F90 · M5

What the BMW F90 Is

The BMW F90 is the sixth-generation M5, produced for the US market from 2018 through 2023. Built on the CLAR-based G30 5 Series platform, the F90 marked a watershed moment for the M5 lineage: for the first time, BMW's flagship performance sedan adopted M xDrive all-wheel drive, a decision that transformed the car's traction and all-weather usability without sacrificing its rear-drive character. A dedicated 2WD mode still lets purists send all the power to the rear wheels.

Compared to the naturally aspirated and earlier turbocharged M5s of the E60 and E63 eras, the F90 represents a leap in both outright performance and everyday drivability. If you want to trace how BMW M engineering evolved to this point, the BMW DNA overview puts the lineage in context.

The Models in This Generation

Three F90 variants reached US showrooms, each sharpening the formula:

• M5 — the standard car and the foundation of the range, offered as a four-door sedan.
• M5 Competition — added output, retuned suspension, unique styling accents, and a firmer, more focused chassis setup.
• M5 CS — the pinnacle of the F90 line, with the highest power output, weight reduction, carbon-fiber details, and the most track-capable tuning ever fitted to an F90.

Engines and Drivetrain

Every F90 M5 is powered by the S63 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, producing well over 600 horsepower depending on variant, with the CS sitting at the top of the range. Power flows through an eight-speed automatic transmission—replacing the earlier dual-clutch units—and out to the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with a rear-biased character and selectable drive modes. The result is a sub-3.5-second 0-60 mph time in a full-size luxury sedan.

Owning and Buying an F90

The F90 blends daily-driver comfort with brutal straight-line pace, making it one of the most versatile M cars ever built. As with any high-performance BMW, prospective buyers should prioritize documented service history, verify software and recall updates, and confirm the specific variant when shopping—CS and Competition cars command a premium. Always run the chassis number through our VIN decoder to confirm build details, options, and factory specification before purchase.

The high-output S63 rewards diligent maintenance: fresh cooling system components, quality oil at proper intervals, and healthy tires are essential given the car's weight and power. A well-kept F90 delivers immense capability, but a neglected one can become expensive. Buy the best-documented example you can find.

Notable Strengths

• Immense, tractable twin-turbo V8 power delivered in nearly any condition.
• M xDrive with a rear-drive-only mode for enthusiasts.
• Genuine dual personality—luxury cruiser and track weapon in one body.