BMW M5 (G90) – performance and 0-60mph time

The M5’s hybrid-assisted V8 makes it the most powerful version yet. On its own the V8 generates 578bhp (38bhp less than the outgoing F90 M5 Competition) and 553lb ft of torque, with the e-motor boosting the total to 717bhp and 738lb ft. Those are bigger numbers than you get from an original Lamborghini Aventador, but in terms of pure acceleration, the G90 isn’t the giant leap on from the F90 that you might expect. Thank the weight penalty of the hybrid system for that. 

The saloon hits 62mph in 3.5sec, with the Touring a tenth slower. That’s fast by any stretch, but a little shy of the F90 Competition’s 3.3sec time. Top speed is limited to 155mph, or 189mph if you spec the optional M Driver’s Package. For reference, Audi’s RS7 Performance covers the 62mph sprint a tenth quicker, with the limiter also calling time at 189mph if you tick the correct options. 

When you’re not timing it on a drag strip, the G90 feels every bit as explosive as an M5 should. Plant the throttle and it snaps forwards immediately, the instant torque of the electric motor overcoming the car’s inertia in a blink before the V8’s turbos spool up and it joins the charge. Initially, you can’t comprehend how suddenly the M5 responds to a snap-opened throttle, how its mass and inertia are cast aside. You need to recalibrate for how much pace you can pick up between corners, what overtakes are possible. 

The drivetrain feels monumental and remarkably linear through the rev range, and the integrated electric motor has been tuned specifically to complement the delivery of the V8. In a straight line, at least, the thrust goes some way towards hiding the fact that you’re driving a near 2.5-ton saloon.