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Unleashing the Beast: A Deep Dive into BMW's Sixth-Generation M5, a Paragon of Performance and Luxury.
Highlights of the BMW M5 F90
- Blistering Performance: Powered by a 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8, the M5 F90 delivers over 600 horsepower, achieving 0-60 mph in under 3 seconds, making it a true supercar slayer in a sedan's guise.
- Versatile M xDrive System: The innovative M xDrive all-wheel-drive system offers unparalleled traction and the flexibility to switch to a pure rear-wheel-drive mode for an authentic, engaging M driving experience.
- Luxurious and Tech-Rich Cabin: The interior masterfully blends high-quality materials, advanced ergonomics, and intuitive technology, providing a refined and comfortable sanctuary for daily commutes and long journeys.
The BMW M5 F90, produced from 2017 to 2023, stands as a defining chapter in the legacy of high-performance luxury sedans. This sixth-generation M5 redefined expectations by seamlessly integrating brutal V8 power with sophisticated all-wheel-drive dynamics, all encased in a refined and comfortable package. Facing off against formidable rivals such as the Mercedes-AMG E63 S and Audi RS7, the BMW M5 F90 carved its niche as a "super sedan" capable of exhilarating track days and effortlessly smooth daily driving. Its unique selling proposition lies in this masterful balance, allowing it to transition from a track weapon to a plush executive transporter with remarkable ease. This generation's introduction of the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system marked a significant evolution for the M5, profoundly enhancing its traction, versatility, and overall dynamic prowess.
Exterior Design & Aesthetics: Understated Aggression
The visual language of the BMW M5 F90 is one of restrained yet potent aggression. It's a car that commands respect through its performance rather than overt visual theatrics. The front fascia is dominated by the iconic twin-kidney grille, which is bold and proportionally integrated, flanked by sharp, modern LED headlights. These headlights, often featuring adaptive matrix technology, provide precise beam control and a distinctive lighting signature, subtly hinting at the vehicle's high-tech capabilities.
The assertive front design of the BMW M5 F90, featuring its signature kidney grille and sharp LED headlights.
Muscular hood bulges hint at the powerful turbocharged V8 engine beneath, while aggressive air intakes are strategically placed to enhance cooling and contribute to the car's menacing stance. The side profile maintains the elegant silhouette of the standard 5 Series but is enhanced with subtle M-specific elements. Flared wheel arches accommodate substantial alloy wheels, typically ranging from 19 to 20 inches (with optional 21-inch choices), which contribute to its planted and purposeful stance. Subtle character lines flow from the hood to the rear haunches, creating an aerodynamic and cohesive design.
The rear design culminates in a wide and athletic stance, featuring quad exhaust tips and a subtle diffuser that optimizes downforce without appearing overly ostentatious. An integrated trunk lid spoiler further refines the aerodynamics, contributing to an impressive drag coefficient of 0.32. The overall aesthetic prioritizes a sleek yet powerful presence, ensuring the F90 M5 slices through the air with both efficiency and elegance.
Interior, Comfort, & Technology: A Driver-Centric Sanctuary
Stepping inside the BMW M5 F90 reveals a beautifully crafted cabin that expertly balances sportiness with luxurious comfort, all while prioritizing the user experience (UX). Material quality is paramount, with supple Nappa or optional Merino leather adorning the supportive M sport seats. Soft-touch plastics, precise metal accents, and available carbon fiber or Alcantara trim elevate the interior ambiance, underscoring exceptional build quality and attention to detail. The assembly feels robust and rattle-free, a hallmark of BMW's commitment to perceived quality.
A detailed look at the luxurious and ergonomic interior of the BMW M5 F90.
