BMW M5 G90

The BMW M5 has undergone radical changes over the years, and the all-new G90 model is undoubtedly the most controversial M5 to date. Let's find out what it's all about.

2025 BMW M5

2025 BMW M5 Touring

Starting at 144,000 Euros plus additional costs, the BMW M5 is back in its beefiest glory and not only that, the new model brings back the Touring variant for those who want to give the soon-to-be-axed Audi RS6 Avant a good kicking at its tailgate.

2025 BMW M5 interior

Beginning with the exterior design, BMW gave a humble G60 5-Series, in saloon and wagon configurations, extreme doses of steroids, and this is the result. From its flared wheel arches, widened side walls, two-part diffuser, quad tailpipes, M light alloy wheels, and optional M Carbon exterior package, the all-new M5 welcomes its drivers to its gun show.

While the interior works and feels just like a normal 5-Series, the all-new M5 is packed with M sport seats, an M steering wheel with a red 12 o'clock marking and other showy features, a red start button, and an M-themed ambient lighting, among others, nothing says showbizness than show-off business. As for the Touring variant, it can carry up to 1630L of boot space with the passenger seats folded down. Not bad for a super wagon.

2025 BMW M5

Now, we learn about the performance of the all-new M5. Under the hood, the familiar 4.4L V8 Twin Turbo engine from the previous model has been bolted with a 145kW electric motor and a 22kWh lithium battery, transforming it into a PHEV super saloon. Together, the all-new M5 has 727PS of power and 1000Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed AT, it does 0-100kph in 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 305kph thanks to an optional extra.

When operating solely on electric power, the M5 can travel up to 63 to 69 km according to WLTP mode standards. In terms of PHEV performance, it achieves a fuel economy of 2.0L per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 46g per km, again based on WLTP standards.

Asked about the dynamics, the all-new M5 is more than just its sport-tuned dynamics because it packs up to five operating modes and two customizable slots, M xDrive and Active M Differential, M bracing elements, M Servotronic steering, Integral Active Steering, Adaptive M suspension, and available M Carbon ceramic brakes. 

The BMW M5 is a beast on the road. It's a head-turner when cruising through fashionable cities like London, Paris, or Tokyo. But on track days, it's too mild for its own good. Go ahead, try turning hard through the corners, you can see just how difficult it is to exit through the corners because of its heavyweight body. Better pack some painkillers, folks, because cornering a two-and-a-half-ton M5 is a hard thing to do.

As for safety, the BMW M5 comes with the available Driving Assistant Professional with Steering and Lane Control Assist and Distance Control, with Stop & Go, Highway Assistant, the world's first Active Lane Change Assistant, and the available Parking Assist Professional.

The BMW M5 has experienced significant transformations throughout its history, and the all-new G90 model is arguably the most controversial version to date. With the return of the Touring variant, the introduction of a V8 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) configuration, and its mild yet formidable driving dynamics, this M5 makes a strong statement. It may be a heavyweight but this is becoming a must-have of the mid-decade. You'd better trade away your old F90 model for this, even your old M5 CS for this matter.

Available Colors: Alpinweiß uni, Saphirschwarz metallic, Sophistograu Brillanteffekt metallic, Fire Red metallic, M Carbonschwarz metallic, M Marina Bay Blau metallic, M Isle of Man Grun metallic, M Brooklyn Grau metallic, BMW Individual Storm Bay metallic, and BMW Individual Frozen Deep Grey metallic.

Photo: BMW AG

BMW 5-Series Touring G61 & i5 Touring

The G60 BMW 5-Series. Despite its minimalist approach on the inside and the questionable rear view, the improved design, dynamics, and technology made the new model a serious premium executive midsize saloon. Those who are asking for more space should consider the Touring version of the all-new BMW 5-Series as well as the first-ever, all-electric, BMW i5.

2024 BMW 5-Series Touring

2024 BMW i5 Touring

The all-new 5-Series Touring G61, starting at 61,750 Euros plus additional costs, and the first-ever BMW i5 Touring, starting at 72,200 Euros plus additional costs offer the same stuff as their sedan equivalents but with the added boot space to store the goods. After all, the goods must be crazy for these wagons.

