Spending time behind the wheel of the all-new 2025 BMW M5 (G90) is a deeply layered expertise—one that mixes hybrid efficiency, govt consolation, and BMW’s ongoing pursuit of technological innovation. However no automobile is ideal, not even an M5 that now pushes 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. After driving it extensively round Chicago, right here’s a candid breakdown of what really impresses me—and what nonetheless wants fine-tuning.
5 Issues I Like Concerning the New BMW M5
1. EV Driving Truly Works for Me
I perceive why many lovers cringe on the concept of an electrical M automobile. However after proudly owning 4 BMW i3s and now an i4, electrical driving has change into second nature. In reality, for my 30-mile roundtrip commute in stop-and-go Chicago site visitors, the M5’s electrical mode is a sport changer. It provides me the consolation of zero emissions with out dropping the essence of an M automobile. And once I need the total V8 expertise? It’s at all times there. Regardless that BMW advertises a spread of 33 miles, I managed yesterday to beat that estimate by at the least 20% for a complete electrical vary of 40 miles.
2. Luxurious, Meet Efficiency
This isn’t simply an M5—it’s bordering on a mini M7. With a luxurious inside, succesful driver help programs, and options like automated lane change, hands-free driving, and very comfy seats, the G90 M5 is among the most relaxed M automobile I’ve ever every day pushed. It’s genuinely straightforward to dwell with and commute, particularly within the typical stop-and-go Chicago site visitors.
3. Surprisingly Refined Journey
The M5 makes use of an analogous metal suspension setup to the BMW XM, but it surely rides much better. Seemingly attributable to its smaller wheels and a extra comfort-oriented tune, the suspension feels composed and well-damped even on tough metropolis roads. It strikes a greater stability between sportiness and luxury than the bigger, stiffer XM.
4. Quiet as a Whisper
This is perhaps one of many quietest cabins BMW has ever made. I measured 69 dB at 70 mph in hybrid mode and an impressively low 59 dB in pure EV driving. That type of noise isolation, particularly in an M automobile, makes an enormous distinction on longer drives or throughout your every day grind by means of site visitors.
5. Daring, Boxy, and Unapologetic
Say what you’ll concerning the design, however this new M5 will get consideration. I’ve misplaced rely of what number of thumbs-up I’ve gotten or individuals stopping to ask concerning the automobile. The sharp strains and aggressive proportions give it a singular presence—removed from boring, and positively a head-turner. Might have featured a extra cohesive design and a less-in-your-face styling? Positive, however then once more, I complained quite a bit concerning the F10 M5 being too secure.
5 Issues I Don’t Like Concerning the New BMW M5
1. The Weight Is Actual
It’s a heavy automobile—full cease (5,390 kilos). And whereas that’s anticipated given the hybrid tech, battery pack and V8 underneath the hood, you’re feeling the mass greater than you’d like, not simply throughout aggressive cornering however even underneath regular braking. It’s important to recalibrate your driving, particularly in stop-and-go site visitors or when doing a little emergency braking.
2. Lacking a Few Luxurious Touches
At this worth level, issues like soft-close doorways or consolation entry on the rear doorways ought to be customary. It’s a flagship M automobile, but it lacks a number of the finer comfort options present in decrease priced BMWs, which seems like a missed alternative.
3. Plastic High quality Is Doubtful
The piano black trim within the cabin appears to be like sharp out of the field, but it surely shortly turns into a magnet for fingerprints and micro scratches. It cheapens an in any other case upscale inside and makes you second-guess each contact. I want all the auto trade strikes away from piano black, inside and outside.
4. Driving Mode Transitions Aren’t Seamless
Whereas smoother than within the XM, the swap from EV to combustion mode nonetheless isn’t excellent. There’s a split-second hesitation and a refined jolt because the V8 kicks in. It’s not jarring, but it surely does take away from the in any other case polished driving expertise.
5. Gradual Charging (Until You Obtained The Newest Improve)
My long-term M5 press automobile got here with the usual 7.4 kW onboard charger, and actually, it’s too sluggish. A 0 to 100% top-up took over three hours at a public station. Sure, most individuals will cost in a single day or use the engine to replenish on the go, however the newer 11 kW improve makes a distinction—and will have been customary from the beginning. Initially, BMW stated {that a} full recharge would take 3 hours and quarter-hour however now that point has been diminished by an hour. The EV consultants would argue although that the distinction between 7.6KW vs 11KW with an 18 KWh pack is negligible.
