BMW M5 G90 Hybrid First Drive! Fear the Weight? Think Again!

BMW M5 Hybrid G90 Review: Does the Extra Weight Kill the M5’s Legacy? Welcome back to RBR, and today is all about the #BMWM #M5 hybrid G90. This is the seventh-generation model and it's a whole new concept combining a 585HP V8 engine with a 197hp electric motor. But despite the impressive figures of 727HP and 1000NM -- everyone is crying fowl of the weight figure. And rightly so, it’s almost 500kg heaver than the last M5! Will that extra bulk ruin its typical #bmw driving dynamics? Let's find out!

Today I will drive the car in Munich, and we will put it through it’s paces: ncluding its 0-60 time (claimed 3.5 seconds and tested on launch) and see if the chassis tech can keep it sharp on the road despite its size and weight.

In this video, we need to answer the big questions:

* Is the M5 Hybrid still the driving machine we need it to be?
* Does the hybrid system make it slower than the old M5 as figures suggest?
* Is the M3 not a better alternative now?

I’ll also go over the basis of the car with you again as I peel back the skin and explain how the hybrid system works, as well as why BMW’s approach to the battery position etc may be better than rivals. I’m also keen to test out the electric mode which gives 197HP and 280NM of torque from its electric motor, powered by an 18.6 kW battery. Apparently it offers a range of 43 miles, something i’ll also confirm today!

Despite the added weight, the car features the best M has to offer in terms of underpinnings: we have M xDrive with an active M differential, drift mode, and a near-actuator slip limiter, as well as adaptive M suspension with electronic dampers at each wheel. Rear-wheel steering (1.5 degrees) adds to the car’s agility, and there’s been significant chassis stiffening to improve handling, along with a rigid mounted variable steering rack.

So, with all that M DNA packed in, will the weight really kill it? Can the BMW M5 Hybrid live up to its legendary predecessors? Watch to find out!

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Driving disclaimer:All driving shots were filmed by professionals in safe environments or on closed roads. Please drive safely!

[shoek]

It's crazy that the c63 is in the same price range as the new m5 and they two different classes of car.

[shariqahmed]

This car on the road is going to have SO MUCH presence.

[ZaydNavaz-tn]

Best review I've seen of this car yet. Glad you made it clear that this is the way the industry is going. BMW had no choice but to use the hybrid system in the new M5. It was either that or something full electric. The fact of the matter is that this car will be driven by rich businessmen who will use this to fly on the Autobahn between meetings. The new M5 has that, plus it is now more usable than older M5s with the hybrid system.

I am personally not a fan of hybrid systems, but if you have a place where you can always charge the car, it makes the most sense. This is going to attract a lot more buyers, as now people have a more usable M5. Plus, you save money if you use one as a company car.

I really don't get it when people say it has no soul. The M5 hasn't had a soul since the E60 with the V10. Since the F10, the M5 has always been a bit muted.

The weight is a penalty, but there are many more upsides than downsides to the new M5. What do you expect BMW to do? They managed to work with what they have, and they've done a much better job than AMG when they tried to use hybrid technology.

And to those who say it looks ugly, see one in person and you will change your mind. I live less than 10 minutes away from the M headquarters and I see a load of these being tested every day. They have so much presence.

[kornonacob]

I hope alpina will do a b5 gt version of this ... i really love the new alpina b3 gt ... better looking n performance than the normal m3

[dbdz]

I have been refreshing my You Tube in the last 24 hours for this video particularly from Raz.

[Riverrafting]

For the most part, weight is still the enemy!

[katanamast]

I just wished the Rear end and lights looked better. They look too generic. I like the side and front though. The weight at over 5000lbs is nuts.

[PaR]

I hope this generation of M5 will flop as electric Mersedes did. Would force people to remember that “sport” and weight are two contradictimg things.

[GrandSil]

Oh no, I fear the same thing is happening again to me. I start to like the look of this thing from the front. Just like it happened with the G 82

[TheBreakfastLover]

Proportionately it's too tall and narrow, even with the fender flares. It's probably to accommodate the battery packs. I'd rather it be ICE and sit lower in height.

[johnshaw]

You can't leave that lion around here, mate.

[ghostman]

Minute 25:03 look at that body movement 😢,

[CarbonMotorsEU]

Some say it does not feel like 2.6 tons... That could well be the case. But it begs the question: daily use cost - what happens with tyre, brakes, pads, alloy wheels, suspension maintenance and replacement cost??? That's a rethorical question 😉

[JohnNick]

Most surprising thing you said was that the steering feels light (in sport). I always run my F90 in comfort steering and still feel it’s too heavy under 35 mph.
Hoping the LCI Comp version of this adds back Full Leather, Massage & more interior and exterior color choices. Then, I might consider the move. That and we’ll see if the styling grows on me. Right now, it’s “Meh.”

[checkrself]

Might just keep my m3 cs, thought about a touring m5! Really not sure. Hybrid or not....wait for the m5 cs

[MrTolgig]

first time feel like RBR riding a company....

[ysogvvk]

The animations in your videos are - NEXT LEVEL! 👍

[andreasschultze]

I think it looks brutal. The only thing I don't like are the (optional) black and red seats... and yeah the weight but nevermind. Still it'll grow on most people like the g80 did

[R-R-R-R-R]

BMW found a way to make us stop talking about their grills.

[DaveNichols-fhuv]

Lovely car but is there any point to this car and many others being so fast on uk roads