The new BMW 5-Series Touring has a clean, minimalist look, which I like. It's a departure from the "new normal" Bimmers with their monster grilles. While the front view is pleasant, the rear lamps look like they belong on a facelifted fifth-generation Camaro.

Inside, the new model showcases the business-end behind the wheel, such as the available HUD and augmented view, a 12.3-inch info display and 14.9-inch control display, BMW Live Cockpit Plus, BMW Drive with "QuickSelect" and BMW OS 8.5. 

Because of the new model's minimalist approach, which resorts to the reduced number of buttons and controls, it's going to be difficult to figure out where the volume controls and the climate controls are. That's the new normal for you, but still, the added in-car gaming is a flashy gimmick for this one.

Space-wise, both the ICE-powered G61 5-Series Touring and the fully electric i5 Touring can accommodate up to 1700 liters of boot space with the rear seats folded down. Ideal if you're in the business of delivering the goods or while in the middle of a hiking trip.

The normal G61 5-Series Touring is offered with two diesel variants, the 520d and the 540d, and a sole PHEV variant, the 530e. The 540d's 3.0L diesel engine bolted with mild-hybrid tech produces 316PS of power and 650Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 5.4 seconds and is electronically limited to 250kph. That's all you need to about the most powerful in the range.

The i5 Touring, meanwhile, features a rear-wheel drive eDrive40 variant with 340PS of power output and the all-wheel-drive M60 variant with 601PS of power output, making it capable of hitting 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 230kph, the same as the 520i. The i5 eDrive40 is good for 582km while the i5 M60 does 510km in one full charge.

The BMW 5-Series Touring is a familiar ride. It handles like a proper BMW, thanks to its near-perfect weight distribution, front double wishbones, and rear five-link suspension. You can get the most out of it by adding electronically controlled shock absorbers, Integral Active Steering, and new vertical dynamics management. And don't forget the Adaptive M Suspension Professional.

As for safety, the G61 5-Series Touring comes with the available Driving Assistant Professional with Steering and Lane Control Assist and Distance Control, with Stop & Go, Highway Assistant, the world's first Active Lane Change Assistant, and the available Parking Assist Professional.

Like the sedan equivalents, the all-new BMW 5-Series Touring G61 and the first-ever i5 Touring are still textbook BMW business-end courtesy of its minimalist approach on the inside and the questionable rear view, the improved design, dynamics, and technology.

Photo: BMW AG

BMW 5-Series G60 & i5

BMW's premium midsize saloon, the 5-Series, has been regenerated from scratch and it spawned its all-electric derivative, the i5. Time for a little quick dive with the all-new 5-Series.

2024 BMW 5-Series and i5

The 5-Series G60, starting at 57,500 Euros plus additional costs, marked a brave new chapter for BMW's premium midsize saloon, and with the spawning of the first-ever i5 all-electric variant, yours for 70,200 Euros, this is the 5-Series of the new normal, like it or not.

2024 BMW i5 interior

Beginning with the styling, the G60 5-Series prefers to keep it clean, unlike the other "new normal" Bimmers with their monster grilles. While the front view is pleasant for observers, the rear lamps can be utterly mistaken for a facelifted fifth-generation Camaro. Looks odd but this is a clear sign that BMW's designers haven't lost their touch even though the big ones made them lose their minds. 

Step inside, the G60 model showcases the business-end behind the wheel such as the available HUD and augmented view, a 12.3-inch info display and 14.9-inch control display, BMW Live Cockpit Plus, BMW Drive with "QuickSelect" and BMW OS 8.5. 

Because of the new model's minimalist approach which resorts to the reduced number of buttons and controls, it's going to be difficult to figure out where the volume controls and the climate controls are. That's the new normal for you, but still, the added in-car gaming is a flashy gimmick for this one.

The normal G60 5-Series kicks off with the 520i variant with the 208PS 2.0L turbo engine and the 520d with the 197PS 2.0L diesel engine. All of these engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic with the 520i sprints 0-100kph in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 230kph. Come spring, PHEV variants of the G60 5-Series come into play with the most powerful version being the 550e xDrive with the 3.0L PHEV powertrain producing 489PS of power.

