Spending time behind the wheel of the all-new 2025 BMW M5 (G90) is a deeply layered expertise—one that mixes hybrid efficiency, government consolation, and BMW’s ongoing pursuit of technological innovation. However no automotive 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 Really Works for Me
I perceive why many lovers cringe on the thought of an electrical M automotive. 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 visitors, the M5’s electrical mode is a sport changer. It offers me the consolation of zero emissions with out shedding the essence of an M automotive. And once I need the total V8 expertise? It’s at all times there. Although BMW advertises a spread of 33 miles, I managed yesterday to beat that estimate by a minimum of 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 methods, and options like computerized lane change, hands-free driving, and very snug seats, the G90 M5 is likely one of the most relaxed M automotive I’ve ever each day pushed. It’s genuinely straightforward to stay with and commute, particularly within the typical stop-and-go Chicago visitors.
3. Surprisingly Refined Trip
The M5 makes use of an analogous metal suspension setup to the BMW XM, but it surely rides much better. Seemingly resulting from 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 likely to be 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 sort of noise isolation, particularly in an M automotive, makes an enormous distinction on longer drives or throughout your each day grind by means of visitors.
5. Daring, Boxy, and Unapologetic
Say what you’ll in regards to the design, however this new M5 will get consideration. I’ve misplaced rely of what number of thumbs-up I’ve gotten or folks stopping to ask in regards to the automotive. The sharp traces and aggressive proportions give it a novel presence—removed from boring, and positively a head-turner. May have featured a extra cohesive design and a less-in-your-face styling? Certain, however then once more, I complained rather a lot in regards to the F10 M5 being too protected.
5 Issues I Don’t Like Concerning the New BMW M5
1. The Weight Is Actual
It’s a heavy automotive—full cease (5,390 kilos). And whereas that’s anticipated given the hybrid tech, battery pack and V8 below the hood, you’re feeling the mass greater than you’d like, not simply throughout aggressive cornering however even below regular braking. You must recalibrate your driving, particularly in stop-and-go visitors or when performing some emergency braking.
2. Lacking a Few Luxurious Touches
At this value level, issues like soft-close doorways or consolation entry on the rear doorways ought to be customary. It’s a flagship M automotive, but it lacks a few of the finer comfort options present in decrease priced BMWs, which appears 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 the complete 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 good. There’s a split-second hesitation and a delicate 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 automotive got here with the usual 7.4 kW onboard charger, and truthfully, it’s too gradual. 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 mentioned {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.
