Marking 40 years since the debut of the original E28 M5, a car that set the benchmark as the fastest production saloon in the world back in 1985, BMW introduces the seventh generation of its legendary high-performance sedan. This new M5 arrives with a significant historical first: the integration of an electrified drive system.
Unveiled to the South African market alongside the M3 Touring at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, local media had the opportunity to experience the capabilities of this groundbreaking new model firsthand. This latest iteration promises to blend the M5's renowned performance pedigree with the advancements of hybrid technology.
In early 1985, BMW launched the first M5, the E28, which was based on the 535i chassis and also served as the fastest production saloon in the world when it debuted.
With 40 years of history under its belt, the legendary high-performance M5 sedan now enters its seventh model generation. And for the first time in its lifespan, the M5 now also features an electrified drive system.
Alongside the M5, the German automaker also introduced the M3 Touring at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, where local media could stretch the legs of both models.
Powertrain and performance
The performance sedan is powered by a M TwinPower Turbo 4.4-litre V8 engine paired with an electric motor. The combustion engine on its own develops a maximum output of 430kW and 750Nm of torque, while the electric motor produces an additional 145kW and 280Nm, which gives peak figures of 535kW and 1 000 Nm.
The battery has 18.6kWh of usable energy, which enables an electric driving range of up to 69km. Additionally, the M5 can reach speeds of up to 140km/h when driving on the electric battery alone. Providing an acoustic accompaniment to the power delivery of the electric motor is the M-specific BMW IconicSounds Electric, and electric drive sound that provides authentic responses to movements of the accelerator when the car is operating in all-electric mode.
An eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel drive enable acceleration of 0 to 100km/h in 3.5-seconds. Top speed is limited to 250km/h as standard, while the limiter is raised to 305km/h on the M Driver’s Package, which is standard for the South African market.
The M5 has always been a large specimen but the G90 is the biggest yet. Part of the exterior package is the now iconic enlarged kidney grilles, prominent wheel arch and side skirt extensions, LED headlights and daytime running lights, a rear diffuser, electrically controlled adjustable flaps and two pairs of dual tailpipes. The sedan also sits on M light-alloy wheels with 20-inch in front and 21-inch at the rear, wrapped in high-performance tyres. Offered as standard are M Compound brakes, while M Carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option.
There are a multitude of standard features on offer, like, but not limited to, a tyre pressure monitor, wireless charging, heated front seats with ventilation, Parking Assistant including Reversing Assistant, front collision warning, traffic light detection, automatic Speed Limit Assist and Active Navigation, a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, BMW Curved Display and BMW Live Cockpit Professional. Among the items on the options list are the M Carbon exterior package, an Alcantara headliner, steering wheel heating, active seat ventilation and a trailer tow hitch.
The drive
With so much power on tap, the best place for us journalists to experience the M5 was on a proper racetrack. Accompanied by professional driving instructors, the stage was set for us to see what the high-performance sedan was all about.
People talk about being pinned into the seat, and this is exactly the first thing the M5 does when the accelerator is pinned to the floor. Power is almost instantaneous, and that is thanks to the xDrive all-wheel-drive system and M-Suspension giving enough traction to get the engines output through to the wheels. The various anti-traction function makes the sedan as stable as possible while maximising entry and exit speeds.
While all the focus was on the driving, there is a Setup button that provides direct access to the configuration of the drive system, Drivelogic, chassis, steering, braking system and M xDrive, as well as the intensity of brake energy recuperation. The sedan is potent and requires so much concentration to keep things on the safe side when all four wheels are spinning. However, the driver can also select 2WD mode. This sends drive exclusively to the rear wheels with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system switched off.
Aftersales and pricing
BMW M5 – R2 690 000
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