G90 / G99 M5 Madtrace Paddle Shifters – First Look by IND
Ryan Morgan May 22, 2025
One of the key advantages of working closely with top-tier manufacturers is early access to test-fit and prototype components—something we take seriously at IND. We recently had the opportunity to get our hands on the first prototype set of Madtrace paddles for the G90 M5 and G99 M5, designed and manufactured by JQ Werks. What sets JQ Werks apart from most paddle manufacturers is that they own and operate their own machine shop. This vertical integration gives them the ability to rapidly prototype, refine, and test new designs—whether on the street or the track before products ever reach the market. That’s exactly how these Madtrace paddles came to life.
Crafted from 2x2 gloss twill weave carbon fiber, the new Madtrace paddles are designed to perfectly match BMW’s optional interior carbon trim. The design language is also spot-on: the “Boost” font featured on the minus (downshift) paddle is identical to the OEM design, adding a factory-level touch that BMW enthusiasts will immediately recognize. Beyond aesthetics, these paddles deliver true plug-and-play functionality—no coding, no error messages, and full factory compatibility. What really elevates the driving experience, though, is the integrated magnetic click mechanism. Every shift delivers a crisp, tactile feel, offering magnetic haptic feedback that enhances driver engagement without sacrificing OEM reliability.
We’re continuing long-term testing on our in-house G90 M5 and are excited about what this means for the future of enthusiast-focused cockpit enhancements. Stay tuned—these are coming to market soon.
