As far as sports sedans go, the BMW M5 is easy to remember for its short name and serious performance figures. Throughout its history, this model employed clever tricks of the trade to become the standard by which all fast saloons are judged. But times today are a lot different for such vehicles, and Munich’s autobahn muncher must sting like a Bimmer while being kind to polar bears.

That’s why for the M5’s newest iteration called the G90, BMW has decided that hybrid power is the way to go. That might sound like a step in the wrong direction, but the firm has concocted a recipe that the gearheads at Greenpeace might like (if such creatures even exist). It still has a high-revving 4.4-liter V8 turbo engine, but that is now paired with an electric motor that brings the total system output to 717hp and a whopping 1,000Nm of twist.

Equipped with the optional M Driver Package, top speed is restricted to 305km/h (from the standard limit of 250km/h). But the beauty of the hybrid system is that the G90 can get up to 140km/h on battery power alone. As expected, the powertrain can be tamed with a selection of drive modes, and the all-wheel-drive system can send power to just the back axle if some sideways action is desired.

Of course, the M5 isn’t known for just going fast in a straight line. To this end, the G90 employs a bespoke adaptive suspension system and a variable-ratio steering rack. Rear-wheel steering improves stability while keeping cornering speeds high. The pedal feel is also configurable for vehicles equipped with optional carbon-ceramic brakes.

To distinguish the M5 from its lesser 5-Series siblings, it gets wider wheel arches to accommodate the 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels. The front fascia has a “mustache” just like the latest X3, but it at least matches the car’s sporting purpose. The Hofmeister kink gets a cheeky M5 badge. And while it is weird seeing a charging port on an M car, such a feature will likely be a common sight on future BMW performance vehicles.

The M5’s iDrive system has plenty of features that can be accessed via the curved touchscreen or voice commands. The software even includes highly configurable driver profiles. The seats are upholstered in premium Merino leather, and the climate-control system has no less than four zones. Long drives should be enjoyable while listening to the tunes belted out by the 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system.

It appears that being a hybrid doesn’t spoil the fun as far as the G90 M5 is concerned. Electrification is truly an unavoidable reality even in performance cars, but at least BMW’s latest creation is anything but dull. The M5 will make its public debut at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed, with initial sales commencing in November. A Touring version of the car is also in the pipeline, which is good news for the wagon faithful.