BMW's facelifted M5 has been caught testing at the Nürburgring, where the super sedan's brakes were seen glowing under the immense heat generated during hard track laps. The prototype, still heavily camouflaged, is being pushed to its limits ahead of a planned production start next July.
The updated G90 M5 is undergoing a Life Cycle Impulse, BMW's term for a mid-cycle refresh. While the exterior will receive revised headlights, fresh taillight graphics, and changes to the bumpers and trim, the basic proportions will remain unchanged. The doors, roof, and other body panels are expected to carry over, as is typical for an LCI rather than a full redesign.
BMW appears to have settled on a more conservative front-end design for the production car after testing two distinct directions. Early prototypes wore a radical Neue Klasse-inspired face with slimmer lights and a horizontal kidney grille, but more recent test vehicles point to an evolutionary approach. According to sources, BMW favoured the less controversial design following customer feedback.
The cabin is where the most significant changes are expected. BMW is preparing a major technology overhaul that will introduce the new iDrive X interface, combining a 17.9-inch central touchscreen with Panoramic Vision windshield projection. The traditional rotary iDrive controller is almost certain to be removed, along with the driver's instrument cluster, which is being indirectly replaced by a next-generation 3D head-up display already seen in Neue Klasse EVs. An optional passenger-side screen is also expected, a feature that has trickled down from the 7 Series and now appears in the new X5.
Under the hood, the M5 will continue with its V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain. The charging port visible on the prototype confirms BMW is not abandoning electrification midway through the life cycle. The license plate ending in «E» also denotes the prototype is electrified. The combination of a V8 engine, electric motor, and substantial battery pack means the M5 remains every bit as excessive as before, though the car's considerable curb weight places significant strain on the front brakes during track use.
The latest footage of the glowing brake rotors serves as a reminder that, despite all the talk about Neue Klasse and electrification, the M5 is still very much an M car underneath. The substantial curb weight certainly does not make the job any easier for the front brakes, which were visibly pushed to their thermal limits during the Nürburgring session.
Production of the facelifted G90 M5 is expected to begin next July, with the G99 M5 Touring receiving essentially the same treatment. The updated 5 Series Sedan and Touring will also undergo their respective facelifts around the same time, if not slightly sooner. BMW typically tweaks its regular cars first, then rolls out the respective M versions shortly afterward.
The 2028 M5 facelift represents a significant moment for BMW M, which is preparing for a busy period. The electric M3 is also set to break cover, marking a new chapter for the performance division. For now, the M5 continues to balance traditional V8 power with plug-in hybrid technology, while the interior takes a decisive step into the digital age with iDrive X and Panoramic Vision.
BMW has not yet confirmed a reveal date for the updated M5, but with production slated for next July, a full debut is expected in the coming months. The prototype's continued testing at the Nürburgring suggests the engineers are still fine-tuning the chassis and braking systems to handle the car's weight under extreme conditions.