[Greer]

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Hi Guys,

Yesterday I had the opportunity to experience the G90 M5 at the BMW Performance Center in Thermal, CA. As someone who has owned and tracked the E39, F10, and F90 M5s, I was eager to see how the G90 would compare. My verdict: it’s impressive. The engineers have done a remarkable job making the car feel lighter than its specs suggest. The cornering, braking, and overall inputs felt very much in line with my F90 M5, and based on what I experienced, the rumored Nürburgring times are completely believable.

Because there were only two of us, we each enjoyed nearly an hour on the track. We cycled through every mode—electric, hybrid, dynamic, and dynamic plus. Despite all the chatter online about the G90’s weight, I found the car quick, composed, and free of excessive body roll. Given the EU regulations BMW had to engineer around, I think they absolutely nailed it.

Of course, the M5 has never been marketed as a pure track car—it’s designed for people like me: professionals who want a refined daily driver that’s comfortable for clients, yet thrilling enough for spirited canyon runs and the occasional track day.

If you get the chance, drive it yourself and let me know your impressions.

[8-Ball]

Originally Posted by Greer

Hi Guys,

Yesterday I had the opportunity to experience the G90 M5 at the BMW Performance Center in Thermal, CA. As someone who has owned and tracked the E39, F10, and F90 M5s, I was eager to see how the G90 would compare. My verdict: it’s impressive. The engineers have done a remarkable job making the car feel lighter than its specs suggest. The cornering, braking, and overall inputs felt very much in line with my F90 M5, and based on what I experienced, the rumored Nürburgring times are completely believable.

Because there were only two of us, we each enjoyed nearly an hour on the track. We cycled through every mode—electric, hybrid, dynamic, and dynamic plus. Despite all the chatter online about the G90’s weight, I found the car quick, composed, and free of excessive body roll. Given the EU regulations BMW had to engineer around, I think they absolutely nailed it.

Of course, the M5 has never been marketed as a pure track car—it’s designed for people like me: professionals who want a refined daily driver that’s comfortable for clients, yet thrilling enough for spirited canyon runs and the occasional track day.

If you get the chance, drive it yourself and let me know your impressions.

I’m going to the Spartanburg location next year, so looking forward to it! Thanks for the heads up though. I was worried about the weight because it’s all people talk about. Made me not want to buy one.

[thaalrasha]

Weight is a fear factor, but those that have taken the time to drive it and push the car are no longer concerned with the weight. For sure as a track tool it's too heavy but for the occasional track day it will manage. and it's a non issue at road speed anyway.

[shawnhayes]

Having pushed a G99 on the Spartanburg track, while not a track star, sure seemed okay on track.

Glad you had fun. Keep it up.

Shawn

[Greer]

Originally Posted by shawnhayes

Having pushed a G99 on the Spartanburg track, while not a track star, sure seemed okay on track.

Yes, if you have driven the prior M5's on track and now the G90, it holds its own quite well.

[mitch65]

How did you do that in the 110 degree heat? no wonder there were only two of you in the group

[calbears]

Originally Posted by mitch65

How did you do that in the 110 degree heat? no wonder there were only two of you in the group

early starts in the summer to avoid peak heat

[Poleposition]

Agreed on all points. When I did the PCD, my instructor even showed us that he was able to drift the car on their skidpad in full EV mode. Was pretty impressive. IMO, the weight of the car is a non issue and actually quite reassuring on regular roads. Not sure anyone should buy this car as a "track car" but agree with Greer, it can definitely hold its own on the track.

[Tinbad]

That sounds like an amazing experience! I’m planning to do a Thermal day soon so it’s great to hear it’s a worthwhile experience.

Having driven the latest M5 and M4 back to back recently, I agree with you that the G90 is very capable. However, nowhere near as tossable and fun as the M4. Of course they are not the same car but driving one after the other definitely puts things into perspective.

One thing I was surprised is how equally composed and comfortable the M4 can be. It seems like they are both very composed, comfort oriented daily drivers, the M4 just feels much more agile when pressed for it.