The i5, meanwhile, features a rear-wheel drive eDrive40 variant with 340PS of power output and the all-wheel-drive M60 variant with 601PS of power output, making it capable of hitting 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 230kph, the same as the 520i. The i5 eDrive40 is good for 582km while the i5 M60 does 510km in one full charge.

Whichever 5-Series you're on, the G60 model is still the 5-Series we're familiar with; having a near-perfect weight distribution making it capable of handling like a proper BMW, and with the front double wishbones and rear five-link suspension, this is textbook BMW dynamics behind the wheel. To get the most out of it, the G60 5-Series can be fitted with electronically controlled shock absorbers, Integral Active Steering, and new vertical dynamics management, not to mention the Adaptive M Suspension Professional. 

As for safety, the G60 5-Series comes with the available Driving Assistant Professional with Steering and Lane Control Assist and Distance Control, with Stop & Go, Highway Assistant, the world's first Active Lane Change Assistant, and the available Parking Assist Professional.

Thoughts on the G60 5-Series? Despite its minimalist approach on the inside and the questionable rear view, the improved design, dynamics, and technology made the new model a serious premium executive midsize saloon. Although it's not as fancy as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 it has its crosshairs, the G60 BMW 5-Series is still a textbook BMW business end even though it now comes with the all-electric variant. Should the W214 E-Class and the EQE be worrying? Can't say...

Photo: BMW AG

Forza Horizon 4: Top cats

A long time ago, I conducted an experiment with my "base" Renaultsport Megane IV against the Honda Civic Type R FK8 and failed miserably. I know that the Renaultsport Megane IV is the best hot hatch Renault was ever made but since it's just a base model, it wasn't enough to outrun the mighty Civic Type R.



Learning from its loss as a basic cooking model, the Renaultsport Megane faces an even harder challenge...



What could this be? I know it's a BMW but what is it?



The BMW M5 F90? Something tells me this car is onto something...



The Renaultsport Megane IV wants to do some sort of tune-up match against the BMW M5 F90 at Fortune Island's Needle Mountain and between you and me, these two are in for a serious rock-climbing activity to do, which reminds me of something...



Our top cats are ready to climb The Needle like every aspiring celebrity would do occasionally and with numerous twists and turns, this is the chance for the Renaultsport Megane IV to flex its French muscles and see if it can keep up against the ultimate sports saloon. Ready, go!

After a little rock climbing at The Needle, here are the results;

F90 M5 - 2:45.966
Megane IV - 2:54.675



A near-9-second difference between the Megane and the M5. That's something this ultimate French hot hatch might learn from messing with the F90 M5 and such motivation sparked an idea. An idea that will exploit the Renaultsport Megane to the fullest.



Imagine someone owned the ultimate Renaultsport Megane IV, the Trophy-R, and then turned it into something special with a bit of "colorful shake" to the mix. That's our top cat in the top Megane, ready to show how it's done.



Staying at Fortune Island, the very special Megane is ready to settle the score against the best Super Hot Hatches on the road, especially a hardened Civic Type R FK8. Without further ado, let's see if our top cat really ascended to the top of the food chain. Ready, go!

Those hot hatches are behaving like members of the Lacrosse club and the Megane is like their leader now. Speaking of which, how's its favorite soulmate, the F90 M5, doing? Better give this saloon a big thanks.



Like ever-changing fashion trends, our favorite M5 has breathed a fresh new wind and a new look to match its personality. This "dancing mirage" got refined for more.



While the Megane enjoys its success above, guess it's the M5's fate to watch from down below, especially when it gets down and dirty against the super saloons.

Our top cats really showed how it's done and I'm starting to fall in love with these two. The F90 M5 and the Renaultsport Megane IV, they're like, you guessed it, Honey Cat. They bond when they compete and this is how they roll.

Now I've seen everything from these two and I can't wait to spend more time with these two because they really are bonding through competition and now, they're the odd couple with the force to be reckoned with.

Brace yourselves.

FH4 Fortune Island: The new M5

In addition to the Lamborghini Urus, one of the newest cars to appear in Forza Horizon 4's Fortune Island expansion is none other than the incredible new BMW M5. After numerous disputes, the latest version of the balls-out 5-Series has arrived to make drivers tangled for more.





