Despite many naysayers criticizing the all-new BMW M5 for its hefty weight, it seems to hide it pretty well when tackling any performance-oriented activities. Join for a POV lap around Kyalami below! 
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BMW South Africa driving instructor Cristiano Verolini shows what the all-new BMW M5 is capable of during the 2024 M Fest hosted at Kyalami. Starting the lap of the 4.5 km circuit from turn 16, the 2.5-tonne luxury behemoth immediately powers onto the main straight before eventually being slowed by its sizable anchors, going from an indicated 236 km/h to around 70 km/h entry into Crowthorne.
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The all-wheel-drive system just about keeps things in check, although Verolini does have to input steering correction to allow the 535 kW maximum power output to most efficiently propel it forward. From the video, the S68 also seems to provide a sonorous tune, while the electrified hybrid system operates in near silence in the background. There is traffic on the circuit, with other M models ferrying customers and enthusiasts around the hallowed circuit, so this isn’t explicitly a timed lap but it does look rapid. Kyle Kock managed to have a few short and spirited laps of the circuit, but it seems that the driving instructor is perfectly in tune with the luxury sedan.
Related: Review: BMW M5 (G90)
As a recpa, the G90 M5 houses a 4.4-litre V8 under the bonnet, which works in conjunction with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor to send power to all four wheels via BMW’s eight-speed M Steptronic automatic and pre-gearing. The electric system alone makes 145 kW and 280 N.m of torque, but the combined output is 535 kW and 1 000 N.m. Despite the fact that it is one of the few M5’s to not boast a greater power-to-weight figure than its predecessor, it looks to be as fast.
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