“It is fast and drives well, it is classy and sounds. In the city it burns a lot gas.”
2018 BMW M5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 BMW M5 is a full redesign and the first M5 with all-wheel drive. The all-new F90 generation pairs its M xDrive system with a 600-hp twin-turbo V8 and a new 8-speed automatic.
About the 2018 BMW M5
6th generation (F90), first U.S. model year
BMW positions the 2018 M5 as the quintessential high-performance sedan: a car that blends supercar pace with the space, comfort, and everyday usefulness of a 5 Series sedan. Its core appeal is that it can handle commuting, highway travel, and track use without feeling like a stripped-out specialty car. Against rivals, BMW leans on the M5’s mix of huge V8 power, configurable chassis settings, and all-wheel-drive traction that can still deliver a rear-drive feel when the driver wants it.
BMW positioned the 2018 M5 as both a serious performance car and a roomy luxury sedan, with one well-equipped trim rather than a tiered lineup. Its standout hardware includes adjustable all-wheel drive with a rear-wheel-drive mode, adaptive suspension, M compound brakes, a carbon-fiber roof, and heated Merino leather front seats.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A 600-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 is paired with a new 8-speed automatic. The new M xDrive system makes this the first all-wheel-drive M5, while a selectable rear-wheel-drive mode preserves a more traditional driving setup.
Structural
The sixth-generation F90 redesign brings a carbon-fiber roof, standard M compound brakes, and an extensively reworked adaptive chassis.
Tech
The redesigned cabin adopts a more digital, driver-focused cockpit and provides adjustable transmission, suspension, and all-wheel-drive settings.
2018 BMW M5 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |
|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto 8-Spd Step DrvLgc |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| MPG City | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 21 mpg |
| Horsepower | 600 hp |
| Torque | 553 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 18.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.5 in |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |
| Alarm System | |
| Automatic High Beams | |
| Blindspot Sensors | |
| Lane Departure Warning | |
| Park Assist | |
| Rear View Camera | |
| 360 Camera | |
| Alloy Wheels | |
| LED Headlights | |
| Power Moonroof | |
| Navigation System | |
| Premium Audio | |
| Smartphone Interface | |
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |
| Heated Front Seats | |
| Heated Steering Wheel | |
| Leather Seats | |
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |
| Push-Button Engine Start | |
| Ventilated Front Seats | |
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 BMW M5 a new generation?
Yes. The 2018 M5 begins the sixth-generation F90 model in the U.S. with a redesigned chassis, a new transmission, and the model’s first all-wheel-drive system.
Is the 2018 BMW M5 all-wheel drive?
Yes. The 2018 model is the first M5 with standard M xDrive all-wheel drive, which helps put its 600 hp to the road in a wider range of conditions.
Does the 2018 BMW M5 have a rear-wheel-drive mode?
Yes. Its M xDrive system includes a selectable 2WD mode that sends power to the rear wheels, despite all-wheel drive being the standard setup.
What engine and transmission does the 2018 BMW M5 use?
The 2018 M5 uses a 600-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 and an 8-speed automatic with adjustable shift settings.
What are the main chassis upgrades on the 2018 BMW M5?
The redesigned 2018 M5 has a carbon-fiber roof, standard M compound brakes, and a substantially reworked adaptive suspension and chassis setup.
2018 BMW M5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 BMW M5.
4.3
2018 BMW M5
(24 reviews)
“the car is wickedly fast and luxurious at the same time . with AWD and 2 wd available it is very versatile very quick. The features on the car are top notch”
“The F90 M5 is a true return to form for BMW; I can feel the spirit of the E39 M5 when driving my new M5. It has all the features and functions of modern BMWs, but the connection to the machine is there, and to my mind, it represents the core of the BMW brand, design language, and culture.”