The previous F10 M5 rewrote the reality of BMW's high-performance executive premium sedan by throwing away the old V10 engine from the E60 in favor of a smaller 4.4L V8 BiTurbo engine but remains one of the most enjoyable high-performance four-door saloons of this decade. The all-new F90 M5 continues to rewrite the M5's reality by offering something that no predecessors had done in the first place.

The F90 M5's 4.4L V8 BiTurbo remains but it now churns out 600PS of power and 750Nm of torque and with the gearbox now an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission instead of a double clutch from the previous model, it goes 0-100kph in 3.4 seconds (which is a second less than the old model) and it's electronically limited to 250kph. 305 with M Driver's Package equipped.

Apart from that, the F90 M5 is offered with the first ever M xDrive with M Dynamic mode, where the torque goes to the back and the rear wheel slip has increased, resulting to a more lively and more engaging experience while driving. It even comes with an available feature that allows the new M5 to be driven in rear-wheel drive mode.



Having my first dibs on the new F90 BMW M5, I am feeling shaky about the way it behaves in that case, the new M5, despite its all-wheel drive layout, drives like a dream in both ways and it still feels like a good M5 should be, delivering white-knuckle enjoyment for the enthusiasts at all costs. I tried fitting something that makes it behave like a rear-wheel drive car and tried it on the Needle. Uphill, it's almost perfect, but on the downhill, the M5 really comes alive, and even in its all-wheel drive state, it still has its dynamics magic that will make me tickle with excitement. It makes me want to dance some more.

Speaking of dance, since I'm in the Needle, it's time to see if the new M5 is still the BMW M5 we know and love despite the new all-wheel-drive system that works like two cars, but first...







See what I did here? This M5 is ready to dance like...a Dancing Mirage. Dancing Mirage aside, looks like she's ready to get in the groove by threading the needle through the Needle as my special M5 prepares for a downhill battle against the opposition while saving the last dance for me. Ready, boys and girls? It's time to dance!



Danced to success, sort of.



The new M5 may have rewrote the reality of BMW's high-performance sports sedan because of its turbocharged V8 engine and M xDrive but despite changes, it still has the groove of a skilled dancer and it works like what a good M5 should be. I'm glad that I've got myself into the groove of the new M5.

Let's dance again sometime, okay?

THE NEW BMW M5 (F90)

When BMW brought us the previous F10 M5 in 2011, the speedo boys thought they might have ruined it probably because they dumped the old V10 engine from the E60 in favor of a smaller 4.4L V8 BiTurbo engine but despite that, it remains one of the most enjoyable high-performance four-door saloons of this decade. As the new Mercedes-AMG E63 becomes the new boss of the stable, BMW decided to respond against AMG's will by going all-out with their new M5 F90. So, what's going to be with the new model? Let's investigate.

2018 BMW M5

2018 BMW M5

The new BMW M5 looks pretty much the same as the old F10 model it replaces but it's all-new from the ground up to make sure it's in equal footing with the E63 opponent and that means that the new F90 model is now converted into a four-wheel drive super saloon fit for any forecast. More on that later on but first, let's look at the recipe.

Under the hood, the 4.4L V8 BiTurbo engine from the old model is still here but now, it produces 600PS of power and 750Nm of torque. That's 40PS more than the old model but a little less than the E63 and still, could be worse. The old model's 7-speed double-clutch gearbox has been thrown away and in return, it comes with a brand new eight-speed M Steptronic transmission because while double clutches are awesome in supercars, they're irrelevant in luxury saloons like this and I understand that. With the gearbox and the engine itself, it goes 0-100kph in 3.4 seconds (which is a second less than the old model) and it's electronically limited to 250kph. 305 if you go for an optional M Driver's Package.

Now, let's talk about the all-wheel drive layout of the M5 and why it wants to match the one from the Mercedes-AMG E63 because you might imagine that having a hi-po saloon with a four-wheel drive and electronic power steering will give you arm pains due to understeering but this one is very different because the all-new M xDrive has a trump card on its sleeve; the M Dynamic mode. With this feature, torque goes to the back and the rear wheel slip has increased, resulting in a more lively and more engaging experience while driving. In other words, it behaves like a rear-wheel drive car and it's an all-you-can-smoke buffet. Smoking and if you need more old-fashioned fun, there's an optional 2WD Mode that lets it go like an FR. With such personality, the new M5 is like having two cars in one and I think they're onto something here.