[Greer]

Originally Posted by mitch65

How did you do that in the 110 degree heat? no wonder there were only two of you in the group

I picked midday with peak heat because I knew most people wouldn't. This gave me more track time

[Ex_Stig]

Originally Posted by Greer

I picked midday with peak heat because I knew most people wouldn't. This gave me more track time

I gotta ask, did the M5 go into limp mode from overheating?

That was a pretty common issue with the prior gen.

[Elverde]

"Spirited canyon runs"...have to admit this made me chuckle. We've reached the point where launching a God damn cruise missile at warp speed (that's how fast these cars are) equals spirited.

OP I know what point you were trying to make, I just am consistently amazed at how toxic the automotive world has become. This car is WILD and to waste any time comparing it to others, maligning weight, wishing for soft close doors...ugh. We can be better.

I really enjoyed your review and agree; this car kicks butt.

[Greer]

Originally Posted by Ex_Stig

Did the M5 go into limp mode from overheating?

No, the car did not go into limp mode. At the end of the day the instructor did a "Hot Lap" and even with him pushing the car very hard, all was good.

[dezzracer]

Originally Posted by Poleposition

Agreed on all points. When I did the PCD, my instructor even showed us that he was able to drift the car on their skidpad in full EV mode. Was pretty impressive. IMO, the weight of the car is a non issue and actually quite reassuring on regular roads. Not sure anyone should buy this car as a "track car" but agree with Greer, it can definitely hold its own on the track.

When I did my track day the instructor drifted an F90 around half the track in 100 degree heat. . With 4 of us in the car. Which is why BMW track cars should be avoided at all cost . 😂

[Poleposition]

Those cars are crushed after use. Not sold.

[m3cole]

Originally Posted by Poleposition

Those cars are crushed after use. Not sold.

Actually not true! When I was at the dealer years ago we got multiple PCD cars that they had used. Albeit they are not in good shape whatsoever they do go on sale for the public to buy

[thaalrasha]

Where I live those track car are sold as "marketing cars"... does who knows what that means learn to walk away from that "good deal" XD

[santiagojv]

Originally Posted by m3cole

Actually not true! When I was at the dealer years ago we got multiple PCD cars that they had used. Albeit they are not in good shape whatsoever they do go on sale for the public to buy

Not sure about that. I've been at both places (Thermal CA and Greer SC) and they gave me the same answer. They're destroyed.

[calbears]

Originally Posted by santiagojv

Not sure about that. I've been at both places (Thermal CA and Greer SC) and they gave me the same answer. They're destroyed.

they're sold to dealers after the performance center is done with them.

[Greer]

Originally Posted by calbears

they're sold to dealers after the performance center is done with them.

I think you are both right. Some of the cars are sold to dealers where they are known as "BWM Marketing Vehicles" or some other euphemism. And some of the cars that are beat to hell are destroyed.

[KiWiLiT43]

Originally Posted by santiagojv

Not sure about that. I've been at both places (Thermal CA and Greer SC) and they gave me the same answer. They're destroyed.

I asked at the track event in SC earlier this year, and they are not destroyed. They are sold as "new" cars as they've never had a registered owner. The mileage is from "marketing events." My recommendation is if you see a "new" M car with quite a few miles on it for a fair price, stay away!

Even the instructor was like "I'm not sure why BMW does this, or who would actually buy one of them knowing what we do to them."

[VR1]

Originally Posted by KiWiLiT43

I asked at the track event in SC earlier this year, and they are not destroyed. They are sold as "new" cars as they've never had a registered owner. The mileage is from "marketing events." My recommendation is if you see a "new" M car with quite a few miles on it for a fair price, stay away!

Even the instructor was like "I'm not sure why BMW does this, or who would actually buy one of them knowing what we do to them."

Unfortunately there’s been plenty of people on these forums who’ve bought these cars on accident, only to discover shortly after.