BMW M5 (G90): The Complete Intelligence Report
The seventh-generation M5 is BMW M’s first hybridised super-saloon — a 727 PS, all-wheel-drive flagship built for motorway executives and B-road enthusiasts alike. Here’s everything a London buyer needs: specification, ULEZ status, ownership economics, reliability notes, competitor analysis and our proprietary London Auto Index Score, all in one place.
Executive Summary
The BMW M5 is a full-size performance saloon (with a Touring estate variant) built by BMW M GmbH. The current, seventh-generation G90/G99 model is the first M5 to use a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor for a combined 727 PS and 1,000 Nm, distributed through BMW’s M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. It sits atop the 5 Series range, competing against the Mercedes-AMG E-Class hybrid range, Audi RS6 Avant, Porsche Panamera and Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing.
Who should buy it?
Executives and enthusiasts who want one car to cover a silent, ULEZ-compliant electric commute, a comfortable motorway cruise, and a genuinely fast B-road or track drive — without needing a second car.
What makes it unique?
The only car in its class pairing a traditional twin-turbo V8 with plug-in hybrid electric range, four-wheel drive with a rear-biased 2WD mode, and four decades of M5 pedigree dating to 1985.
Who should avoid it?
Buyers prioritising outright lightness and analogue feel, strict budget-conscious commuters, or anyone needing a car under 2,400 kg — the hybrid hardware adds significant weight.
Running costs?
High but not extreme for the class: four-figure annual insurance for younger drivers, premium servicing, and real-world economy in the 25–35 mpg range once the battery is depleted.
Specification At A Glance
Powertrain
S68 4.4L twin-turbo V8 + electric motor (M HYBRID), 8-speed M Steptronic automatic
Output
727 PS / 717 bhp combined, 1,000 Nm (738 lb-ft)
Performance
0–62 mph in 3.5s; 155 mph standard, 190 mph with M Driver’s Package
Economy & Emissions
Up to ~176 mpg WLTP combined; ~25–35 mpg real-world once depleted; CO₂ from ~27 g/km
Drive & ULEZ
M xDrive AWD, rear-biased with switchable 2WD mode; ULEZ compliant, no daily charge
Practicality
5 seats, ~466L boot (Saloon) / ~500L (Touring), reduced by the battery pack
Launched for the UK from 2024 as the seventh generation (first was the hand-built 1985 E28). UK OTR pricing runs from £111,405 at launch to roughly £135,000 across the current range. Figures are indicative — always confirm exact specification with an authorised BMW retailer.
Seven Generations Of BMW M5
From the hand-built E28 to today’s hybridised G90, the M5 nameplate began in 1985 with a 5 Series saloon fitted with the straight-six from the BMW M1 supercar — effectively inventing the modern “Q-car” super-saloon formula. Successive generations experimented with V8 (E39, E60) and V10 (E60) power before settling on turbocharged V8s from the F10 onward, adding all-wheel drive for the first time with the F90 in 2017.
| Generation | Years | Engine | Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| E28 | 1985–1987 | 3.5L Inline-6 | 286 HP |
| E34 | 1988–1995 | 3.6L Inline-6 | 315 HP |
| E39 | 1998–2003 | 4.9L V8 | 394 HP |
| E60 | 2005–2010 | 5.0L V10 | 500 HP |
| F10 | 2011–2016 | 4.4L V8 Twin-Turbo | 560 HP |
| F90 | 2018–2023 | 4.4L V8 Twin-Turbo | 600 HP |
| G90 | 2024–present | 4.4L V8 Plug-in Hybrid | 727 HP |
History, Positioning & Philosophy
The G90 pairs the S68 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with a single electric motor integrated into the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission, drawing from a battery pack mounted low in the chassis. Standard equipment includes Adaptive M Suspension, Integral Active Steering (four-wheel steering), an Active M Differential, and BMW’s Curved Display running Operating System 8.5 with M-specific graphics.
BMW M’s stated brief for the M5 has always been “the world’s best sports saloon” — a car capable of silent, comfortable commuting and effortless motorway cruising, yet able to transform into a genuinely track-capable performance car at the press of the M mode buttons. It sits just below the two-door BMW M8 in the brand hierarchy, and shares a bloodline with the BMW M3 and the M5 Touring estate.
Owning A BMW M5 In London
ULEZ & Congestion Charge
As a Euro 6-compliant plug-in hybrid, the M5 is exempt from the daily ULEZ charge. It is not exempt from the Congestion Charge, which applies on weekday inner-London journeys regardless of emissions class.
Parking & Dimensions
At just over 5.1m long and close to 2m wide, this is a genuinely large car. Standard multi-storey bays and older mews parking can feel tight — consider the surround-view camera package essential.