As for the chassis, the F90 M5 has been improved to make it sporty but stable and fit enough for an all-rounder. From its reworked suspension setup, M compound brakes, and other improvements, the M5 is a surprising all-round winner on both the road and track and if you look carefully through the headlines, some might shocked that it was developed at the Nurburgring and everybody knows that the Nurburgring ruins cars but in its case, it isn't. It may be Nurburgring-honed but it feels civilized on the normal roads until the inevitable action hero chase kicks in.

2018 BMW M5 interior

2018 BMW M5 interior

The new M5 starts at 117,900 Euros and that's by no means the most expensive M5 ever made, it's about as pricey as a supercar but the pricing wasn't the least of its problems because while the artificial exhaust note, the gearbox, and the tech overload upset potential buyers, there's the biggest problem of all, EA. The F90 M5 made a starring role at last year's Need For Speed Payback video game and unless you demand BMW to back off EA, there's no way you're getting your hands on the new F90 M5 and that's it. You're going to be tapped out from driving one but we are so jealous enough for this M5. Let's just wait for the dust to settle and when the F90 M5 is free to go, it will be appreciated in the same way we did to the M2 Coupe when it managed to back off EA a few years ago but in the meantime, better stick to the E63 until it's renounced.

Photo: BMW AG

BMW 5-Series G30 Touring

2018 BMW 5-Series Touring

Like its sedan equivalent, the all-new BMW 5-Series Touring promises the next-generation of driving pleasure for the next generation of drivers from around the world because of its next-generation technology embodied to its well-sculpted design that meets the demands of today while promising more practicality for the busiest people doing their busiest lifestyles day in and day out.

While tracing the looks from its sedan equivalent, the Touring's silhouette isn't what you call boxy for a station wagon and by the looks of it, this wagon shows its sexier side of practicality. On the inside, it still has the same stuff from the saloon, including BMW's new gesture control system that controls the sat-nav with your gestures. If you have experienced it on the saloon variant, you can also experience it on the Touring and that sounds convenient as long as its not worth distracting to some.

Compared to the previous 5-Series Touring, it's now 10 litres more with the rear seats present, 570 litres of luggage space to be exact. When you fold the rear seats for some purposes like going on a biking trip or delivering essential packages to the clients, it can get up to 1,700 litres, 30 litres more than in its predecessor. Call its a lifestyle vehicle, call it a people carrier, call it a company car, call it what you may but for the new 5-Series Touring, it's all about getting the job done from the beginning to the end of the day.

The new 5-Series Touring offers the same choice of engines as the saloon equivalent from a 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol, a 6-cylinder 3.0L petrol, a 2.0L 4-cylinder diesel, a 6-cylinder 3.0L diesel, and more to come in the near future, not to mention the M550d xDrive with the world's most powerful 6-cylinder diesel engine ever made, a 3.0L quad-turbo diesel engine producing 400PS of power and mated to an 8-speed gearbox. However, don't count on getting one because too much power is an overkill for a station wagon of this size, unless if you're one of the brave and the bold.

Like the saloon, the Touring comes with the brand new Adaptive Drive system, which combines Dynamic Damper Control with Dynamic Drive active roll stabilisation, for a better ride unlike the previous one and get this, the anti-roll bars in this new model are now no longer actuated hydraulically but by means of electric swivel motors. Safety wise, it comes the latest driver assistance systems ranging from Active Cruise Control with incorporating speed restrictions, hazard preview based on car-to-car communication, side collision protection and automatic lane-change, evasion aid, steering and laine control assistant, and more. Nothing like having a well-civilized station wagon that is not-too-shabby to drive everyday, from work day to day off.

The new 5-Series Touring starts at 48,600 Euros and that sounds like slightly more expensive than its rival MB E-Class Estate but even though it's slightly more costly to own than the Benz, the new 5-Series Touring combines enjoyment and practicality which is unorthodox for a station wagon of this magnitude. It's so much enjoyable to drive than the previous model, you can spend all day driving with this Bimmer while nobody's yelling on you.

