2008 BMW M5

The Five Comes Alive

The BMW M5 rockets down the road with a lusty V10 engine, yet remains civilized enough for use as an everyday commuter car.

The BMW 5 Series sedan is impressive enough, but its high-performance variant, the M5, wows like few other cars on the road. The M5 amplifies everything that's great about the 5 Series without ruining its day-to-day drivability.

The heart and soul of the BMW M5 is a brawny, 500-horsepower V10 engine that it shares with its two-door counterpart, the M6. A seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) remains standard. The SMG is essentially a manual whose clutch is engaged automatically — there's no clutch pedal. Gears are selected by tapping paddles behind the steering wheel or by using the stubby shift lever on the center console. An automatic mode shifts gears for the driver like a traditional auto transmission, although it doesn't operate as smoothly.

Despite the M5's hefty curb weight, it completes the 0-to-60-mph sprint in 4.5 seconds and can hit a top speed of 155 mph. But because its large engine returns poor fuel economy, you'll pay a federal gas-guzzler tax on top of the steep purchase price.

The BMW M5's performance and handling characteristics can be tailored to suit a wide range of driving styles and preferences. While such customization is a boon to enthusiasts looking to squeeze as much performance out of the car as possible, the sheer complexity of it all can be daunting.

The engine can be set in three separate modes — P400, P500 and P500 Sport — with each offering progressively more explosive performance. The SMG's Drivelogic technology provides 11 different shift programs, while the suspension's Electronic Damping Control offers three levels of shock-absorber firmness — Normal, Comfort and Sport.

The M5's Dynamic Stability Control system, which uses throttle and brake input to help minimize wheel spin and prevent a loss of control during extreme handling maneuvers, can be set to a more aggressive M Dynamic mode that allows a higher level of wheel slip. It can also be turned off altogether, which allows the car to be coaxed into controlled skids around curves.

In all, BMW says these systems combine for a dizzying total of 279 possible combinations of settings. Fortunately, the M5's M Drive function allows a motorist to store preferred settings for each of these systems into one program, which can be engaged by pressing the "M" button on the steering wheel.

Exterior styling differences on the M5 compared to the standard 5 Series sedan are subtle and include a unique front air dam that channels extra air to the engine and brakes; a rear air diffuser with a distinctively shaped rear trunk lid, both of which improve aerodynamics; quad exhaust tips; front fender gills; sculpted rocker panels; and special side mirrors and wheels.

The BMW M5's interior is similar to the 550i's cabin and is available in three leather treatments. BMW's iDrive system is standard. It combines all of the interior controls into one large knob on the center console that corresponds with menus on a dash-mounted screen. Despite some redundant buttons and knobs for stereo and heating/ventilation systems, and the inclusion of six programmable function buttons, iDrive can prove difficult to use, which is the opposite of its intent.

As with the 550i, the M5's cockpit is comfortable for front and rear passengers and includes a wealth of standard comfort and convenience features. A short list of options includes a head-up display, keyless access/starting system, heated rear seats, HD radio and an iPod adapter that lets drivers control the MP3 player using the stereo controls.

Is the BMW M5 for You?

Buy the BMW M5 if	You want a five-passenger sedan that performs like an exotic sports car; the already-potent 550i isn't powerful enough; you want the ultimate BMW sedan.
Keep Looking if	You don't think the M5 is worth many thousands more than the already-capable 550i sedan; fuel economy is a concern; you prefer to make a louder statement, in which case the Maserati Quattroporte is worth considering.
Who Fits?	Front occupants will find ample adjustments in the supportive seats, though they're firmer than some may prefer; there's sufficient room for two in the back, and a third rider can squeeze in for shorter trips.
Closest Competitors	Audi S6 Cadillac STS-V Jaguar XJR Maserati Quattroporte Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG