The G90-generation BMW M5 has finally launched in Malaysia, and it can be yours if you can afford the RM1,247,900 starting price tag.
In what is a controversial move to say the least, the M5 is now a plug-in hybrid model. Under the hood of the all-new BMW M5 is a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that makes 585 hp and 750 Nm. This is paired to an electric motor that makes 197 hp and 280 Nm, for a combined output of 727 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque.
All of the 727 horses are sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, allowing for a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. This top speed can be increased to 305 km/h with the optional M Driver’s package.
A 18.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack enables the BMW M5 to silently run on pure electricity for 69 km (WLTP), but of course, it has also added a lot of weight to the G90 BMW M5.
How heavy? 2,510 kg. For comparison, this is 540 kg heavier than the previous F90-generation BMW M5. This added weight is evident in the G90 M5’s century sprint time, which is 0.1 seconds slower than the F90-generation M5’s despite packing more power.
Still, “beggars” – in the furthest sense of its definition – can’t be choosers, because this is probably the only way BMW can make the 4.4-litre V8 compliant with the strict emissions regulations in place in many countries today.
All in all, the G90 M5 is a true sign of the times: a super sport sedan that’s heavier and relies on hybrid power for emissions compliance, yet still delivers monstrous combined output. It’s the M5 for a new era, and whether purists like it or not, this is likely the future of high-performance V8s.
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