Seating Ergonomics and Space
Comfort is a significant strength of the M5 F90. The 14-way adjustable front sports seats offer extensive bolstering, providing excellent support during spirited driving while remaining comfortable for long distances. Adjustable lumbar support, backrest width, and thigh support ensure an optimal driving position for various body types. Rear legroom measures approximately 36.5 inches, and headroom is around 38.8 inches, comfortably accommodating five adults without feeling cramped. Cargo capacity is respectable for a performance sedan, offering 14 to 19 cubic feet in the trunk, expandable via 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, making it a surprisingly practical vehicle.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The infotainment system centers around a responsive 10.25-inch iDrive touchscreen (iDrive 6 or 7, depending on the model year). It boasts crystal-clear resolution, intuitive controls (including the beloved iDrive rotary controller and physical buttons), and seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A matching digital instrument cluster offers customizable displays for vital driving information, further enhancing the driver-centric cockpit. The optional Harman Kardon or the premium Bowers & Wilkins sound systems deliver an immersive audio experience, complementing the cabin's whisper-quiet refinement when cruising in Comfort mode, thanks to excellent sound insulation that minimizes road and engine noise.
Performance & Powertrain Specs: The Heart of a Supercar
The undeniable highlight of the F90 M5 is its powertrain, a masterpiece of German engineering. At its core is a potent 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine featuring BMW's M TwinPower Turbo technology. This S63 engine is a significant evolution from its predecessor, delivering immense power and torque with immediate response.
An insightful review comparing the BMW M5 F90 to the G90 generation, highlighting the F90's enduring performance legacy.
Engine Configuration and Output
In its standard configuration, this V8 powerhouse produces a staggering 600 horsepower and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque. The Competition variant pushes these figures even further, reaching up to 616 horsepower, and the track-focused CS variant offers 626 horsepower. A key characteristic of this engine is its extraordinary torque delivery, which remains constant from a low 1,800 rpm all the way to 5,600 rpm, providing relentless acceleration across the entire rev range. This power is managed by an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission with Drivelogic, renowned for its lightning-fast and precise gear changes, whether operated automatically or via the paddle shifters.
Dynamic Prowess and Drivetrain
A groundbreaking feature of the F90 M5 is its innovative M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. This intelligent drivetrain architecture allows drivers to select various all-wheel-drive modes for optimal traction or, crucially, to direct power exclusively to the rear wheels. This rear-wheel-drive mode offers purists the genuine M driving dynamics expected from earlier generations, providing thrilling oversteer capabilities. Real-world performance figures are staggering: the standard M5 accelerates from 0-60 mph in as little as 2.8 seconds, while the Competition variant achieves 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), but with the optional M Driver's Package, this limit is raised to 305 km/h (190 mph).
Chassis, Handling, and Suspension
The M5 F90's handling is remarkably composed and precise, thanks to its adaptive M suspension. This sophisticated system features independent struts front and rear, providing an extremely stiff body structure crucial for dynamic driving. The variable damper control (VDC) allows drivers to choose between three distinct modes—Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus—each recalibrating suspension stiffness in real-time. The M Servotronic power steering offers similarly configurable response, delivering a lively and direct steering feel. Cornering grip is heroic, with the chassis expertly managing the M5's substantial power and weight (around 4,300 pounds curb weight) without inducing jarring harshness. The ride quality in Comfort mode is genuinely compliant, making it suitable for daily driving, while Sport and Sport Plus modes significantly firm things up for track-focused driving. This versatility allows the F90 M5 to excel as both a luxurious daily driver and a formidable track weapon.
Fuel Efficiency
Given its performance capabilities, fuel consumption is not a primary concern for most buyers, yet the F90 M5 offers a reasonable balance. Expect approximately 10.6 liters per 100 km (22 mpg combined) under real-world driving conditions, though urban driving will naturally consume more. EPA estimates hover around 15 mpg city/21 highway. An Auto Start/Stop function is included to help minimize consumption during traffic congestion.
Safety & ADAS Features: Comprehensive Protection
The M5 F90 incorporates a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety systems, befitting its luxury and performance credentials. Built on a robust platform designed to meet stringent safety standards, it typically earned strong safety ratings, including a five-star NHTSA overall rating and Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS in its relevant model years.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
The ADAS suite enhances driver confidence and safety. Key features often include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go: Automatically adjusts speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic.
- Lane Keep Assist: Helps keep the vehicle centered within its lane.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: Alerts the driver to vehicles in adjacent lanes that may be in a blind spot.
- Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking: Detects potential frontal collisions and can apply brakes autonomously to mitigate or avoid impact.
- Crossroads Warning with braking function: Warns of cross-traffic at intersections and can apply brakes.
