The 2026 BMW M5 (G90) represents the most significant architectural shift in the model's forty-year history. As we navigate the mid-point of the decade, the M5 has evolved from a pure internal combustion executive express into a sophisticated, 727hp plug-in hybrid (PHEV). For UK enthusiasts and executive buyers balancing high-performance thrills with tightening urban emissions regulations, the G90 is a monumental achievement, albeit one that requires a recalibration of what an 'M car' represents.
Driving the new M5 on UK B-roads and through London's expanding Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) provides a unique perspective on how BMW has tackled the challenge of weight versus power. In this comprehensive review, we dive into the technical specifications, real-world drivability, and the ownership proposition of the most powerful M5 ever produced.
The Powertrain: V8 Soul Meets Electric Torque
At the heart of the G90 M5 is a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, bolstered by an electric motor integrated directly into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. This isn't just about efficiency; it's about filling the torque gaps that traditional turbocharging occasionally leaves behind.
| Spec | 2026 BMW M5 (G90) |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 + Electric Motor |
| Total System Output | 727 hp (717 bhp) |
| Total Torque | 1,000 Nm |
| 0-62 mph | 3.5 Seconds |
| Electric Range (WLTP) | 42-43 Miles |
| Kerb Weight | 2,435 kg |
| Price (Starting) | £111,405 |
The headline figure here is undoubtedly the 1,000 Nm of torque. On a damp UK motorway slip road, the xDrive all-wheel-drive system works overtime to deploy this grunt. The result is a car that feels physically smaller than its dimensions imply once you're at speed, masks its 2.4-tonne weight through sheer brute force.
Handling the Weight: The UK Road Test
The biggest talking point of the 2026 M5 is its weight. At 2,435kg, it is roughly 500kg heavier than its predecessor, the F90. Critics were quick to suggest this would kill the M5’s legendary agility. However, BMW’s chassis engineers have deployed every trick in the book:
- Adaptive M Suspension Professional: Standard-fit electronically controlled dampers.
- Integral Active Steering: Rear-wheel steering (up to 1.5 degrees) helps the car pivot in tight Cotswold corners.
- Active Roll Stabilisation: Compensating for the high centre of gravity during hard cornering.
On a typical B-road in the Peak District, the G90 feels remarkably planted. The steering is sharp, though slightly more insulated than the purist models of old. The benefit of the extra weight and the PHEV battery placement (low in the floor) is a ride quality that feels more like a 7 Series when you’re just cruising. It’s the ultimate "Jekyll and Hyde" car.
The Hybrid Advantage in the UK
In 2026, the PHEV status of the M5 isn't just a tax dodge; it's a practical necessity. With a 40-mile electric-only range, the M5 can navigate central London or Birmingham’s Clean Air Zones in near-silent EV mode. This makes it an incredibly attractive proposition for the business professional who needs to avoid daily ULEZ charges while retaining a V8 for the weekend.
Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) and Tax Implications: While not as tax-efficient as a full EV like the BMW i5 M60, the M5 Hybrid sits in a lower BIK bracket than its pure-petrol predecessors, significantly reducing the monthly liability for company car drivers. Additionally, the ability to charge at home via a 7.4kW wallbox means many daily commutes can be handled without burning a drop of super-unleaded.
Interior, Tech, and Practicality
The interior is a masterpiece of modern BMW design. You get the Curved Display running the latest Operating System 8.5 (or 9, depending on the production month), featuring M-specific graphics.
- M Multifunction Seats: Exceptionally supportive for long-distance hauls.
- Interaction Bar: First seen on the 7 Series, now with M-specific lighting schemes.
- Space: Despite the batteries, boot space remains functional, though it is slightly compromised compared to a standard 5 Series. If you need more room, the M5 Touring (G91) is back for 2026, providing the perfect solution for dog owners or those with active lifestyles.
If you're currently browsing for a G90 or even a late-model F90, CarsLink.ai offers an AI-optimised search experience that filters through UK dealer stock to find the exact specification and VAT-status you require.
Maintenance and Reliability: The 2026 Outlook
Owning a high-performance hybrid requires a specific approach to maintenance. The 2026 M5 features complex cooling circuits for both the V8 and the high-voltage battery.
- MOT and Servicing: Ensure you use a certified BMW M specialist. The hybrid components carry an extended warranty (usually 8 years/100,000 miles), but the V8 still requires its 1,200-mile run-in service.
- Tyres: The weight of the G90 means it can be hard on its Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres. Expect to replace them more frequently if you frequently use the 'Dynamic' mode.
- Insurance: Sitting in Group 50, insurance premiums will be high. Many UK insurers now require a Thatcham-approved tracker to be active as a condition of cover.
Comparison: M5 vs. The Competition
| Feature | BMW M5 (G90) | Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E-Performance | Audi RS6 GT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | V8 Hybrid | V8 Hybrid | V8 Petrol |
| Power | 727 hp | 843 hp | 630 hp |
| 0-62 mph | 3.5s | 2.9s | 3.3s |
| EV Range | 43 Miles | 8 Miles | 0 Miles |
While the AMG offers more raw power, the BMW provides a much more usable electric range, making it the superior "daily driver." The RS6 remains the choice for those who refuse to plug in, though its platform is beginning to feel its age in 2026.
Verdict: Is the G90 the Best M5 Yet?
The 2026 BMW M5 (G90) is a polarizing machine. It is heavier and more complex than any M5 that came before it. However, it is also the most versatile. It can whisper through a village at 5 a.m. on electric power and then decimate a derestricted stretch of road with the fury of a 727hp V8.
For the UK buyer, it represents the pinnacle of the "one-car solution." It handles the school run, the board meeting, and the track day with equal competence. While the purists may mourn the loss of lightness, the reality of 2026 driving conditions makes the hybrid powertrain a stroke of genius.
Whether you are looking for a brand-new factory order or a nearly-new example, the market for high-performance hybrids is moving fast. Utilising tools like CarsLink.ai can help you track depreciation curves and find the best PCP or HP finance deals available from reputable UK dealers.
Ready to find your next M5? Search thousands of verified UK listings on CarsLink.ai today.