By Otsile Kadiege

June has been quite a busy month for BMW as the brand unveiled the all-new X3 and also updated numerous models like the 2 Series coupe and M2. The Munich-based automaker is closing the month with the hotly-anticipated seventh-generation M5. The newcomer is still powered by a V8 with a hybrid system for added power and reduced emissions, an upgraded chassis, daring new looks, new tech and plenty of luxury amenities.

Hybrid V8

Underneath the bonnet, the new G90 M5 has the same setup as the XM. It’s powered by a 4.4-litre V8 engine with assistance from an M Hybrid electric motor. The total system output is a whooping 535kW and 1 000Nm. It’s paired with an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission and has a claimed zero to 100km/h sprint time of 3.5 seconds. This makes it slower than the F90 M5 Competition because the G90 M5 weighs 2,435kg – a massive 500kg heavier than the model it replaces. The top speed of the new BMW M5 is limited to 250 km/h as standard, but the limiter can be raised to 305 km/h if the optional M Driver’s Package is specified.

The heft of the G90 comes from the 18.6kWh lithium-ion battery which avails 69km of pure electric drive when fully charged. The Combined Charging Unit supports both single-phase and three-phase AC charging at up to 7.4 kW. This means the high-voltage battery in the new BMW M5 can be charged from 0 to 100 per cent in 3 hr 15 min.

Other mechanical highlights includes integrated cooling for the M Hybrid system, model-specific engine and transmission mounts, three drive modes as standard or five as optional extra, M xDrive and Active M Differential, stiff body structure with M-specific bracing elements, sophisticated chassis technology with bespoke tuning, M Servotronic steering and Integral Active Steering, Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers, and standard-fitted M Compound brakes or optional M Carbon ceramic brakes.

G90 M5 exterior design and styling

Outside, the new M5 sports aggressive looks and it’s wider than the F90 M5. Up front, the G90 boasts a mean look thanks to standard angular Adaptive LED headlights with four-eyed LED daytime running lights. The radiator grille looks similar to the i5 M60’s grille, however, this one has an opening to suck air in for and has M elements including an M5 badge. The front bumper looks muscular and has functional air inlets.

In profile, the dynamic silhouette of the new M5 is accentuated by  front and rear flared wheel arches. The Hofmeister kink has an embossed M5 logo and it’s shod with staggered M light-alloy wheels (20-inch at the front and 21-inch at the rear) in double-spoke design and with a bi-colour finish20-inch. At the rear, the M5 has a distinctive design with vertical reflectors, two-section diffuser and hallmark M exhaust pipes in black chrome.

When opting for the M Carbon exterior package, the M5 will come with carbon finished M-specific side mirrors, a carbon roof and Gurney made of CFRP.

G90 M5 interior and tech

Climbing aboard, the new M5 sets itself apart with an M-specific interior. Highlights include a multifunctional M flat-bottom steering wheel with M1 and M2 shortcut buttons for your custom drive modes, BMW’s Curved Display with with an infotainment system that features M-specific menus, new M seats with improved seat geometry and a model-specific centre console with direct access to drive mode settings.

Other noteworthy highlights include standard BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific readouts and BMW Maps navigation system, BMW Interaction bar with M-Specific animated ambient lighting, a Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System with 18 speakers and 655-watt amplifier, a wireless charging tray for compatible smartphones, a standard panoramic glass sunroof, standard four-zone automatic climate control, and 466 litres of luggage capacity which can be expanded when folding down the 40:20:40 split rear seats.

G90 M5 driver assistance systems

The new BMW M5 is available either as standard or optionally with an even larger selection of driver assistance systems than before. These include front collision warning with brake intervention, Lane Departure Warning with lane return, Cruise Control with brake function, and Speed Limit Info with no-overtaking indicator and pre-warning. The Driving Assistant including Lane Change Warning with active lane return, rear collision warning and Crossing Traffic Warning, manual Speed Limit Assist and exit warning also come as standard in the new M5. One highlight of the options list is the Driving Assistant Professional, which comprises features including the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, the Lane Change Assistant, cruise control and distance control with Stop & Go function, and automatic Speed Limit Assist.

Drivers of the new BMW M5 can enjoy extensive assistance with parking and manoeuvring. The standard Parking Assistant takes over all acceleration, braking, steering and gear-change tasks when entering and exiting parking spaces. It also includes Park Distance Control Active PDC, the Reversing Assist Camera, the Reversing Assistant and the Trailer Assistant. The Panorama View, Surround View and 3D View functions offered with the optional Parking Assistant Plus provide an ideal overview of the area around the car in a variety of situations. And the optional Parking Assistant Professional also allows automated parking and manoeuvring over a distance of up to 200 metres to be controlled from outside the car by smartphone.

Availability

According to BMW South Africa, the new M5 will be available locally during the fourth-quarter of 2024 and it will make its first public debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed which will be held in England in July.