground for a car of this caliber. The Hybrid V8’s thrust is nothing short of astonishing. Thanks to the electric assist, acceleration is seamless and immediate, accompanied by a refined yet commanding exhaust note that enhances, rather than disrupts, the driving experience.

But it’s on the narrow, slippery mountain roads where the new M5 truly showcases its versatility. With its near-perfect weight distribution and a chassis engineered to perfection—featuring a double-wishbone front suspension and a five-link rear axle—the car performs exceptionally well, even in challenging conditions. This is typically the domain of smaller M models like the M3 or M2, yet the G90 defies expectations despite its considerable size. The adaptive M suspension and M xDrive system work in harmony to deliver impeccable traction, while the steel brakes (with optional carbon-ceramic discs) provide powerful and precise stopping performance on icy surfaces.

The outside temperature reads -9°C, and the forecasted snowstorm is fast approaching. We decide to head back, thoroughly impressed by the new M5’s adaptability. The weight, often a point of criticism, becomes an afterthought the moment you press the throttle, unleashing an immediate and relentless surge of power.

Over the course of several hundred kilometers, we pushed the M5 to its limits—through city traffic, open highways, and treacherous mountain roads. In every scenario, it demonstrated remarkable versatility. It may not be as lightweight and purist as the M5 CS F90, but the G90 strikes an exceptional balance between breathtaking performance, supreme comfort, and uncompromising safety.