G90 BMW M5 Breaks Cover with 717 HP-Rated V8 PHEV Mill

The all-new G90-gen BMW M5 breaks cover as the most potent M5 to date, featuring a 717 HP-rated V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Following a lengthy teaser campaign and the launch of its all-electric twin, BMW has finally unveiled the all-new BMW M5. Based on the current-gen G60 5 Series model, this new performance saloon is touted to be the most potent iteration of the M5, courtesy of its V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain setup derived from BMW’s new flagship performance SUV, the BMW XM.

The new M5 is powered by the same V8 PHEV setup used on the XM, albeit featuring a lower power output.

Codenamed G90, the new M5’s PHEV setup comprises a familiar 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 mill borrowed from its predecessor, the F90-gen M5. Unlike the previous-gen M5, the G90 M5’s V8 mill is only rated at 577 HP and 750 NM, which is less than the F90 M5’s 591 HP output.

Regardless of the power discount, the S68 V8 mill is now mated to a single electric motor rated at 194 HP and 281 NM to deliver a very healthy total system output of 717 HP and 1,000 NM, thus making it the most potent M5 ever made by the Bavarian marque.

This power boost comes with a rather weighty cost, with the new M5 now tipping the scale at 2,445 KG, making it almost 500 KG heavier than the previous-gen M5, which weighs at only 1,971 KG. The 2.5-tonne saloon is also not too far-off compared to its powertrain twin, the XM, which tips the scale at a whopping 2,749 KG.

The weight penalty has also resulted in the new M5 being somewhat slower than the model it replaces, and that is despite its much peppier powertrain setup. On a straight-line duel, the old M5 edges the new model by about 0.2 seconds, with the new M5 completing the 0-96 KM/H (60 MPH) sprint in 3.4 seconds, whereas its predecessor finished the sprint in just 3.2 seconds.

Top speed remains unchanged, with the new M5 hitting the limiter at 250 KM/H or 306 KM/H with the M Driver’s Package included. Thanks to its partially-electrified powertrain setup, the new M5 also comes with an EV-only range of 40 KM.

The M5's S68 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 mill (left) is mated to an 8-speed M Steptronic gearbox (right).

Of course, there’s more to the new M5 than its rather subpar straight-line performance. BMW claims the combo between the M5’s high-revving V8 mill and the 8-speed M Steptronic gearbox promises to deliver rapid shifting performance to this midsize performance saloon. Also present here is BMW’s magic xDrive AWD system with adjustable power bias, meaning that you can release all of the M5’s 1,000 NM to the rear wheels if you desire so.

Also helping with the power distribution is the Active M Differential, which allows torque splitting between the left and right wheels. On the handling front, the new M5’s M-specific suspension system features a lightweight double-wishbone setup at the front with track control and camber control arms, while the rear ones come with guide arms for better handling performance.

To no one's surprise, the new M5 looks quite similar to its EV twin, the i5 M60.

On the visual front, the new M5 doesn’t look that different from its all-electric twin, the BMW i5 M60, as both cars feature similar M-specific parts compared to their non-M counterparts. Despite its ICE-based powertrain setup, the new M5’s kidney grille is partially enclosed, while its surround is illuminated just like other new BMW models.

As expected, the M5 stands much wider than its non-M twin, thanks to its wider front and rear fenders. The wheels are also staggered in both width and diameter, with the front one featuring 20-inch wheels shod in 285/40-sized tyres, while the rear gets bigger and wider 21-inch units with 295/35/R21 tyres instead.

Hiding beneath the wheels are the beefed-up M Performance brakes, featuring 16-inch rotors with six-piston callipers for the front and 15.7-inch ones with single-piston callipers at the rear.

Other M-specific parts present here include the M rear spoiler, the M twin black chrome tailpipes, an optional carbon fibre roof, and a slew of M5 badges scattered around its exterior.

On board, the new M5 perfectly blends both sporty and luxury elements, with its cabin featuring ample sporty bits and luxury amenities. Key highlights include the new M Sport steering wheel with heated function, new M Multifunction front seats wrapped in BMW Individual Full Merino Metallic leather upholstery, as well as the BMW Curved Display setup featuring M-specific menus and functions powered by the latest BMW OS 8.5 suite.

Other cabin amenities present here include the standard Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, a head-up display (HUD), as well as the Sky Lounge Panoramic Roof.

The all-new, G90-gen BMW M5 is poised to make its first public appearance at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed in July this year. Production of the new M5 will also commence later in July, with the new performance saloon slated to be hit with a hefty price tag starting from $119,500 (RM562,934) onwards.