2025 BMW M5 G90: The Hybrid Monster That Tore Up Expectations

The BMW M5 G90 is the most controversial M5 BMW has ever built. When BMW announced that the new generation would become a plug-in hybrid, many hardcore enthusiasts were skeptical: could a legendary super sedan survive the electrified era? The answer is more interesting than either side expected. The BMW M5 G90 is heavier and more complex than any M5 before it, but it is also the most powerful.

The previous BMW M5 CS was a raw, relatively lightweight V8 sedan. The G90 takes a different approach, combining a twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor to deliver huge torque, electric-only driving and advanced chassis technology. In this review, we explain how the new M5 works, how it drives, what it costs and who should buy one.

A Short History of the M5

To understand why the BMW M5 G90 matters, it helps to look at where the M5 came from. The first M5, based on the E28 5 Series, arrived in the mid-1980s with a hand-built inline-six derived from the M1 supercar. It created the idea of a discreet family sedan with sports car performance.

Later generations pushed the formula further. The E39 introduced a V8, the E60 used a high-revving V10 inspired by Formula 1, and the F10 switched to twin-turbo V8 power. The F90 added all-wheel drive for the first time, with a rear-wheel-drive mode to keep enthusiasts happy. Each step was controversial at the time, and each eventually became accepted. The G90’s move to hybrid power is simply the latest chapter in that story.

BMW M5 G90 Powertrain: Plug-In Hybrid V8

The new M5 pairs a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, known internally as the S68, with an electric motor integrated into the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission. Together they produce a combined 717 hp (727 PS) and 738 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque, making it the most powerful series-production M5 ever. BMW quotes a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds.

A high-voltage battery mounted in the underbody allows the M5 to drive on electric power alone for short distances, turning it into a quiet luxury sedan for city driving. In the European WLTP test cycle, the electric range is rated at around 40 miles, while real-world range depends heavily on temperature and driving style.

Driving Modes and Hybrid Operation

The hybrid system offers several operating modes. In Electric mode, the M5 drives silently using only the electric motor, which is ideal for early mornings, city traffic or quiet residential streets. In Hybrid mode, the car blends V8 and electric power automatically for the best balance of efficiency and response. In the sportiest settings, the electric motor works as a performance booster, filling gaps in throttle response and adding torque on corner exits.

Drivers can also hold or build battery charge for later use, for example to save electric range for the end of a trip. Charging is possible from a home wall box or public AC charging station, and a full charge from a suitable wall box takes a few hours, so most owners will simply plug in overnight.

Weight and Handling: The New School of M

The biggest criticism of the BMW M5 G90 is its weight. With its battery, electric motor and larger body, it weighs well over 5,000 pounds, several hundred pounds more than the previous F90 M5. That extra mass is noticeable, especially in tight corners and under heavy braking.

BMW has worked hard to hide it. M xDrive all-wheel drive, standard Integral Active Steering with rear-wheel steering, adaptive M suspension and wider front and rear tracks help the G90 feel more agile than its weight suggests. Road testers generally describe it as remarkably composed and stable, though less playful and lighter-footed than the cars that came before it.

Exterior and Interior Design

The G90 looks every bit the predator, with flared wheel arches, a wide stance, large air intakes and a quad-pipe exhaust. A carbon-fiber roof is available, and the M5 Touring brings the fast-wagon body style back to the M5 lineup, including for the US market for the first time.

Inside, the BMW M5 G90 offers a high-tech cabin with BMW’s curved display combining the instrument cluster and central touchscreen, M-specific graphics, a head-up display with shift lights, M Multifunction seats and a thick-rimmed M steering wheel with M1 and M2 buttons for personalized setups. The materials and technology are a clear step up from the previous generation.

The M5 Touring: Return of the Super Wagon

One of the most exciting parts of the G90 generation is the return of the M5 Touring. BMW built small numbers of M5 wagons in the E34 and E61 generations, but neither was officially sold in the United States. This time, the M5 Touring is available to American buyers, offering the same 717-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain with a much larger cargo area.

The Touring competes directly with the Audi RS6 Avant, which has had the US super wagon market largely to itself for several years. For buyers who need space for family, luggage or pets but still want serious performance, the M5 Touring is one of the most appealing new BMWs in years.

BMW M5 G90 vs M5 CS

Purists still love the raw, lighter character of the M5 CS, and many describe the G90 as too heavy or too digital. But the new car has real strengths. Its combined torque gives it enormous mid-range punch, and the electric motor fills in any gaps in the V8’s response. What the CS had in emotion and agility, the G90 counters with technology, comfort and versatility.

The two cars appeal to different buyers. The CS is a collectible driver’s car, while the G90 is a high-tech everyday super sedan with the ability to drive silently through neighborhoods and then deliver huge performance on demand. For a closer look at BMW’s broader performance lineup, see our BMW M5 vs BMW M8 comparison.

BMW M5 G90 Rivals

The new M5 competes in a small segment of high-performance luxury sedans and wagons. Its main rivals include the four-door Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance, the Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid and the Audi RS6 Avant and RS7 Performance. The AMG and Porsche also use plug-in hybrid V8 powertrains, while the Audi relies on a mild-hybrid V8 and lighter weight.

Compared with these rivals, the M5 stands out for its relatively attainable price, its available Touring body style and its rear-wheel-drive mode, which keeps a strong focus on driver involvement despite the car’s size.

BMW M5 G90 Safety and Assistance Technology

As BMW’s flagship performance sedan, the M5 also comes with a wide range of driver assistance and safety technology. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, parking assistance with surround-view cameras and advanced emergency braking systems are available, depending on the package. These features make the BMW M5 G90 far more relaxing on long highway trips than older M5 generations, which is part of its appeal as an everyday luxury car.

Price and Ownership

In the US, the BMW M5 G90 sedan starts at around $120,000 before options, with the M5 Touring priced slightly higher. Options such as carbon ceramic brakes, the M Driver’s Package and carbon exterior parts can raise the price significantly.

Running costs are high, as expected for a 700-plus horsepower luxury car. Tires, brakes and insurance are expensive, and the hybrid system adds complexity. On the positive side, the electric mode can reduce fuel use for owners with short daily commutes who charge at home. BMW’s factory warranty and the separate coverage for the high-voltage battery make a new or certified pre-owned car the safest choice for most buyers.

Who Should Buy the BMW M5 G90?

It Makes Sense If:

• You want maximum performance with modern luxury and technology
• You value the ability to drive quietly on electric power around town
• You need a practical super sedan or super wagon for daily use
• You prefer stability and all-weather traction over lightweight agility

Consider Something Else If:

• You want the lightest, most analog M5 experience, in which case a used F90 M5 Competition or M5 CS fits better
• You do not want the complexity of a plug-in hybrid system
• Weight and track-day agility are your top priorities

If you prefer the last pure V8 version, our BMW M5 Competition review covers the F90 model with 617 hp, its differences from the standard M5 and what to check when buying one used.

Final Verdict on the BMW M5 G90

The BMW M5 G90 proves that the M5 name can survive electrification. It is heavier and more complex than any M5 before it, and it will not satisfy every purist. But it is also the most powerful, most technologically advanced and most versatile M5 ever made, with a Touring version that finally brings the super wagon formula to American buyers.

If you loved the noise and drama of the older V8 models, the G90 may feel different at first. Spend time with it, however, and its blend of electric smoothness, V8 power and everyday comfort makes it one of the most complete performance cars on sale. Full specifications are available on the official BMW USA website.