Insurance Group: 48
MPG: 28.5
CO2: 231
0-62 Mph: 4.3 secs
BHP: 560 BHP
Range: 502 miles
PROS: Engine performance that is really remarkable with an interior that includes plenty of equipment and is really luxurious, while still being refined and calm when driving on the motorway.
CONS: The large price tag will often put off many buyers, while the excellent performance is achieved at a hefty cost to efficiency, and the ride isn’t particularly good either.
The driving experience with the M5 is as good as you might expect, with steering being quick to respond to the change of the wheel and feels natural, while there is plenty of grip too. The Electronic Damper Control provides three suspension settings, and most people will opt for the comfort settings for most journeys, which takes the majority of bumps and potholes in its stride. Inside the car the driving seat and the steering wheel can both be adjusted to suit the individual, with visibility being very good too.
It is the engine performance of the M5 that will really attract drivers, with the acceleration from 0-62mph being achieved in an amazing 4.3 seconds. The top speed of 155mph has been electronically limited to this figure, but even with all the power under the bonnet the M5 remains a comfortable and refined driving partner, with only a little bit of wind noise to be heard.
The 5 series is already an attractive model, but the M5 gets a few extra sporty touches that help to indicate the power of the car, and the bulging bonnet does suggest the power beneath. The large air intakes are also aggressively styled, but the rest of the car remains quite subtle, although the two twin-exhausts at the back also hint at the special nature of the car. Inside the cabin the trim feels suitably expensive, and the dashboard keeps things simple and provides all the necessary information.
The level of kit included with the M5 is very generous, with leather seats providing plenty of comfort, and the alloy wheels helping to complete the attractive look. The satellite navigation is a feature that is to be expected from a model of this standard, while cruise control and climate control help to make this beast a little more civilized.
The 5 series is a very practical car and the M5 continues in this vein, offering a cabin that can comfortably accommodate four adults, although the large transmission tunnel means that the fifth passenger will find limited leg space. The boot is also of a good size, with ample room for luggage for all the occupants. BMW has a very good reputation for making reliable cars, and there is no doubt that the M5 will continue in this vein.
The car is also an exceptionally safe car to drive, with stability and traction control to help make sure the car stays under control and out of any accident. There are also plenty of airbags to look after the driver and passengers should an accident occur, which has helped the car achieve five stars in the Euro NCAP safety test.
There are many drivers who will admire the M5, but will be forced to settle for one of the lesser 5 series cars because of the list price of £73,040. This is a lot of money to pay for a car, and the top diesel versions of the 5 series offer performance close to the M5 while being less expensive to run.
One of the sacrifices made when making the M5 is that performance has been prioritised over efficiency, with the car only able to deliver an average 28.5mpg. The high insurance group means that premiums will be significant, and the depreciation experienced when it comes to selling the car can also be painful too. The M5 is supplied with a three year unlimited mileage warranty and three years’ roadside breakdown assistance.
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