BMW M5 generations
Explore the full list of BMW M5 generations
By Ben Welham
Last updated: 25 September 2025
The BMW M5 is hailed as one of the all-time greats when it comes to proper German performance saloons.
Ever since the first M5 came roaring onto the scene in 1985, it’s proven that the previously strait-laced and serious businessperson’s car has a frisky side, a bit like a briefcase entering a Formula One race.
In this article, we dive into the full list of BMW M5 generations and how each iteration differs from the last.
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Full list of BMW M5 generations:
First-generation M5 (E28)
Second-generation M5 (E34)
Third-generation M5 (E39)
Fourth-generation M5 (E60/E61)
Fifth-generation M5 (F10)
Sixth-generation M5 (F90)
Seventh-generation M5 (G90/G99)
E28: first-generation M5 (1984–1988)
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In the early 1980s, BMW saw the potential for a fast super saloon in the form of the M535i, so it decided to launch the first M5 for the world to enjoy.
The E28 M5 didn’t just look cool, because it also had an evolution of the BMW M1 supercar’s 3.5-litre, six-cylinder engine, producing 276hp and could hack the 0-62mph sprint in a lightning fast 6.5 seconds.
That made the M5 a literal rocket ship in the mid-1980s. For perspective, a Ferrari F40 supercar could do it in 4.1 seconds, and that’s a supercar, not a family saloon.
E34: second-generation M5 (1988–1995)
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Why replace something that’s perfectly fine? This is exactly what BMW engineers thought when making the E34 M5, keeping the M1’s engine going for another few years.
The second-generation M5 was also the first to introduce an estate variant into the mix, giving buyers more practicality yet incredible performance.
BMW had grown the engine to 3.6 litres and added more power, so it produced 305hp and could propel itself from a standstill to 62mph in 6.3 seconds. Baby steps, baby steps.
E39: third-generation M5 (1998–2003)
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The E39 M5 is often hailed by journalists and M Power enthusiasts as being the best M5 ever made. It looks cool, is rapid and sounds incredible.
Part of this is down to BMW’s desire and intrigue to drop a 5.0-litre V8 engine in the M5 for the first time, giving it a deep rumbling exhaust note and 395hp.
This demonstrated huge leaps and bounds on from what we had before, and it even shaved a couple of seconds (yes, you read that right) off its 0-62mph time, which was now 4.8 seconds.
E60/E61: fourth-generation M5 (2004–2010)
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If you thought putting a V8 in a 5 Series was madness, try squeezing a V10 in one, which is precisely what the bonkers M engineers did for the E60 M5.
This 5.0-litre V10 was heavily inspired by BMW’s Formula One engine it was running at the time, and there aren’t many people who can say that their car’s engine shares its DNA with an actual F1 car.
It produced 507hp, could hit 8,250rpm and 205mph, as well as a 0-62mph time of 4.7 seconds. Oh, and BMW made a Touring version. That’s right, a V10-powered family estate car.
F10: fifth-generation M5 (2011–2016)
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Following on from the V10 E60 is a bit like ABBA trying to improve on their ABBA Gold album – near impossible.
But BMW did it again with the F10 M5, now in the turbocharged era. Power came from a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine with 560hp, making it quite the car.
Not only that, but it was 30% more fuel-efficient. That’s the real win.
F90: sixth-generation M5 (2017–2023)
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It took BMW more than 30 years to add four-wheel drive to the M5, but since Audi was doing it with the RS6 and Mercedes with the E63 AMG, it seemed only natural to.
This, in theory, makes it have much more grip than before, but in our experience, it’s still very rear wheel biased, and that suits us just fine.
Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 (similar to the F10’s) with up to 635hp and a casual 0-62mph time of 3.3 seconds – the new norm for family cars, apparently.
G90/G99: current-generation M5 (2024–present)
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For the first time, BMW adds hybrid assistance to the M5, but not just for better efficiency, because it adds a big whack of extra power, too.
The G90 (Saloon) and G99 (Touring) are powered by a 4.4-litre V8 engine mated to a clever hybrid system to produce a total of 727hp and a blistering 0-62mph time of 3.5 seconds – helped by its monstrous 1,000Nm of torque.
In technological terms, this is truly the best M car, let alone M5, ever made.
What’s the best M5 generation?
This is a bit like asking a devoted parent which of their children is their favourite – it’s an impossible task.
But, in this case at least, there are a number of ways you can look at it.
Want a flavour of the old school? – get the E28 M5
Want a screaming V10 engine? – get the E60 M5
Want the newest and fastest? – get the G90 M5
But really, they’re all brilliant at what they set out to do: be fast super saloons that would embarrass supercars.
So, for that, BMW, we thank you. Keep doing what you’re doing.
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Explore the latest BMW 5 Series cars for sale
After reading the above, if you’re not convinced to buy a BMW M5, then we’re not quite sure what else you need. A track day in one, perhaps?
If you are on the lookout for a 5 Series, you’ve come to the right place. Check out our range of used BMW 5 Series cars for sale now.