After greater than 4,000 miles and three months of day by day commuting, errands, street journeys, and a spirited drive via the Alps, one factor is obvious: the 2025 BMW M5 G90 isn’t only a new chapter for BMW M—it’s a wholly new e-book. For longtime lovers and newcomers alike, this plug-in hybrid M5 affords a contemporary perspective on what it means to be the final word day by day efficiency sedan. But it surely’s not with out its quirks. Listed here are the important thing classes discovered from prolonged time behind the wheel.
1. Design Can Win You Over—Finally
First impressions might be polarizing, particularly when a legendary nameplate takes on a bolder, bulkier design. The squared-off, muscular styling of the G90 M5 won’t have landed completely at first look, but it surely grows on you. It instructions consideration in site visitors and earns unsolicited compliments—one thing not each trendy BMW can declare. Whereas the M5 Sedan actually has presence, many nonetheless discover the upcoming M5 Touring the better-looking sibling.
Lesson: Don’t choose the M5 by its photographs. Within the steel, it has street presence in spades.
2. It’s a Mini M7—For Higher and Worse
Inside, the G90 M5 feels much less like a track-focused monster and extra like a sporty govt lounge. Assume 7 Collection vibes, simply shrink-wrapped right into a extra aggressive silhouette. The seats are excellent, and there’s ample house, even with two little one seats. It’s plush, luxurious, and outfitted for household life. Nevertheless, there are misses: Piano Black trim is a fingerprint magnet, and a few switchgear feels cost-cut.
Lesson: Consolation and tech are up; perceived inside high quality is a blended bag. Test the choices checklist rigorously.
3. The New iDrive 8.5 Is Lastly a Win
Tech has been a sore topic in current BMWs, however the newest model of iDrive hits a candy spot. It’s fast, responsive, and makes navigating its layered menus extra manageable. Add to that the improved Driving Help Skilled system, and you’ve got a correct luxurious cruiser. However there’s a catch: BMW’s full hands-free Freeway Assistant isn’t obtainable on the M5 but, limiting its semi-autonomous capabilities to quick stints below 40 mph.
Lesson: Day by day tech is a energy, however BMW must atone for autonomy choices—particularly at this worth level. Ultimately, that is extra of a day by day cruiser.
4. Three Personalities, One Automobile
The G90 M5 is really a automotive of many moods. In EV mode, it glides silently like a premium electrical sedan. In Hybrid mode, it blends V8 energy and electrical torque with spectacular smoothness. Flip into Sport Plus, and it turns into a snarling, road-hugging beast.
That flexibility is the M5’s new superpower. Whether or not you’re creeping via metropolis site visitors or carving up Alpine passes, the automotive adapts seamlessly. The transition from electrical to combustion energy isn’t at all times flawless—particularly in chilly climate—but it surely’s leagues forward of the clunky system within the XM.
Lesson: Versatility is that this M5’s largest energy. It may be a whisper or a battle cry relying in your temper.
5. Journey High quality Nonetheless Wants Refinement
Chicago roads aren’t variety, they usually uncovered a weak point: low-speed journey high quality. On easy roads, the M5 consists and confidence-inspiring. However sharp bumps, potholes, and mid-corner imperfections reveal a stiffness that undermines consolation. Sport mode supplied the perfect center floor. Consolation mode, paradoxically, felt too mushy and floaty. It’s a matter of style—your passengers might disagree.
Lesson: Adaptive suspension is nice, however not excellent. BMW must fine-tune low-speed damping for real-world situations.
6. Regardless of the Weight, It Nonetheless Drives Like an M Automobile
At almost 5,400 kilos, the G90 M5 may’ve been a dealing with catastrophe. However BMW’s engineers labored their magic. On mountain roads, the automotive defies its mass with balanced dealing with, huge grip, and wonderful torque distribution. It’s no featherweight M2, but it surely’s much more succesful than the specs counsel. Even higher? Spirited mountain driving returned over 40 mpg in hybrid mode—astounding for a V8-powered sports activities sedan.
Lesson: The legal guidelines of physics nonetheless apply, however the G90 M5 bends them impressively.
7. The New Drivetrain Is a Triumph
BMW nailed the plug-in hybrid setup this time. Transitions between electrical and fuel energy are smoother, shifts are punchy however refined, and the electrical torque fill eliminates lag. Launches are brutal in one of the best ways—3.2 seconds to 60 mph isn’t any joke. This M5 might not really feel as track-honed because the F90 M5 Competitors, but it surely’s higher suited to day by day life. That’s the tradeoff: extra usability, barely much less edge.
Lesson: That is probably the most refined M5 drivetrain but—simply don’t count on it to beat the F90 on the observe.
8. Braking and Charging Want Extra Work
The brakes work properly, however require psychological recalibration. The added weight means extra nostril dive and earlier braking factors than earlier than. Regenerative braking helps, however doesn’t absolutely compensate for the mass.
Charging, in the meantime, is a missed alternative. The 7.4 kW onboard charger is just too sluggish for a automotive of this caliber. The upcoming 11 kW unit for the 2026 mannequin yr is a step in the correct path—but it surely ought to’ve launched with the automotive.
Lesson: The plug-in system is nice for day by day EV use—however the {hardware} lags behind the competitors in some methods.
Last Verdict: A New Form of M5
The G90 BMW M5 isn’t a uncooked, track-focused beast just like the E39 or F90. It’s not making an attempt to be. As a substitute, it’s a deeply succesful, luxurious, and surprisingly environment friendly efficiency sedan for the trendy period.
Sure, it’s heavy. Sure, it has quirks. However this M5 can drive your children to highschool in EV silence, then howl down a mountain move later that afternoon. It’s not the final word driving machine within the previous sense—it’s the final word the whole lot machine.
Professionals:
- Exceptionally versatile hybrid powertrain
- Easy, highly effective, and responsive in all driving modes
- Excellent real-world effectivity
- A tech-forward cabin
- Retains M DNA regardless of the burden
Cons:
- Suspension nonetheless too harsh at low speeds
- Inside supplies don’t at all times really feel “six-figure”
- Gradual onboard charging
- No Freeway Assistant autonomy
- Lacks the pure driving fringe of previous M5s