- Automatic Speed Limit Assist: Reads roadside signage and adjusts the vehicle's speed accordingly.
- Evasion Aid: Provides steering support to assist in emergency maneuvers.
Parking and Other Safety Technologies
Parking Assistant Plus offers a comprehensive set of features to aid maneuvering:
- Active Rear Park Distance Control (PDC)
- Surround View for 360-degree camera monitoring
- Panorama View and 3D View
- Reversing Assistant: Automatically steers the vehicle during backward maneuvers in tight spaces.
Standard safety systems also include multiple airbags, ABS, traction control, stability control, and a brake pad wear indicator, providing real-time feedback and intervention for optimal safety.
Pros & Cons (The Verdict)
The BMW M5 F90 is a car of extraordinary capabilities, but like any high-performance machine, it comes with its own set of considerations.
Pros
- Explosive V8 Performance with AWD Versatility: The twin-turbo V8 engine paired with the M xDrive system delivers astonishing acceleration and allows for both all-weather capability and pure RWD thrills.
- Luxurious and Refined Interior: The cabin is a masterclass in blending high-quality materials, advanced technology, and ergonomic design, making it supremely comfortable for any journey.
- Remarkable Chassis Versatility: The adaptive M suspension and configurable drive modes allow the F90 M5 to transform from a comfortable daily cruiser to a track-ready beast with the flick of a button.
Cons
- Substantial Fuel Consumption: The powerful V8, while exhilarating, demands premium fuel and is not particularly economical, especially during spirited driving.
- High Maintenance Costs: As a complex, high-performance vehicle, the F90 M5 comes with premium maintenance costs for parts and servicing.
- Weight and Size: While dynamically adept, its substantial curb weight (around 4,300 lbs) and vast dimensions can be felt at the limit and make urban maneuvering a challenge for some.
Technical Specifications Table
Below is a summarized table of the key technical specifications for the BMW M5 F90:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 (S63) |
| Transmission | 8-Speed M Steptronic Automatic with Drivelogic |
| Drivetrain | M xDrive All-Wheel Drive (with RWD mode) |
| Horsepower | 600 hp (Standard), 616 hp (Competition), 626 hp (CS) |
| Torque | 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) |
| 0-60 mph | 2.8 - 3.2 seconds (varies by model and conditions) |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h (155 mph) electronically limited; 305 km/h (190 mph) with M Driver's Package |
| Dimensions | Length: 195.8 in; Wheelbase: 117.1 in; Curb Weight: ~4,300 lbs |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 10.6 L/100km (22 mpg est.) |
| Starting Price (New) | ~$104,600 (2018 model year) |
Final Conclusion: The Ultimate Super Sedan Benchmark
The BMW M5 F90 is a triumph of automotive engineering, representing a masterclass in performance and luxury. It's a car that genuinely transcends traditional sedan categorization, offering the explosive speed and handling of a supercar wrapped in a practical, executive four-door package. For discerning drivers who demand uncompromising performance, sophisticated technology, and luxurious comfort, the F90 M5 is an exceptional choice.
This car is ideal for affluent drivers and enthusiasts who refuse to choose between dynamic engagement and practical usability. Whether navigating daily commutes in Comfort mode or attacking a racetrack in Sport Plus, the M5 F90 adapts brilliantly to its environment. Its ability to offer genuine supercar thrills while retaining the refinement and usability of a luxury sedan makes it a true benchmark in its segment.
Moreover, with current used market prices making low-mileage examples increasingly accessible, the F90 M5 presents an exceptional value proposition. It offers performance that rivals cars significantly more expensive, making it an attractive "performance bargain." While the high fuel consumption and maintenance costs require consideration, the extraordinary performance delivery, remarkable chassis versatility, and luxurious appointments more than justify the investment for those who seek the ultimate expression of automotive excellence. The BMW M5 F90 isn't just a car; it's a statement of automotive prowess and a compelling choice for anyone seeking the best of both worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Recommended Further Reading
- Exploring the long-term ownership experience of the BMW M5 F90.
- A head-to-head comparison: BMW M5 F90 versus its main competitor, the Mercedes-AMG E63 S.
- Delving into the rich history and evolution of the BMW M5 nameplate.
- Discovering other top-tier performance sedans available on the used market.