It’s a big day for BMW M fans as the seventh generation of the much-loved M5 supersaloon is unveiled in full, codenamed ‘G90’ if you’re into such things. The biggest surprise is that the new car is significantly cheaper to buy than its predecessor, though that’s because of the other majorly new thing about it: the BMW M5 is now a plug-in hybrid.
It still has a V8, right?!
Thankfully yes, effectively the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre unit as before, which can also be found in cars as diverse as the XM and the BMW M Hybrid V8 that recently took part at the Le Mans 24-hour race. The M5’s new hybrid system pairs the V8 with a powerful electric motor (integrated within the casing of the eight-speed auto) and a sizeable battery so it can officially travel up to 69 kilometres on electric power, at speeds of up to 140km/h. That ability means the CO2 emissions rating is a paltry 37g/km, which means low VRT, explaining the dramatic price reduction. Recharging the battery from an external source can be done at up to 7.4kW.
The hybrid system is as much for performance, however, and when the electric motor and engine are working together, they can send up to 727hp and 1,000Nm of torque to all four wheels - or just the rear wheels if you’re brave enough to switch off the stability control and choose the ‘2WD’ setting. BMW quotes a 0-100km/h time of just 3.5 seconds (we’re pretty sure that’s using all-wheel traction).
Presumably the hybrid system is heavy?
Unfortunately so. We’re told it added some 500kg to the car, which provided BMW M’s engineers with a bit of a challenge. The M5 features all the usual chassis wizardry you’d expect, such as adaptive damping, big brakes (though buyers can upgrade to M Carbon ceramic discs) and an electronically-controlled rear differential, but for the first time it also gets Integral Active Steer. This is BMW’s name for rear-wheel steering, which helps the car feel more agile and light on its feet at lower speeds while enhancing stability once the pace increases. There are mixed-size wheels and special tyres as well, of course, plus a much wider track, especially at the front.
That would explain the bulging bodywork
Indeed, though because lots of it is in body colour, it’s not as ostentatious as it might be. Still, take a few moments to look around the M5 and you’ll not miss the wider wings and much more bulbous bumpers front and rear. The radiator grille has a different design to that of other 5 Series models of course and there are gaping big air intakes below that. Special door mirrors and unique alloys can be seen at the side, along with a new ‘M5’ badge at the trailing end of the side glass. At the back, a modest boot spoiler is complemented by a prominent diffuser housing the expected quad exhaust outlets. There’s also an optional carbon roof.
And what’s the interior like?
If you’re familiar with modern BMW M cabins then the M5’s will be of no surprise, though it goes big on luxury on equipment rather than weight-saving measures. There’s a unique centre console layout, special graphics for the ‘Curved Display’ instruments and touchscreen, leather upholstery and a smattering of ‘M5’ badges and logos. There are new M1/M2 buttons that are illuminated as well, plus the first-ever flat-bottomed steering wheel in an M5.
How much does the new BMW M5 cost in Ireland?
Incredibly, thanks to the lower VRT cost, the new M5 is some €60,000 cheaper than before, at an Irish retail price of €136,040. No other sports saloon gets close, and it even undercuts the supposedly lesser BMW M3 and M4.
Bet you can’t wait to test it...
Actually... we’re lucky so-and-sos and we’ve had a brief go in a prototype version already. Read our review here - and check out the video below.