New BMW M5 Hybrid vs V10 Icon: 727HP Track Test Ft. The Legendary Tiff Needell
Watch DriverReviews ambassador Vicki Butler-Henderson and special guest Tiff Needell take a trip down memory lane as they look at two generations of the BMW M5.
In our latest video we have an absolute treat in store for you with not just one BMW M5 but two! First up is the brand-new G90 with 717hp, four-wheel drive, and a hefty kerb weight, the latest M5 is a technological powerhouse. But can it match the raw drama and driver engagement of the older, naturally aspirated E60? Expect tyre smoke, laughter, and a healthy dose of nostalgia as Vicki and Tiff put the new M5 through its paces on track. Along the way, they share memories from their Fifth Gear and Top Gear days, including chasing each other in a Williams F1 car and an M5 around Rockingham.
BMW M5 G90 Specifications
• Power: 727bhp
• Engine Size: 4.4 litre twin-turbocharged V8
• Top Speed: 155mph (189mph with M Driver’s Pack)
• Acceleration: 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Price: From £111,605
BMW M5 E60 Specifications
• Power: 507bhp
• Engine Size: 5.0 litre naturally aspirated V10
• Top Speed: 155mph
• Acceleration: 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds
• Transmission: 7-speed SMG Drivelogic automatic
• Price (when new): Approx. £65,000
Vicki Drives the V10: Trip Down Memory Lane
Before we dive into any chat about the cars, we need to follow Vicki and Tiff as they go down memory lane. There is a reason why there are two BMW M5s in this video, specifically the E60 model. This car was featured in a comparison between a V10-engined M5 and a Williams Formula One car, with Vicki driving the BMW and Tiff driving the F1 car. Picture this: an empty Rockingham racetrack, Vicki Butler-Henderson and Tiff Needell, and an abundance of horsepower.
Spectators were treated to seeing both machines being pushed to their limits by two people who certainly know how to get the most out of their respective machines. In our video, Vicki and Tiff reveal plenty of amazing insights into what it was like to be part of it, how they felt on the day, speeds they got to, and special phone calls. Head over to our video on YouTube to find out what they say about it!
Exterior Design Comparison: Old Vs New
If you needed any further proof that cars are getting bigger, simply put the E60 M5 and the G90 M5 next to each other and you will be convinced. The new BMW M5 is wider, longer and slightly taller than the previous generation. The two designs take different approaches: the E60 looks like 'a wolf in sheep's clothing', according to Tiff whereas the new G90 looks like a car that has 727bhp under the bonnet (the yellow also contributes to the perception).
Looking at details across both cars, Vicki points out that she really likes the side grille on the E60 but when they both give their attention to the new G90, they notice that the grille is replaced by a hybrid plug. Speaking of grilles, they then go on to look at the front grille of both cars and even that has grown on the newer model. It’s clear to see that Tiff prefers the kidney shaped grille on the E60 and he does go on to say he doesn’t mind bigger grilles but perhaps BMW have taken it a bit too far here for Tiff’s liking.
When you move round to the rear of both cars, this is where the size difference is most apparent. There are two pairs of twin pipes across both generations, but it is the diffuser on the G90 which really shouts about this M5 and gives away the fact that it is a high-performance car.
Wheel & Tyre Talk featuring Michelin Tyres
With 727bhp and 1,000Nm it is imperative that the BMW M5 has a fantastic set of tyres to transfer the power from the car to the road. The M5 in our review video was on a set of Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres which have been developed in close collaboration with BMW as denoted by the star symbol on the sidewall.
Michelin says that the tyre offers a blend of road comfort and track ready precision and features Michelin’s high load technology to handle the M5’s additional weight from the hybrid powertrain (again this is denoted on the tyre’s sidewall through the HL marking).
Battery & Interior Tech Talk
Here’s a headline we haven’t covered yet: the new M5 can reach 87 mph in electric mode. Furthermore, the electric motor continues to impress by providing an additional 197 hp on top of the 585 hp derived from the engine. Do you think these numbers justify the additional weight, or would you prefer this M5 to have a petrol engine only and therefore be lighter? Let us know in the comments of our video.
With it being a brand-new car, the M5 comes with all the connectivity and technology that you could ask for. From Apple CarPlay, M Drive Professional, Personal eSim, Driving Assistant to Live Cockpit Pro with Head Up Display. You wouldn’t be told otherwise if you felt a bit like Batman behind the wheel of this car for all the technology paired with its power and presence.
Vicki and Tiff's Verdict
“This is a mighty machine.” – Tiff Needell on the BMW G90 M5.
“I will always have a soft spot for the naturally aspirated V10 M5.” – Vicki Butler-Henderson on the BMW E60 M5.
It is fair to say that though both Vicki and Tiff seem to prefer the V10 M5, they are both still impressed by BMW’s latest iteration of the M5. They are two very different machines with one being naturally aspirated and the other being turbocharged. One being solely petrol powered with the other getting a helpful hand from a hybrid platform that isn’t far off achieving triple digit speeds.
If you are in the market for something of this calibre but want to know what else is out there to compete with the BMW M5, there is the Audi RS6 Performance which is powered by a 4.0 litre twin turbocharged V8 engine that will deliver 630bhp and 850Nm. Alternatively, there is the Mercedes-AMG GT S which also comes with a 4.0 litre twin turbocharged V8 engine with an output of 639bhp and 900Nm.
We hope that you enjoyed our video of the BMW M5 and our special guest, Tiff Needell. Let us know if you would like to see Tiff on the DriverReviews channel again in the comments section of our video.
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