With a few customer cars out on the road now, long-term test vehicles being allocated, and one or two in the classifieds, the new BMW M5 probably isn’t quite the new M5 anymore. Let’s call it the latest, or the current, or the M5 that nobody can stop talking about for this reason or another. Which we’re now only encouraging further. Because let’s put it this way: no discussion of G90 BMW M5 is complete with the mention of F90 M5. With good reason.
BMW’s original ‘bahnstormer means so much to many people across the world that there’s always some controversy when a new generation is launched. The same was true back in 2017, when a new M5 ditched the predecessor’s dual-clutch, rear-drive layout for what some saw as softer, safer, xDrive configuration. With a look that perhaps strayed a little too far from the modest but muscular M car to a tad innocuous for a six-figure super-saloon.
A lot of those concerns were addressed when driving the M5. It was a larger, more complex model than the one before (sound familiar?), but xDrive was very smartly integrated, the auto was good, and performance was absolutely not in doubt thanks to 600hp. And the dynamics? ‘The M5 has magnificent poise, a deft balance, and the ability to smoke up its rear tyres like one of the very best super saloons of all time’ was the PH verdict. Adept with the systems on, a hoot with them off - just like a great M5 should be.
Granted, the F90 improved with time - culminating in the epic CS - but there was a lot to like about the first four-wheel-drive M5. This wasn’t an M car that was made drastically better with a Comp pack or a facelift. They’re the ones to go for if possible (a later Competition, ideally, as the ride on the first ones was overly firm), but with 600hp cars from less than £40k, they feel quite hard to ignore.
This one isn’t one of the very cheapest, though at £45k it’s not far from it. And as recently as 2019 (or just 34,000 miles ago), this was a £118k M5, thanks to a tremendous spec. Those bored of black, silver, and white BMWs will love Snapper Rocks Blue, and the Smoke White leather makes a fairly austere M5 cabin look almost exotic. The first owner also opted for ceramic brakes (a benefit in terms of ride as much as anything else), plus a host of other options. It’s a properly lavish M5, even by the standards of flagship M cars.
There’s only been one owner from that original spec boss, who purchased the car approved used with 15k on it in 2022. So very sparingly driven, basically, and ready to roll into summer with a big service at BMW just last month. If you like your M5s with just V8 power and nothing else, this F90 ought to appeal very much indeed.
SPECIFICATION | BMW M5
Engine: 4,395cc, twin-turbocharged V8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 600@5,600-6,700rpm
Torque (lb ft): 553@1,800-5,600rpm
MPG: 27 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 241g/km
Year registered: 2019
Recorded mileage: 34,000
Price new: £89,640 (2017, before options)
Yours for: £44,995
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