The brand new BMW M5 (G90) has loads to show. It’s greater, heavierand packs plug-in hybrid energy—a far cry from the lean, imply, V8-powered M5 CS (F90) that got here earlier than it. However in its first critical observe outing, the brand new BMW M5 simply did one thing no person anticipated: it practically matched the lap time of the M5 CS on the Nürburgring Grand Prix circuit.
Pushed by AutoCeitung ‘s take a look at driver Michael Godde, the G90 M5 lapped the GP course in 1:37.quarter-hour, simply 0.03 seconds shy of the M5 CS’s 1:37.12. That’s a photograph end—and never one many noticed coming from a four-door hybrid tipping the scales at 2.4 tonnes.
It’s Heavy—However It’s Additionally Quick
Make no mistake, the brand new M5 continues to be a heavyweight. And that’s been one of many largest factors of criticism since specs leaked. However the numbers are exhausting to disregard: 727 horsepower and 1,000 Nm (738 lb-ft) of torque, with assist from a plug-in hybrid system. And crucially, the chassis appears up for the problem.
Godde praised the automotive’s steadiness on the restrict, which is made attainable—at the very least partly—by Pirelli P Zero R observe tires developed particularly for the G90 M5. These tires are doing critical work, serving to the automotive stick in quick corners and brake exhausting into tight ones.
But additionally let’s not faux this makes the G90 a religious successor to the M5 CS. That automotive was lighter, rawer, and track-focused. In the long run, it’s a CS. However the truth that a full-fat hybrid with electrical help and a powertrain designed for effectivity as a lot as pace can go toe-to-toe with it? That claims one thing—not about engineering magic, however about how BMW M is redefining efficiency within the hybrid age.
Nonetheless Faster Than the AMGs
To offer the lap time some context: Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E-Efficiency, additionally a hybrid, wanted 1:40.6 to get across the similar circuit. The AMG GT 63 Coupé was nearer at 1:37.8, however nonetheless greater than half a second behind the M5 G90.
So sure—it’s heavy, difficult, and a bit controversial. But it surely’s additionally faster than simply about all the pieces in its class. And that may simply be sufficient to silence the skeptics. A minimum of till the following lap time drops.
(Supply AutoCeitung by way of BimmerToday)
