Op-Ed
5
 min read

The New G90 BMW M5

A Love Letter to the Past, with a Confused Eye on the Future

July 15, 2024
Contributors:
Josh
Operations / Marketing
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Ah, the BMW M5—a name that sends shivers down the spine of car enthusiasts and a heartwarming nod to the legacy of the ultimate driving machine. For decades, the M5 has been the benchmark for combining executive luxury with blistering performance. But here we are in 2024, and the G90 BMW M5 has just rolled into the spotlight. As a lover of all things automotive, I find myself in a bit of a conundrum with this one. Buckle up, folks; it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

Aesthetics: The Good, the Bad, and the Grill

Let’s start with the elephant in the room—the design. The G90 M5 certainly doesn’t shy away from making a statement. It’s like the car is shouting, “Look at me, I’m fast and fancy!” But, dear BMW, could we perhaps turn down the volume on that front grill a notch? It’s enormous, and not in a “Hey, I’m commanding the road” kind of way, but more in a “Hey, did you see that giant cheese grater?” sort of manner.

The rest of the car is sleek and aggressive, sure, but that grill? It’s like wearing a tuxedo with clown shoes. we get it; you’re trying to be bold. But sometimes, less is more. Remember the E39 M5? Subtle, elegant, and it still turned heads. Maybe we could take a leaf out of that book?

Performance: Power to the People (But What About the Feel?)

Now, under the hood, the G90 M5 doesn’t disappoint—on paper, at least. With a twin-turbo V8 pumping out over 600 horsepower, this beast is ready to roar. 0-60 in under 3.5 seconds? Yes, please. It’s like having a cheetah in a three-piece suit.

But here’s where I get a bit skeptical. Modern performance cars are all about the numbers, and while the G90’s stats are impressive, what about the driving experience? The previous generations had a tactile, connected feel. They made you work a little, but they rewarded you with smiles per gallon. The G90, with all its electronic wizardry, risks feeling a bit... detached. It’s like dating a supermodel who’s always on their phone. Sure, they look great, but where’s the connection?

Weight: The Elephant in the Room

Speaking of connections, let’s talk about weight. The G90 M5 tips the scales at over 4,300 pounds. That’s a lot of heft for a performance sedan. Sure, it’s got all-wheel drive and a sophisticated suspension system to help manage that weight, but physics is physics. You can’t ignore that kind of mass in the corners.

Remember when the M5 was a nimble, almost lithe sports sedan? The added weight makes the G90 feel more like a grand tourer than a sharp, agile sports car. It’s a bit like trying to dance ballet in hiking boots. You can still move, but it lacks the grace and precision we’ve come to love in an M5.

Technology: A Blessing and a Curse

The G90 M5 is loaded with tech—adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, a bazillion driver modes. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of cars. And while I appreciate not having to be a Formula 1 driver to navigate morning traffic, sometimes I miss the simplicity.

Remember the days when you had to actually feel the car through the corners, without a computer nanny holding your hand? Modern tech is fantastic for safety and convenience, but it can make driving feel like a video game. I want to be a part of the driving experience, not just a passive observer.

Luxury: Cushy but Conflicted

Inside, the G90 is as plush as a billionaire’s penthouse. Leather, carbon fiber, ambient lighting—it’s all there. The seats are so comfortable they could double as La-Z-Boy recliners. But there’s a part of me that misses the raw, unfiltered charm of older M5s. They were luxurious, sure, but they didn’t coddle you. They reminded you that you were in a machine built for driving, not just cruising.

Conclusion: A Love-Hate Relationship

So, where does that leave us with the G90 BMW M5? It’s a phenomenal car, no doubt. It’s fast, it’s luxurious, and it’s packed with more tech than a Silicon Valley startup. But it’s also a bit like that overachieving kid in class who tries too hard to impress everyone.

As a car enthusiast, I can’t help but feel a little nostalgic for the days when the M5 was a bit more raw, a bit more unrefined, a bit more... fun. The G90 is a love letter to the past, but it’s written in the language of the future—one that’s still trying to find its voice.

So, here’s to the G90 M5: a car that’s almost everything we’ve ever wanted, but not quite everything we still long for. Maybe the next generation will find that sweet spot between modern marvel and classic charm. Until then, I'll keep my fingers crossed and my foot on the gas, enjoying the ride.

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