Photo: BMW

BMW 5-Series G30

With the arrival of the new-generation BMW 5-Series G30, they're on the roll of creating a new kind of executive sedan that promises the next-generation of driving pleasure for the next generation of drivers from around the world because of its next-generation technology embodied to its well-sculpted design that meets the demands of today. So, what's it all about?

2017 BMW 5-Series

First, let's take a look on the new model's design and while the previous model looked promising but a tad too much to bear for a post-Bangle Bimmer, the new design looks more a miniaturized 7-Series with the 4-Series's rear view on it, making it even more interesting to look at compared to the next luxury car in its class parked in the office lot. It maybe more sophisticated to look at but as time passed by, it's going to be as less interesting as an Audi A6.

2017 BMW 5-Series interior

2017 BMW 5-Series interior

On the plus side, the interior is a basic improvement compared to the previous model which reminds you of most BMWs of the past. Looking at the new dashboard inspired from the modern BMW 7-Series, you can see that it's either great or just becoming the template for future BMW interiors for the next few years and let me tell you, while waiting for future Bimmers to use such interior as seen here, you're free to toy around its wide array of gadgets whatever you like before setting off. There's even a rear seat massager that relaxes you as you ride along as well. How convenient for a first-class interior that delivers the same experience as riding first-class on an airplane.

Yes, now that the new 5-Series comes with gesture control apart from the voice control, touchscreen, and the iDrive controller, everything feels like you're in a Mission Impossible movie except that you're not Ethan Hunt or any other IMF agent per se. However, it takes a lot of mastery to get a grip on this gesture part.

Appreciate the congrats on the new interior, but let's move on because there are some important things to check on the new 5-Series.

2017 BMW 5-Series

The new BMW 5-Series features a new powerhouse cast of engine choices with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and these new engines is as fresh as a cast of a remake of a classic TV show. There's a 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol, a 6-cylinder 3.0L petrol, a 2.0L 4-cylinder diesel, a 6-cylinder 3.0L diesel, and more to come in the lineup later this year, including the new 530e iPerformance PHEV that comes with the 3.0L petrol engine mated to an electric motor that produces a total output of 252PS of power, and the flagship M550i xDrive, the most powerful in the normal 5-Series as of time being, with the 4.4L V8 Twin Turbo engine producing 462PS of power and 650Nm of torque. Depending on the variant, they can be fitted with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed Steptronic gearbox, which is uncanny by most speedo boys elsewhere.

That's almost everything you need to know but behind the engine choices lies the improved chassis and suspension of the new 5-Series and for BMW, they've spent lots of man hours perfecting its dynamics inside and out and the result is a more comfortable, sturdier, and a sharper experience unlike the previous model. Plus, they've even done the SYNTAK technology to reduce powertrain noise and that's good too.

For the first time in the new 5-Series, the brand new Adaptive Drive system, which combines Dynamic Damper Control with Dynamic Drive active roll stabilisation, for a better ride unlike the previous one and get this, the anti-roll bars in this new model are now no longer actuated hydraulically but by means of electric swivel motors. Sounds like magic for the drivers but the way it handles is not really half bad when they try it.

Because the 5-Series has evolved into a luxury car that meets the demands of today, it's been incorporated with the latest driver assistance systems ranging from Active Cruise Control with incorporating speed restrictions, hazard preview based on car-to-car communication, side collision protection and automatic lane-change, evasion aid, steering and laine control assistant, and more safety tech that are too much to bear in this post and whatever BMW did to this new model is becoming more of an autonomous car rather than being a BMW that wants to be driven by almost anyone. Autonomous driving...isn't that something speedo boys in their anoraks should be running back to their mommies? Whatever that is, that tech made them look bleak on the public roads.

The new BMW 5-Series starts at 45,200 Euros MSRP including taxes and delivery charges and while this is more expensive than today's Mercedes-Benz E-Class, this is still a 7-Series in E-Class budget, so it's a fair value for the new-generation model. Know this, many will appreciate the new 5-Series for its next-generation technology that incorporated the embodiment of its superiority, one puzzling question that worries a certain driver is that when the new 5-Series is here now, ready for tomorrow, will its technological masterpiece become a burden for its "freude am fahren" slogan? Only time will tell...

