BMW M5 generations F10, F90, and G90 face off in drag and roll races, revealing how hybrid power reshapes the legend.

For nearly four decades, the BMW M5 has been the automotive equivalent of a Swiss Army knife: it can carve up a racetrack, ferry four adults in comfort, and still make you feel like a hero on the school run. But with the latest G90 generation embracing electrification, purists are clutching their pearls. Has the M5 gone soft? The folks at Officially Gassed decided to settle the debate by pitting the last three generations—the F10, F90, and G90—against each other in a series of roll races and drag races. The result is a hilarious, slightly confusing, and ultimately revealing showdown that we're about to dissect.

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The Contenders: A Tale of Three M5s

Let's meet the gladiators. First up, the F10, sold from 2011 to 2016. It's the old-school brawler: a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 producing around 600 horsepower, sent exclusively to the rear wheels. It's the lightest of the trio (though "light" is relative when you're talking about a luxury sedan), but also the least sophisticated. Think of it as the muscle-bound uncle who still thinks flip phones are cool.

Next, the F90, which graced showrooms from 2018 to 2023. This is the fan favorite. It keeps the same 4.4-liter V8 but adds xDrive all-wheel drive, pumping out over 600 horsepower. It's the Goldilocks of the group: not too heavy, not too light, just right. It's the M5 that many enthusiasts consider the pinnacle of the breed.

Finally, the new kid on the block: the G90, a 2025 model that pairs the V8 with an electric motor for a combined output of more than 700 horsepower. It's the most powerful, the most technologically advanced, and the heaviest—by a whopping 1,000 pounds compared to the F90. That's like carrying a grand piano in the trunk. Ouch.

Here's a quick spec comparison:

Generation Production Years Engine Power Drive Approx. Weight Starting Price
F10 2011–2016 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 ~600 hp RWD ~4,300 lbs ~$95,000
F90 2018–2023 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 >600 hp AWD ~4,300 lbs ~$110,000
G90 2025–present 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 + Electric >700 hp AWD ~5,300 lbs >$120,000

Note: Prices are for new models at launch, and weight figures are approximate.

The Races: A Comedy of Errors

The first event was a series of three roll races. The F90 took an early lead, winning two out of three. But the G90 wasn't going down without a fight. In the second race, it unleashed its secret weapon: the Boost Control function. By pulling the left paddle shifter for over a second, the driver gets a temporary surge of extra power and torque from the hybrid system. It's like a nitrous boost, but for eco-warriors. The G90 surged ahead and stole a win, leaving the F90 looking mildly annoyed.

Then came the drag races. The first quarter-mile run was a bit of a farce. The F90 jumped the start, and the F10 had a launch so sluggish it might as well have been sipping tea. When the times were sorted, the F90 still emerged victorious. The G90, despite its instant electric torque, couldn't overcome its weight disadvantage.

To make things fair for the rear-drive F10, the other two switched to rear-wheel-drive mode for the third drag race. But the F10 still struggled to put its power down, spinning its wheels while the newer M5s rocketed away. It was like watching a sprinter try to run in flip-flops.

The Weight of Progress

The G90's 1,000-pound weight penalty is the elephant in the room—or rather, the elephant in the engine bay. Yes, the electric motor provides instant torque and that nifty Boost Control, but physics is a cruel mistress. All that mass means the G90 needs every bit of its 700+ horsepower just to keep up with the lighter F90. In the twisty stuff, you'd probably feel that weight even more.

But let's not dismiss the G90 entirely. It's a technological tour de force. The hybrid system allows for silent, emissions-free cruising in the city, and then a raucous V8 symphony when you hit the loud pedal. It's the M5 for the modern era, where efficiency and performance must coexist. Just don't expect it to be a track rat like its predecessors.

Price Tags and Practicality

Ah, the price. The F10 Competition started at around $95,000. The F90 crept up to about $110,000. And the new G90? You'll need to fork over more than $120,000. That's a lot of dough, but you do get a lot of car—and a lot of battery. Is it worth it? That depends on whether you value fuel economy and instant torque over raw, unadulterated hooliganism.

The Verdict: And the Winner Is...

After all the races and analysis, the F90 emerges as the overall champion. It's the best blend of power, traction, and weight. The G90 wins on technology and sheer power, but its weight holds it back in a straight line. The F10 is the sentimental favorite, but it's outclassed by its younger siblings.

So, which M5 would you take home? The F10 if you're a purist who loves a good powerslide (and doesn't mind losing), the F90 if you want the ultimate all-rounder, or the G90 if you want to save the planet while smoking tires. As for us, we'll take the F90 and spend the savings on a lifetime supply of rear tires. 🏁