M5 Hybrid, what's the verdict so far?
Discussion
When I needed to change my F90 LCI 15 months ago, i decided I wasn't ready for a hybrid M5, despite a long line of m5 cars going back over 25 years. I had an afternoon with one but that did nothing to inspire me and so I opted for an M8 GC, which despite being hugely overpriced new, I was able to get a two month old one with a huge reduction. My view was that it was virtually identical to the F90, but with a better interior and generally a much better finish and standard. I have enjoyed having it but I am considering changing it and have started to look again at the M5, particularly after having driven a hybrid car (not an M5) for a week or two on a couple of holidays and understanding them better.
I wondered what other peoples experience might be of the M5 hybrid now that's it's been out there, in the wild so to speak, for almost 2 years? I haven't seen much on here about it and would welcome any views, particularly from owners.
I wondered what other peoples experience might be of the M5 hybrid now that's it's been out there, in the wild so to speak, for almost 2 years? I haven't seen much on here about it and would welcome any views, particularly from owners.
What I find interesting is after 18 months of the F90 M5 launching, the F90 M5 thread was about 20+ pages deep with owners absolutely raving about them (and rightly so)... yet the G90 M5 thread is like crickets... i think that speaks volumes.
I've spoken to a few owners of both and they've all said the interior quality is a step backwards and along the lines that it feels more like an "M760i" than an M5 because of it's size and weight. The standard-fit Hankook tyres are woeful and they've only been fitted from new by BMW to meet bs emissions requirements apparently! (TyreReviews have touched on this why manufacturers are fitting less performance-orientated tyres from new to meet emissions regs).
I noticed in Chris Harris' first review of the hybrid M5 when he wasn't allowed by BMW to take it on track that car was on the Hankooks.... but when he did a follow-up video a few months later that same car was then on new Michelin Pilot Sport 5s and BMW gave him strict instructions on how many laps he could do before he had to return to the pit, checking the tyre pressures after only a handful of laps and other do's and don'ts... it looked massively complicated! And then he got a 'Diff overheating' warning msg after only 2-3 laps... Previous M5s you just turn up at the track and off you go.
I've spoken to a few owners of both and they've all said the interior quality is a step backwards and along the lines that it feels more like an "M760i" than an M5 because of it's size and weight. The standard-fit Hankook tyres are woeful and they've only been fitted from new by BMW to meet bs emissions requirements apparently! (TyreReviews have touched on this why manufacturers are fitting less performance-orientated tyres from new to meet emissions regs).
I noticed in Chris Harris' first review of the hybrid M5 when he wasn't allowed by BMW to take it on track that car was on the Hankooks.... but when he did a follow-up video a few months later that same car was then on new Michelin Pilot Sport 5s and BMW gave him strict instructions on how many laps he could do before he had to return to the pit, checking the tyre pressures after only a handful of laps and other do's and don'ts... it looked massively complicated! And then he got a 'Diff overheating' warning msg after only 2-3 laps... Previous M5s you just turn up at the track and off you go.
Edited by A44RON on Tuesday 23 June 23:28
A44RON said:
What I find interesting is after 18 months of the F90 M5 launching, the F90 M5 thread was about 20+ pages deep with owners absolutely raving about them (and rightly so)... yet the G90 M5 thread is like crickets... i think that speaks volumes.
I've spoken to a few owners of both and they've all said the interior quality is a step backwards and along the lines that it feels more like an "M760i" than an M5 because of it's size and weight. The standard-fit Hankook tyres are woeful and they've only been fitted from new by BMW to meet bs emissions requirements apparently! (TyreReviews have touched on this why manufacturers are fitting less performance-orientated tyres from new to meet emissions regs).
I noticed in Chris Harris' first review of the hybrid M5 when he wasn't allowed by BMW to take it on track that car was on the Hankooks.... but when he did a follow-up video a few months later that same car was then on new Michelin Pilot Sport 5s and BMW gave him strict instructions on how many laps he could do before he had to return to the pit, checking the tyre pressures after only a handful of laps and other do's and don'ts... it looked massively complicated! Previous M5s you just turn up at the track and off you go.
Thanks for your comments. I spent an afternoon in one before I bought the M8. The display was overwhelmingly complicated, I had no idea about the hybrid bit, and was very aware of the size and weight of the car. I've really enjoyed the M8 but want to move it on before the price drops too much. As you say, there is very little genuine owner experience out there, and I would love to get some feedback to get some idea of the issues.I've spoken to a few owners of both and they've all said the interior quality is a step backwards and along the lines that it feels more like an "M760i" than an M5 because of it's size and weight. The standard-fit Hankook tyres are woeful and they've only been fitted from new by BMW to meet bs emissions requirements apparently! (TyreReviews have touched on this why manufacturers are fitting less performance-orientated tyres from new to meet emissions regs).
I noticed in Chris Harris' first review of the hybrid M5 when he wasn't allowed by BMW to take it on track that car was on the Hankooks.... but when he did a follow-up video a few months later that same car was then on new Michelin Pilot Sport 5s and BMW gave him strict instructions on how many laps he could do before he had to return to the pit, checking the tyre pressures after only a handful of laps and other do's and don'ts... it looked massively complicated! Previous M5s you just turn up at the track and off you go.
Dr mojo said:
Interested in M8 GC vs M5. I am on my 3rd M5 all F90's. wanted an M8 GC but could not get my head around how it was so much less practical than M5 (smaller boot/ less interior space/much longer car). Is there something more special about how it drives vs M5?
I have to be honest and say I only bought it because the M5 Hybrid just seemed horrendously complex and overweight, and very much an experiment. I have driven M5's for over 25 years including 3 F90's which are the best M5 ever in my view, and I just didn't fancy the hybrid. The M8 ticked the boxes for engine, gearbox and suspension which are more or less identical as far as I'm aware, and instead of paying an extraordinary price, I got one for the same price as a new F90 the previous year, with 2k miles and 8 weeks old. I agree it is less practical, especially the boot size and 4 seats, but the finish is excellent with a lovely cabin to sit in and drive, it's a lot quieter and super smooth. Performance wise there's no real noticeable difference on the road, I have never tracked it. It doesn't feel particularly long to me. Lots of people like the look, I'm not too bothered. Only downside for driving to me is the the rake of the A pillars mean you have to be very carefull pulling out due to restricted view.The biggest problem to be honest was the smaller boot space, if that's not a problem for you then go out and get one
wattsm666 said:
Test drove a M5, coming from a RS6 and previously having owned a M3 E36 and M5 E60.
Was uninspired by the M5, felt cheap inside and also the weight was noticeable. Hybrid would be good day to day, but overall underwhelming. Tyre wear also seems horrendous.
Every BMW i have ever owned have had better interiors than the Audi's Was uninspired by the M5, felt cheap inside and also the weight was noticeable. Hybrid would be good day to day, but overall underwhelming. Tyre wear also seems horrendous.
Have moved from a Q8 to the hybrid touring and have to say I do think it feels a tad lower in quality, I actually love the hybrid/electric and for going to the station, local running around electric is a nice capability to have.
It's far more entertaining than a diesel Q8 but fortunate to have other toys to not be worried about the weight and there are some great deals out there to be had, high spec model available for immediate delivery for cheaper than the Audi RS5 avant can be had for, which swung my decision.
It's far more entertaining than a diesel Q8 but fortunate to have other toys to not be worried about the weight and there are some great deals out there to be had, high spec model available for immediate delivery for cheaper than the Audi RS5 avant can be had for, which swung my decision.
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