Photo: BMW AG

Forza Motorsport 5: The one with the M157 engine

This is the M157 5.5L V8 BiTurbo engine. It's the mainstream in most Mercedes-AMG models bearing the 63 moniker. With the combination of direct injection and turbocharging, it delivers more exceptional power than the M156 6.2L naturally-aspirated V8 engine it replaces and it's 25% more fuel efficient as well. In 2011, most AMG models wearing the M156 engine had them replaced with this and three years from now, no racing video game is brave enough to feature any AMG model with such engine...until now...



Yes, this is the facelifted Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. It's now on Forza Motorsport 5 via the Alpinestars Car Pack, available now, and for the first time in racing game history, a Mercedes-AMG model with the M157 5.5L V8 BiTurbo engine made its appearance but just how good is it?



I am one of the many people who played the Forza franchise since the first one and I am very desperate to have a Mercedes-AMG model using the turbocharged V8 engine. Three years ago in FM4, I've enjoyed the pre-facelifted E63 AMG because it feels and sounds like an American muscle car...except this isn't a muscle car, it's a German premium sedan with washboard abs. Of course the C63 AMG Black Series and the SLS AMG has this engine but because of the abundance of the 5.5L V8 BiTurbo engine in any other AMG models, it seems that a game like this never seen it that way. They're much more stay outdated rather than update with the times.

With the addition of the facelifted E63 AMG, the dream of having a video game featuring a Mercedes-AMG model with the M157 V8 engine has became a reality and I'm glad I'm not the only one whose been trying out the new version for the first time.



However, this particular E63 AMG is not the AMG we've expect, it's the S-Model, and you know what that is, right? The S-Model adds more power on the M157 engine and this time, it's four-wheel drive. What a twist!



When you get your foot down, you really know that the torque in this saloon is just too unpredictable but by getting off from the start, it doesn't get that catastrophic wheelspin that most high-powered rear-wheel drive cars most do. As for the exhaust note...well, not every exhaust note is textbook but as far as I can say...it is as close as the real thing as I can get...or is it?

With the added power, it seems that the E63 AMG's four-wheel drive is not so bad but the main problem to this car is its catastrophic understeer. I know, right? Because of its electric power steering that most modern cars do get combined with the 4WD drivetrain, it feels like you're struggling to follow through the right lines and it feels like...um...getting a small hard ball dropped to your sensitive foot and you can feel the pain from within.



But despite the woes with the power steering and with the understeering issue, the four-wheel drive system is no mumbo-jumbo here and it really catches up against its rivals from a good corner and finding a way to its problem requires an unflinching commitment and this car's no exception because to see how good this car is, I've invited some neighbors from Germany...



This is the Audi RS7 Sportback. Like the E63 AMG S-Model, it has four-wheel drive and it has a turbocharged V8 engine except it's smaller.

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And this is the latest BMW M5. Often criticized by its fakey exhaust note fired at the stereo on the inside, its hydraulic steering, rear-wheel drive, 4.4L V8 turbo, and its all-rounder personality makes it a clever contender.

I sent those three German saloons at the Top Gear Test Track and whichever's the fastest to lap is the winner. Here goes...




Like the E63 S-Model, the RS7 is all about the grip and a bad case of bad-understeer-itis when it faces a tight corner. It's like getting suffocated by two fat ladies squeezing you like a sandwich in a subway. The M5 has no risk at all because of its hydraulic steering and its rear-wheel drive layout, although it may have a risk getting spun out from a corner in a dynamic fashion. Since all of them are rigged with a double clutch gearbox, the shifting feel is gapless and it can't be matched with any other gearbox in the world but it can be a bit too messy if you're more on the fun factor. Let's not forget that the E63 has more power than the RS7 and the M5 but will it be enough to take down the opposition from its compatriots?



After a lap round the Top Gear track, here are the results;

RS7 - 1:24.032
M5 - 1:24.353
E63 - 1:23.382

So, there you have it, the new and improved E63 AMG is the victor of this comparison, proving that this German 4-door saloon is still doing the rounds on the track with the added power and its unquestionable grip but only just.



Well I'm glad I'm driving the one with the M157 engine that no other game featured it just yet...