Road Suitability
Adaptive suspension in Comfort mode copes well with London’s patched, speed-humped roads, though larger wheels and low-profile tyres make ride quality more sensitive to poor surfaces.
Motorway & A-Road Use
This is where the M5 is most in its element — the M25, M4 and M11 corridors suit its refinement, adaptive cruise and long-legged cruising ability.
Urban Commuting
In EV mode the M5 is near-silent around town, suiting early-morning or late-evening commuting in residential boroughs.
Charging
The onboard charger accepts up to 11 kW AC, giving a home wallbox charge time under three hours. London’s public charging network is extensive for those without off-street parking.
Market Intelligence
Average market pricing for the M5 currently sits around £98,450, with listings ranging from roughly £14,995 for early, high-mileage generations up to £134,995 for the newest specification. Nearly-new G90 examples typically trade between £85,000 and £105,000. Search demand and dealer inventory both point to strong ongoing interest, particularly across London and the South East, and the wider luxury car market — covering rivals from Rolls-Royce to Porsche — has shown consistent price growth over the past year.
The London Auto Index Score
Performance — 9.7
Near-supercar acceleration, genuine four-wheel-drive traction and a chassis engineered specifically for this powertrain place it at the top of its segment.
Ownership Cost — 6.2
Premium servicing, tyres, insurance and depreciation typical of a six-figure performance saloon weigh against the electric-running fuel savings.
London Suitability — 8.5
ULEZ compliance, AWD winter confidence and electric urban running are strong positives; size and parking are the main constraints in central boroughs.
Other category scores: Luxury 9.2, Technology 9.3, Reliability 7.8, Practicality 8.0, Daily Usability 8.8, Investment Potential 5.8. The Overall Score is a weighted composite (30% performance, 15% reliability, 15% luxury, 10% ownership cost, 10% technology, 10% driving experience, 5% market demand, 5% London suitability, 5% investment potential) scored editorially against manufacturer data, road tests, listings and ownership reports.
Driving Experience
Engine Character
The S68 V8 retains a genuine, characterful turbocharged bark, with the electric motor filling in low-end response for near-instant throttle reaction.
Suspension & Ride
Adaptive M Suspension offers a genuinely wide spread between a comfortable Comfort setting and a taut, controlled Sport Plus mode.
Steering
Integral Active Steering (rear-wheel steering) sharpens low-speed agility and improves high-speed stability.
Brakes
Standard steel brakes are strong but can feel stressed under repeated hard use; optional carbon-ceramic brakes are widely recommended for track driving.
Motorway Behaviour
Exceptionally refined at a cruise, with strong wind and road noise suppression — one of the M5’s strongest everyday attributes.
B-Road & Track Capability
Independent testing shows the M5 hides its near-2.5-tonne kerb weight impressively well; sheer mass remains its fundamental physical limitation.
Cabin, Technology & Comfort
Materials & Build
Merino leather upholstery in multiple colourways, M-specific carbon-fibre and Alcantara trim, illuminated M badging — quality broadly in line with BMW’s premium 7 Series-adjacent standards.
Technology
BMW Curved Display running Operating System 8.5, Bowers & Wilkins premium audio, a full driver-assistance suite, and M-specific drive-mode memory (M1/M2).
Running & Ownership Costs
Insurance
One of the UK’s highest private insurance groups — compare multiple insurers before ordering.
Servicing
BMW Service Inclusive packages are advisable; independent M specialists can reduce costs once out of warranty.
Fuel & Charging
Real-world economy of 25–35 mpg on petrol once depleted, with significant savings for owners who charge regularly.
Tyres
Wide, performance-rated tyres wear faster under spirited driving — one of the more significant recurring costs.
Warranty
Standard BMW new-car warranty, with the hybrid battery typically carrying separate extended cover — confirm terms with an authorised retailer.
Road Tax (VED)
Attracts the “expensive car” VED supplement for the first five years of registration, on top of the standard rate.
Reliability & Long-Term Ownership
The G90 is a recent-generation vehicle, so long-term reliability data is still developing. Areas worth monitoring include high-voltage battery health (particularly for cars used mostly on short journeys), carbon-ceramic brake wear indicators where fitted, and software update history for infotainment and driver-assistance systems. Regularly charging the plug-in hybrid battery, even if not relying on electric range, supports long-term cell health — and it’s worth checking for outstanding manufacturer recalls before purchase via the DVSA recalls database.
What To Inspect Before You Buy
Physical Inspection
Tyre wear and tread across all four corners, brake disc/pad condition (especially carbon-ceramic), wheel kerb damage, suspension bushes and fluid leaks, and battery state-of-health diagnostics where available.
