BMW M5

There is arguably only one competitor to the BMW M5 in size and dimension: the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance.

The BMW M5 is the more intimidating vehicle between the two, signalling power with its width and lighting signatures.

BMW has ensured that while the BMW M5 exterior shares the CLAR platform with the standard 5 Series, the panels are almost entirely bespoke to adjust the cooling requirements of the V8 hybrid system and the aerodynamic needs of a car capable of hitting 305 kmph. We observed that the new build makes the G90 wider at the front and rear than the standard sedan, giving it a planted, menacing look that photos often fail to capture.

Front Profile

The front features the BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille with a high-gloss black finish and is almost completely closed off to improve aerodynamics, opening only when cooling is required. The front bumper is fitted with massive air intakes surrounding the central sensor cluster, feeding air to the radiators and brakes. The headlights display the new vertical LED DRL signature.

Side Profile

From the side, in particular, the BMW M5 looks massive. The wheelbase is long, stretching over three metres. The most notable features from this angle are the staggered wheel setup: 20-inch alloys at the front and 21-inch at the rear, wrapped in rubber. The side skirts have been extended and painted in body colour, providing a distinct element to the all-black carbon fibre roof (optional) and the signature M mirrors. We also noticed the Hofmeister kink on the C-pillar now displays an embossed "M5" logo, a subtle nod to its German heritage.

Rear Profile

The rear is where the "monolithic" design hits its peak. The surfacing is clean, broken only by the slim, horizontal LED taillights that signify the car's actual width. The bumper also has a massive two-section diffuser to manage airflow from the underbody. On both edges of the bumper are BMW’s signature quad exhaust pipes. We could not help but appreciate the subtle M rear spoiler on the boot lid, intentionally fitted to provide downforce without disrupting the car’s stability.
Bilal observes,

“The new G90 M5 is more than meets the eye. Is it still a super saloon? Yes, absolutely.”

The BMW M5 Interior has moved towards a digital-first experience. The cabin is now spacious, mimicking the luxury of a 7 Series. The material quality is exceptional, infused with Merino leather, carbon fibre, and aluminium trimmings. It feels more expensive than the previous F90 generation.
The BMW Curved Display is the car’s technological centrepiece, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch infotainment screen. However, we also found in our review that BMW has kept some physical controls on the steering wheel and center console, so that the driver doesn't have to browse touch menus for basic driving functions.

Cabin Layout and Quality

The driver gets a new, flat-bottomed M leather steering wheel in the G90. It has those critical red M1 and M2 buttons, allowing you to instantly recall your saved vehicle setups, a feature our review highlighted as important for switching between "office commute" comfort and "track day" aggression. The centre console, meanwhile, has the M gear selector toggle, the red Start/Stop button, and the iDrive controller. Finally, there is the iconic "Interaction Bar," a crystalline backlit strip running across the dash that changes colours based on the driving mode. Visual drama, of course.

Seating and Comfort

Front Row

Our ride review found that the car’s M Multifunction seats offer the perfect balance between long-distance comfort and lateral support. Even if they are solid-built, it is possible to adjust them in nearly every direction, including the backrest width. Dual-tone Merino leather has been used for the upholstery, and there are glowing M5 badges on the headrests. The seats offer standard heating and ventilation, too, letting the driver stay comfortable regardless of the weather outside.

Second Row

Thanks to the longer wheelbase, the BMW M5 provides sufficient space for adults. Legroom has increased, turning this into a practical chauffeur-driven option now. The rear passengers can also browse the climate-control zones (part of the four-zone system) while enjoying heated seats. However, upon closer inspection, we noticed that due to the battery placement, the floor is slightly higher, which might affect under-thigh support for very tall passengers. Yes, the battery eats into the absolute boot volume.
Bilal adds in the review,
“Fundamentally, an M5 is supposed to be comfortable for office commutes, capable of taking a family across the country in luxury, and able to bruise the egos of supercars on a racetrack. This car does it all.”

