We didn't think it was possible for BMW to release a more controversial M-car than the 2021 BMW G80 M3. That was until we saw the first unveiling of BMW's brand-new 2400kg BMW G90 M5 Sedan. This latest plug-in hybrid iteration of the BMW M5 was met with a level of opposition we've never seen for a BMW.
BMW G90 M5 Common Complaints
Common complaints included the looks, how the car looked, and also the looks.
All joking aside, there are a number of areas of the BMW G90 M5 that the automotive community took issue with. Although the styling was initially controversial, we think people are starting to come around to it - especially upon seeing it in the flesh. However, the sound is pretty poor - even worse if you live in Europe where gas particulate filters (GPFs) are mandatory.
There's also an extreme increase in weight over the previous generation: a circa 500 kg (1,000 lbs) increase over the outgoing F90 model. Now, weight is just a number and, unless you can feel it, it doesn't matter a great deal. Unfortunately, like many journalists, we feel that the weight isn't managed as well as it could be. There's a bit too much body-roll and the ride is still very firm which is a lose-lose.
Here at R44 Performance, we recently took delivery of our own BMW G90 M5 development vehicle to see how we could improve the car with aftermarket upgrades.
Exterior Styling
First things first, we needed to install a carbon fibre body kit. Aesthetically, the exterior needed to be sharpened up a bit, particularly at the front. As the primary technical partner of aftermarket carbon fibre manufacturer MHC LDN, we had a hand in the design of their brand-new carbon fibre body kit.
The New SP90 Front Lip By MHC LDN
The stand-out feature of this kit is the stunningly aggressive SP90 front lip. The primary aim of this carbon splitter is to make the front end appear wider, lower and more aggressive, while also perfecting the rather awkward lower gloss black front grille section of the bumper. You can learn more about the design, development and manufacturing process of this splitter here.
Look closely and you'll notice how the SP90 front lip extends the body lines of the OEM front bumper, looking like more of an aggressive extension than just a bolt-on piece of material. The splitter uses 10 of the OEM mounting positions which means you don't need to drill through the bumper on your £130,000 ($140,000 with some options) brand-new M5.
The SP90 front splitter is already in production and available to purchase here.
Performance Style Side Skirts By MHC LDN
Along the side of the car, we fitted MHC's performance-style side skirts which offer a nice and aggressive enhancement to the G90 M5's side profile. Towards the rear wheel arch, the skirts feature a subtle fin that ties in perfectly with MHC's performance-style rear diffuser.
Performance Style Rear Diffuser By MHC LDN
This 2-piece carbon fibre rear diffuser is extremely aggressive, bulking up the rear end to give the BMW G90 M5 more presence on the road. Notably, this diffuser features a removable section over the rear tow eye - something extremely difficult to manufacture from carbon fibre, but MHC did an unbelievable job.
Performance Style Rear Lip Spoiler By MHC LDN
To complete the rear end, we fitted MHC's performance-style rear lip spoiler which was a super straightforward install and sharpened up the plain smooth OEM boot lid. This is a great-value modification that works perfectly in combination with the diffuser.
Carbon Fibre Mirror Covers & Antenna Cover By MHC LDN
With the main pieces of the kit installed, we moved on to some of the finer carbon details to tie the package together. This included MHC's replacement carbon mirror covers and shark fin antenna cover.
What makes this kit perfect is the matching OEM-style carbon weaves all-round, achieving the ultimate OEM+ aesthetic. Each component is manufactured from dry-lead pre-preg carbon fibre for high strength, lightness and a flawless weave.
Suspension & Stance
Like all modern BMWs, the G90 M5's fitment leaves a lot to be desired. A large arch gap paired with tucked-away wheels makes the car look far less aggressive than an M-car should. To rectify this issue, we installed some lowering springs & wheel spacers from Bimecc & AST.
Bimecc Wheel Spacers
Bimecc came to the rescue with a set of 15mm wheel spacers all-round. This size setup is definitely on the more aggressive side but we do also offer these spacers in 10mm and 12mm. These spacers are slightly different to the standard BMW G Series spacers as, although the G90 M5 has the same 66.6 centre bore, they have a slightly difference PCD of 5 x 132mm. Benefits of going with Bimecc include the lightweight aluminium construction, black zinc coating to protect against rust, as well as the all-important TUV approval.
AST Lowering Springs
To complete the stance, we dropped the G90 on a set of prototype AST lowering springs. The specifications of the production version aren't finalised but this prototype set dropped the car by 38mm at the front & 28mm at the rear to give you an idea.
Not only do these modifications look great, but they also address the handling concerns by lowering the vehicle's centre of gravity to reduce roll in the corners and keep that 2,435 kg curb weight under control. The wider track created by the 15mm wheel spacers may also offer a handling benefit, especially during high-speed cornering.
Engine & Performance
RaceChip Tuning Module
Although the BMW G90 M5 has been given a huge power bump compared to the previous generation thanks to revised software & the assistance of electricity, the weight has also increased substantially, giving it a worse power-to-weight ratio than the outgoing F90 model.
RaceChip came in to solve this problem with its GTS 5 Black Tuning Module, bringing power up to 863 HP and torque up to an astonishing 1,157 Nm. The results are dramatic and the M5 makes you feel physically sick even in the driver's seat.
With the added performance, the G90 M5 will do 100-200 kph in just 6.41 seconds.
R44 Performance Exhaust System
Thanks to emission regulations, the G90 M5 leaves a lot to be desired in the sound department. Catalytic converters, large silencers and OPFs leave the twin-turbo V8 extremely muted and rather disappointing. To open up the sound, we installed our developmental R44 Performance exhaust system, coming to the market soon!
Final Thoughts
Although we weren't initially big fans of the new M5, seeing and experiencing a modified example has definitely won us over. If you'd like to take your BMW G90 or G99 M5 to the next level, feel free to get in touch with us here.