Documentation & History
Full main-dealer or approved specialist service history, confirmation of outstanding recalls, an HPI/accident history check, and verification that all electronic systems work correctly on a test drive.
How The M5 Compares
Audi RS6 Avant — closest rival
Estate-only versatility and strong quattro traction, but no plug-in hybrid / ULEZ-specific advantage and a less playful chassis balance.
Mercedes-AMG E-Class (hybrid) — historic rival
A plush, luxury-first cabin and increasing hybridisation, but currently less outright power than the M5 in equivalent trims.
Porsche Panamera — luxury cross-shop
Exceptional chassis engineering and a broader hybrid range, at a higher entry price for comparable performance.
BMW M8 — in-house alternative
Sharper coupe-focused dynamics, but far less practical and with no plug-in hybrid variant.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing — analogue alternative
Lighter and RWD with real character, though not officially sold in the UK and without any electrification or ULEZ benefit.
Alpina B5 (used market)
A more understated, grand-touring take on M5-rivalling performance, and a strong used-market alternative, though no longer in production.
| BMW M5 | Audi RS6 | AMG E-Class | Panamera | BMW M8 | CT5-V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 727 PS | ~630 PS | ~450–600 PS | up to ~800 PS | ~625 PS | 668 hp |
| 3.5s 0–62 | ~3.4–3.6s | ~4.0–4.5s | ~2.9s | ~3.2s | ~3.9s |
| £111,405 | ~£108,000 | ~£75,000+ | ~£100,000+ | ~£125,000 | N/A (US) |
| 9.1 / 10 | 8.6 / 10 | 8.3 / 10 | 8.8 / 10 | 8.4 / 10 | — |
Competitor figures are approximate and vary by trim and market — verify against each manufacturer’s current configurator. See the full M5 vs RS6 Avant comparison.
Who Is The BMW M5 Really For?
The Executive — high fit
One car for the boardroom and the school run: silent EV mode for early commutes, comfort for client journeys.
The Driving Enthusiast — high fit
Values B-road and track capability, and the drama of the twin-turbo V8, above outright lightness.
The Family Buyer — moderate fit
Benefits from AWD security and rear-seat space, particularly in Touring form, though a 5 Series or X5 may suit better.
The Weekend Owner — good fit
Occasional spirited driving and events; should weigh insurance and depreciation against low annual mileage.
The Collector — lower fit
More likely to look toward earlier, naturally aspirated or V10 generations for long-term collectability.
The Company Director — moderate fit
Should model Benefit-in-Kind exposure carefully; the hybrid drivetrain helps, but BiK remains substantial at this price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BMW M5 ULEZ compliant?
Yes. As a Euro 6 plug-in hybrid, the M5 meets ULEZ emissions standards and does not incur the daily ULEZ charge in Greater London.
Does the BMW M5 pay the Congestion Charge?
Yes — ULEZ compliance does not exempt it from the separate London Congestion Charge, which applies on weekdays within the zone.
How much does a new BMW M5 cost in the UK?
UK pricing started from £111,405 OTR for the Saloon at launch, with current range pricing running to roughly £135,000 depending on specification.
Is the BMW M5 reliable?
The current generation is too new for comprehensive long-term data. Historically, M5s have been mechanically robust when serviced correctly, though electronics, brakes and tyres are typical wear-related cost centres.
How fast is the BMW M5?
0–62 mph in approximately 3.5 seconds; electronically limited to 155 mph, or 190 mph with the optional M Driver’s Package.
Is the BMW M5 all-wheel drive?
Yes, via M xDrive, which is rear-biased by default and can be switched to a pure rear-wheel-drive mode.
How much electric range does the BMW M5 have?
Official WLTP-rated electric-only range is roughly 25–45 miles depending on specification — enough for many short urban journeys.
What is the BMW M5 Touring?
An estate-bodied version sharing the Saloon’s hybrid powertrain and performance while adding load-bay practicality — only the third M5 Touring in the model’s history.
Does the BMW M5 hold its value well?
Super-saloons generally depreciate faster than SUVs of equivalent price; investment potential is assessed as moderate (5.8/10) in this hub’s scoring framework.
The London Auto Index Verdict
The G90-generation BMW M5 is the most technically ambitious M5 yet — a car that asks its 727 PS and 2.4-tonne-plus kerb weight to coexist with genuine daily usability, ULEZ compliance and near-silent electric running. It largely succeeds: the driving experience remains recognisably M5 in character, the technology is class-leading, and the case for London ownership is stronger than any previous generation. The trade-offs are real — a significant weight penalty versus non-hybrid rivals, six-figure running costs, and residual values that look unlikely to match the car’s outright capability. For buyers who genuinely need one car to do everything, few rivals do it as completely.
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