Features That Improve Daily Use

• Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System: A studio-quality audio system laced with 18 surround speakers.
• Head-Up Display: Displays M-specific data such as RPM and gear selection directly on the windscreen.
• Sky Lounge Panoramic Glass Roof: Floods the cabin with light, making the black interior feel more spacious (note that this is optional; the standard is a carbon roof).
• Parking Assistant Professional: Can memorise your parking maneuvers, which comes in handy for a car of this size in tight urban spaces.

The BMW M5 is expensive, and the G90 generation has pushed the pricing further upward since it’s a full CBU (Completely Built Unit) import in India. Launched at an ex-showroom price of Rs. 2.01 crore, the car sits in a rare segment filled with high-performance luxury saloons.
This pricing strategy also makes the M5 compete with the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance, but the former has a larger V8 engine to boast compared to the AMG’s four-cylinder setup.

BMW M5 Ex-Showroom Price (India)

According to Bilal,

“At Rs. 2 Crore (ex-showroom), it isn’t cheap, and perhaps doesn't offer the same interior luxury as some dedicated luxury limousines at that price point. But consider this: the last Lamborghini Huracán sold in India had a V10 but made less horsepower than this M5, cost twice as much, and seated only two people.”

By equipping this super saloon with top-of-the-line electric capabilities, BMW has managed to deliver a staggering 49.75 kmpl on its M5. We need to note, however, that this is the official ARAI-rated mileage figure, which is heavily skewed by the plug-in hybrid system’s ability to run on pure electricity for extended periods.
In real-world conditions, once the battery depletes, we found the 4.4-litre V8 returns single-digit figures, as expected from a performance car. But for urban owners, regular charging provides an electric-only range of approximately 67 km (WLTP), offering better running costs than the previous F90 generation.

BMW M5 Observed Fuel Efficiency & Range During Testing

Here are the mileage figures for the BMW M5 (both ARAI and user-reported):

As Bilal observes,

“You can actually drive this M5 for almost 70 kilometres without using a single drop of fuel. You can even start it in EV-only mode to avoid waking the neighbours during early morning drives.”

As the flagship of the 5 Series range, the BMW M5 boasts a full safety suite to justify its premium price. The vehicle is built on a rigid chassis that has achieved a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests, ensuring top-tier protection for its passengers.

Passive Safety and Crash Protection

Standard safety equipment includes seven airbags, including a front centre airbag designed to prevent occupant interaction during side impacts. There is also an active bonnet for pedestrian protection, and ISOFIX child seat mounts inside the car. Additionally, the BMW M5 has Parking Assistant Plus with 360-degree cameras and Reversing Assistant.

Active Safety and Stability Systems in BMW M5

Active safety is equally robust, with the M5 featuring the Driving Assistant Professional package. This is equipped with advanced ADAS features, including Lane Keeping Assistant, Front Collision Warning with Cornering Brake Control (CBC), and Blind Spot Detection. The inclusion of M xDrive all-wheel drive also serves as a critical safety layer, as it gives traction and stability on slippery surfaces.

Safety Verdict

In the Indian market, the BMW M5 is a very safe choice to buy, as it shares its core structure with the 5 Series, which has also earned a five-star Euro NCAP rating.

The BMW M5 is equipped with state-of-the-art automotive technology to manage its complex personality.

Infotainment and Interface

The cabin features the BMW Curved Display, which combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, with the latter running the latest iDrive 8.5 OS. Although the screen-heavy interface is aesthetic, purists might prefer physical buttons for controlling the climate.
However, the functional "M-specific" tech is the car’s USP on the technological front.

As Bilal notes in our review,
“The centre console houses the critical ‘M Hybrid’ button, which controls the car’s split personality, switching between Electric, Hybrid, and Dynamic modes. There is also the ‘Setup’ button that allows you to individually tailor the engine, chassis, steering, and braking feel.”

Cabin Convenience and Practical Tech

Other standard features include an M-specific Head-Up Display, an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, and BMW’s ‘Iconic Glow’ grille. Digital Key Plus is another feature available, allowing the owner to unlock the car with their smartphone. There is a full suite of ADAS features, though we suspect most owners will prefer to drive themselves.

