As a seasoned automotive enthusiast and content creator for mercedesbenzxentrysoftwaresubscription.store, I’ve always kept a close eye on the pulse of performance vehicles. Recently, I had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the highly anticipated new BMW G90 M5. Here are my initial impressions, focusing on what makes this iteration of the iconic M5 stand out.
Interior Comfort and Initial Thoughts
Stepping inside the G90 M5, the immediate feeling is a blend of familiar BMW luxury with a modern, tech-forward approach. While the material quality might not be a significant leap from the previous generation, the cabin certainly feels more technologically advanced and intelligently designed. The seats are a highlight – exceptionally comfortable and supportive. I can genuinely envision embarking on long journeys without experiencing discomfort.
However, there’s a subjective aspect that some drivers might find less appealing: the seating position. It evokes a similar sensation to the E9X M3, where you feel perched somewhat high. Despite attempts to lower the seat, achieving a ground-hugging, sports-car-like seating position proves challenging. This might be a minor point for some but could be a noticeable difference for those accustomed to a lower center of gravity feel in performance sedans.
Transmission and Performance Dynamics
The transmission in the G90 M5 is remarkably responsive. It bears a striking resemblance to an F90 M5 equipped with an XHP tune. Whether you’re in Comfort mode for everyday driving or switching to Sport Plus for a more spirited experience, the gear changes are quick and seamless, contributing to an engaging driving feel.
Power and the Driving Experience
The G90 M5 delivers power in a very linear fashion, making the car feel effortlessly fast. During initial launch control tests, there was noticeable wheel spin from all four wheels. While the raw acceleration from 0 to 60 mph might subjectively feel marginally less aggressive than the F90 M5, once the car gains traction, the power truly becomes apparent. It’s a peculiar sensation – the G90 M5 feels subjectively faster than its predecessor in real-world driving scenarios, even if the numbers on paper might suggest otherwise. This could be attributed to the refined power delivery and the hybrid system’s instant torque.
Braking Performance: The Case for Ceramic Brakes
Opting for the ceramic brakes on the G90 M5 is, in my opinion, not just a recommendation, but a necessity. This car demands high-performance braking, and forgoing the ceramic option would be a significant compromise. Interestingly, those familiar with ceramic brakes on the F90 M5 might find the G90 M5’s ceramic brakes to have a slightly less firm pedal feel, even in sport mode. Despite this subtle difference, their stopping power remains undeniably impressive and crucial for a car of this caliber.
G90 M5 as a Daily Driver: Overall First Impression
The combination of its hybrid powertrain and aesthetically pleasing design makes the G90 M5 an exceptional daily driver. It’s a car that seems poised to mature and impress further with time. Having only spent a limited time with it, and with a multitude of driving modes and settings to explore, a definitive, comprehensive summary is still to come.
However, my initial assessment leans towards positioning the G90 M5 as a significant upgrade for current M5 owners seeking a new daily driver. It might not immediately strike you as a quintessential weekend thrill machine or a future collector’s item in the same vein as some previous M cars.
Updated Impressions: Highway Cruising and Deeper Dive
Following up on the initial review after more extended driving, particularly on highways, the G90 M5’s strengths as a versatile performance sedan become even clearer. The enthusiastic response from the community and further time behind the wheel have solidified my positive first impressions.
It’s crucial to understand the evolving landscape of performance car manufacturing. The focus is shifting away from purely raw, unadulterated driving experiences towards vehicles that comply with increasingly stringent regulations. This inevitably results in cars that might feel slightly more refined or “tamer” compared to their predecessors. Regulatory pressures, especially in Europe, play a significant role in this shift.
On the highway, the M5 lineage shines brightly. The G90 M5 remains a “highway queen,” effortlessly delivering exhilarating performance at both high and low speeds, defying its weight. Turbo responsiveness is remarkable; lag is minimal, with instant power delivery upon throttle input in both Comfort and Sport modes.
Ride comfort is a standout feature. Having owned several M models, the G90 M5 sets a new benchmark for comfort. It rivals the comfort levels of an RS6 but with noticeably sharper steering. While the steering response is quicker than competitors, it’s perhaps marginally less precise than the previous F90 M5. Further testing on winding roads will provide a more complete picture, but for now, this is the subjective assessment.
Comparing the steering feel, it’s more responsive than an X5M F95 but a touch less so than the M5 F90. The car’s weight is primarily felt during hard braking; during acceleration and cruising, it becomes virtually imperceptible.
The interior, while not overtly luxurious compared to the previous M5, maintains high quality. Build quality is solid, with no rattles or squeaks. The reduction in physical buttons in favor of a more touchscreen-centric interface is evident, reflecting the industry trend towards digital cockpits. The new IDrive system is a highlight – intuitive and responsive, akin to operating a large iPad.
In a broader context, the G90 M5 arguably shares more DNA with the M3 G80 than with the preceding F90 M5. Similar interior quality, the shared IDrive system, synthetic leather elements, comparable screens, and even artificial exhaust sounds during gear shifts – these commonalities are undeniable.
Conclusion: The Ideal Modern Performance Sedan
In conclusion, the G90 M5 fulfills its intended purpose exceptionally well. It’s a near-perfect daily performance sedan. If your priority is seeking entirely novel, groundbreaking sensations in a performance car, other options might warrant exploration. However, for those seeking the quintessential modern 4-door sedan that blends performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology, the G90 M5 is undoubtedly a prime contender.
