Search

BMW M5 Saloon M5 road test report

M5

The concept of a 4-door saloon with supercar performance is an exciting one. The first, 6cyl BMW M5 hit the roads way back in 1985, and since then no model as exploited this small but discerning niche more effectively. Twenty years later the new V10 M5 raised the game to an unprecedented level.

Road Test Reports Says 4.5 star rating
A front-facing image of the BMW M5 Saloon M5

Print

Image number 2 of the BMW M5 Saloon M5 Image number 3 of the BMW M5 Saloon M5 Image number 4 of the BMW M5 Saloon M5
TOM SAYS

Performance Performance - 5 stars

It’s impossible not be impressed by BMW’s remarkable 4th-generation M5, and that’s before even driving one. Not only is it the first production saloon to offer a high-revving V10 engine and a 7-speed sequential gearbox, but a quick glance at the numbers is enough to set pulses racing: 40 valves, 507bhp at 7,750rpm (400bhp in low-power mode), 0-62mph in 4.7secs and a top speed of 155mph (limited), 200+mph (unlimited)! Its SMG gearbox has no less than 11 different programs, and its magnificent motor doesn’t feature any kind of forced induction (turbo/supercharging) to dilute the purest of power deliveries. From behind the wheel, and with an open road ahead, the M5 is simply stunning.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 4 stars

Being part car/part computer, the M5 can be programmed to do pretty much what you want of it. The ride quality, for example, can be anything from acceptably comfortable to pretty darned stiff, but drive it quickly on a bumpy road while full comfort mode and you’ll soon feel the need to fiddle with the settings. With everything properly adjusted via buttons on the centre tunnel, the M5 can cover ground at a stupefying pace while remaining utterly composed. On tight, twisting roads the M5’s size and weight can compromise its agility a little, but physics is physics after all.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 4 stars

Hard to fault on both counts. Doubtless there will be some reading this that have had troublesome BMWs, but generally the Bavarian maker has a pretty solid reputation, and the M5 has done nothing to sully that. The M5 I tested was a nearly new press demonstrator which seemed solid as a rock and performed faultlessly, so I can only nitpick, somewhat reluctantly, about some of the cabin finishes having a slightly little less high-quality feel to them than in some BMWs of old.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 5 stars

Though BMW dealers will delight in relieving you of thousands for all manner of fantastic options, (satnav, for example costs £1,365 – TomToms are much less than that at Curries), pretty much everything to do with safety and security comes as standard. The M5 additionally comes with run-flat tyres, DSC+ (a more sophisticated stability control system), a highly advanced ABS braking system and even an automatic system which applies slight brake pad pressure to wipe the discs clear of water. As options there are also radar-based systems to prevent tailgating, and another to prevent you from straying out of you lane. A standard-fitment, top notch Thatcham 1 alarm does its bit to protect all this.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 4 stars

Amid all this mention of electronic sophistication and brute horsepower, its easy to forget that the M5 is also a reasonably plush and roomy executive car, with more than adequate accommodation for four adults and their luggage. At 500 litres, the M5 actually has 20 litres less bootspace that other 5 Series models, but if that’s likely to be a problem then allow me to suggest the M5 Touring, which has a maximum of 1,650 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 2 stars

Be under no illusion, to run an M5 you need deep pockets and be able to reach to the bottom of them. The official combined mog figure is 19.6. The official urban figure is just 13. But if you find yourself really using the M5’s extraordinary performance, then don’t be surprised if consumption plummets, or should I say rockets, to around 10mpg. Ouch. On top on that CO2 output is high (357g/km) and servicing costs will be appreciable too. Looking on the bright side, as the M5 is only imported in small numbers it should hold its value relatively well, but what’s money for if not for spending!

Submitted: 23/09/2008 15:46:27

Performance Cars & Hot Hatches comparison road tests

BMW road tests

  Available on the App Store

Read real opinions: Thousands of consumer reviews on all major car and van models.
Make your voice heard: Submit your own consumer review about the car or van you drive.
Learn more

 Road Test Reports App screenshots

Other people need your help

Your review will help others decide which vehicle to buy. By spending just a little bit of time filling out a review you can share your experiences with other drivers, giving information only owners will talk about, no marketing spiel, just the real thing. We publish all reviews, whether you rate the vehicle high or low. We are impartial. We are independent. We are committed to 100% real reviews. Please give others the benefit of your advice: give them your review.

Your review will be checked for offensive language within the next few days and then put on RoadTestReports.co.uk and all of our partners websites.

Have your say!

Submit your own review

Lease Buy

* Required

^ Back to Top