The BMW M5 remains a highly practical car despite its massive high-voltage battery. The battery is fitted into the vehicle’s floor, which means you get a total boot capacity of 466 litres.
Although this is lesser space than the standard non-hybrid 5 Series, it’s still deep and usable. It can fit two large suitcases and a couple of soft bags, making it practical for airport runs or weekend road trips. The 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats further help, allowing you to carry longer items like golf clubs without giving up rear passenger comfort.

Since the BMW M5 now weighs 2.5 tonnes, its weight has attracted a lot of memes, some even comparing it to small moons.
But Bilal has addressed this in our review,
"The acceleration is mind-bendingly quick. No matter what speed you are clocking, pushing the accelerator will make Barry Allen doubt himself. Moreover, for a 2.5-tonne super saloon, the way it accelerates feels like it is bending the laws of physics."

To make this possible, BMW has cooked. The Integral Active Steering (rear-wheel steering) is the car’s standard driving setup, which shrinks the wheelbase in tight corners and adds stability at high speeds. The complementary Adaptive M Suspension has also made the vehicle more comfortable on Indian roads, as it can now manage bumps far better than the previous F90 M5 Competition.

Furthermore, the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system offers immense grip, but for those brave enough, a 2WD mode sends all 717 bhp to the rear wheels. Canyon curving is much easier than before, but the car’s weight is felt during heavy braking.

Since there are no other BMW M5 variants in India besides the xDrive (G90), you don’t have to pay extra for any essentials. This variant has the required M Hybrid drivetrain (4.4-litre V8 + Electric Motor), the sophisticated M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, and the adaptive M suspension you need to make your rides feel comfortable and reliable.
But there are a few packages you can add to personalise your super saloon. The most exciting of them all is M Driver’s Package that unlocks the car’s top speed from 250 kmph to 305 kmph. If you want M Carbon Ceramic brakes, they are available as well. Personally, we recommend installing them since they remove roughly 25 kg of unsprung mass from the car.
The following table explains the single available trim and its key highlights:

The Essentials That You Don’t Get

• Spare Wheel: Due to the battery placement and tyre setup, there is simply not enough space to fit a full-size spare.
• Ventilated Rear Seats: While the fronts are heated and ventilated, the rear seats have been compromised on ventilation.
• Rear-Wheel Steering as an Option: It is standard, so you don't ‘not’ get it, but you cannot choose something else, like a purer mechanical feel (though on a car this size, you don’t need one).

Since the BMW M5 is sold as a mono-spec offering, the question isn’t which variant to buy, but rather how you should configure it to complement your lifestyle.

Customisation for Daily Driving & Touring

If this is your daily luxury car that occasionally hunts supercars, the standard steel brakes are fine. Invest in the interior instead; go for a more sombre leather upholstery like the BMW Individual Merino Black.

Customisation for Track Enthusiasts

If you want to churn maximum performance from the car, two options are non-negotiable: the M Carbon Ceramic Brakes and the M Driver's Package. The standard brakes do their job well enough, but stopping a 2,435-kg beast consistently from 250 kmph requires the fade resistance of ceramics. The Driver's Package, meanwhile, not only unlocks the car’s top speed to 305 kmph but also provides a training voucher for a BMW M track day, helping you master the machine.

The super saloon segment is not crowded, but the existing competition is fierce. The BMW M5’s primary nemesis is the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance. Similar in philosophy to the M5 as a four-door coupe, it takes one step further by cranking the power up to 843 PS. But it’s more expensive, costing nearly Rs. 1.3 Crore more than the M5.

Then there is the Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid. It offers similar plugin-hybrid V8 thrills, but the M5 offers more options for customisation, which can end up making it more expensive than the former.

And if you don’t want to settle for a V8 at all, the Audi RS e-tron GT and the Porsche Taycan are two alternatives offering similar acceleration and four-door practicality at the same price.