The BMW M5 (F90), produced from 2017 to June 2020, represents the sixth generation of BMW’s iconic high-performance sedan. This iteration marked a significant shift with the introduction of M xDrive, BMW’s all-wheel-drive system, to the M5 for the first time. While rear-wheel drive remained available, the xDrive system offered enhanced traction and stability, contributing to blistering acceleration and improved handling. The F90 M5 was positioned as the flagship performance model within the 5 Series lineup, competing directly with rivals like the Mercedes-AMG E63 and Audi RS7. This article focuses specifically on the 4.4-liter V8 (600 hp) xDrive Steptronic variant, the most commonly produced and representative version of the F90.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
| Model | M5 |
| Generation | M5 (F90) |
| Type (Engine) | 4.4 V8 (600 Hp) xDrive Steptronic |
| Start of production | 2017 |
| End of production | June, 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 14.5 l/100 km (16.2 US mpg, 19.5 UK mpg, 6.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.2 l/100 km (28.7 US mpg, 34.4 UK mpg, 12.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.5 l/100 km (22.4 US mpg, 26.9 UK mpg, 9.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 241 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 3.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 3.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 3.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 200 km/h | 11.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3.1 kg/Hp, 323.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.5 kg/Nm, 404.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 600 Hp @ 5600-6700 rpm |
| Power per litre | 136.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 750 Nm @ 1800-5600 rpm (553.17 lb.-ft. @ 1800-5600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | S63B44B |
| Engine displacement | 4395 cm3 (268.2 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.3 mm (3.48 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-power turbo, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 11.5 l (12.15 US qt | 10.12 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1855 kg (4089.57 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2440 kg (5379.28 lbs.) |
| Max load | 585 kg (1289.7 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 530 l (18.72 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 68 l (17.96 US gal | 14.96 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2000 kg (4409.25 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 90 kg (198.42 lbs.) |
| Length | 4966 mm (195.51 in.) |
| Width | 1903 mm (74.92 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2126 mm (83.7 in.) |
| Height | 1473 mm (57.99 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2982 mm (117.4 in.) |
| Front track | 1626 mm (64.02 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1594 mm (62.76 in.) |
| Front overhang | 871 mm (34.29 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1113 mm (43.82 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 132 mm (5.2 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.6 m (41.34 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission Steptronic |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 275/40 ZR19; 285/40 ZR19 |
| Wheel rims size | 9.5J x 19; 10.5J x 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the F90 M5 is the S63B44B, a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This engine builds upon the previous generation’s N63 engine, incorporating lessons learned and significant enhancements. Key features include direct fuel injection, a cross-bank exhaust manifold for improved turbocharger response, and a revised cooling system. The twin-scroll turbochargers are positioned within the V of the engine, minimizing exhaust gas routing and further enhancing responsiveness. The engine produces 600 horsepower at 5,600-6,700 rpm and a massive 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque between 1,800 and 5,600 rpm. The Steptronic 8-speed automatic transmission is specifically tuned for the M5, offering quicker shift times and more aggressive programming than the standard BMW automatic. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system is rear-biased, allowing for a more traditional M car driving experience while still providing enhanced traction when needed. A selectable 2WD mode allows drivers to completely disable the front axle for pure rear-wheel drive fun.
Driving Characteristics
The 600 hp and 750 Nm of torque, combined with the xDrive system, deliver breathtaking acceleration. The 0-60 mph sprint takes just 3.2 seconds, making it one of the quickest sedans available at the time. The Steptronic transmission provides seamless gear changes, whether in automatic mode or controlled manually via paddle shifters. While the xDrive system enhances traction, it doesn’t entirely eliminate the possibility of oversteer, especially in the 2WD mode. The suspension is tuned for both comfort and performance, providing a surprisingly compliant ride for a car of this caliber. Compared to the rear-wheel-drive version, the xDrive model offers more predictable handling and greater confidence in adverse weather conditions. The gear ratios are optimized for both acceleration and high-speed cruising, providing ample power in any situation.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The F90 M5 came standard with a comprehensive list of features, including Merino leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats, a premium sound system, and a large infotainment screen with iDrive 6.0. Standard driver-assistance systems included lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Optional extras included ventilated and massaging front seats, a head-up display, and a rear-seat entertainment system. Carbon fiber trim and unique M-specific interior accents were also available. The exterior featured aggressive styling cues, including a quad exhaust system, a rear diffuser, and wider fenders.
Chassis & Braking
The F90 M5 utilizes a double-wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension, both specifically tuned for performance. Adaptive dampers are standard, allowing drivers to adjust the suspension stiffness to suit their preferences. Brakes are large, ventilated discs at all four corners, providing exceptional stopping power. The braking system includes BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Dynamic Performance Control (DPC) systems, which work together to enhance stability and handling. The standard wheel and tire combination is 19-inch, with wider tires at the rear to maximize traction.
Market Reception & Comparison
The F90 M5 was widely praised by automotive critics for its performance, handling, and luxurious interior. The introduction of xDrive was initially met with some skepticism from traditional M car enthusiasts, but the system proved to be effective in enhancing both performance and usability. Compared to the previous F10 M5, the F90 offered significantly more power and a more refined driving experience. Fuel economy, while not a primary concern for M5 buyers, was respectable for a car of this size and performance, averaging around 22.4 US mpg in combined driving. Reliability has been generally good, although some owners have reported issues with the cooling system and turbochargers.
Legacy
The F90 M5 represents a pivotal moment in the M5’s history, marking the first time all-wheel drive was offered. It established a new benchmark for performance sedans and cemented the M5’s reputation as one of the most capable and desirable cars on the market. On the used car market, the F90 M5 holds its value well, particularly well-maintained examples with low mileage. The S63B44B engine, while complex, has proven to be relatively durable when properly maintained, making the F90 a compelling option for enthusiasts seeking a high-performance luxury sedan.
