BMW M5
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a family saloon that can embarrass supercars at traffic lights? The BMW M5 might be exactly what you’re seeking. This high performance executive saloon delivers supercar levels of acceleration wrapped in practical four door luxury. It’s the ultimate Q car for drivers who want devastating performance without drawing unwanted attention from everyone except fellow petrolheads.

From the outside, the M5 looks like an upmarket business saloon with subtle aggressive hints. The wider wheel arches, quad exhausts, and distinctive M badges hint at the monster lurking beneath the bonnet. Step inside and you’ll find a cabin that blends luxury with motorsport inspired touches. The seats are supportive yet comfortable, while the dashboard features all the latest BMW technology alongside M specific performance displays.

Behind the wheel, the M5 transforms from refined cruiser to track weapon at the touch of a button. The twin turbo V8 engine delivers brutal acceleration that pins you to your seat, yet it remains surprisingly civilised for daily driving. While it costs significantly more than rivals like the Mercedes E-Class or standard executive saloons, you’re paying for engineering excellence that few cars can match. The M5 proves you don’t have to choose between practicality and performance.

What's the BMW M5 Like to Drive?

The BMW M5‘s performance credentials are simply staggering. The 4.4 litre twin turbocharged V8 engine produces between 600 and 717 horsepower depending on the variant you choose. The standard Competition model rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, while the hybrid G90 version is even quicker. This puts it firmly in supercar territory while offering four doors and a proper boot.

What makes the M5 truly special is its adaptability. In Comfort mode, it drives like a refined executive saloon with smooth power delivery and excellent ride quality. Switch to Track mode and it becomes a precision instrument with razor sharp responses and spine tingling exhaust notes. The xDrive all wheel drive system provides incredible traction, allowing you to deploy all that power safely in most conditions. The steering is perfectly weighted and the brakes are phenomenally powerful, giving you complete confidence even at extreme speeds.

BMW M5 Interior, Tech & Comfort Review

Step inside the M5 and you’re greeted by one of the finest interiors in the executive car class. The cabin expertly blends luxury with performance focused elements. High quality leather covers almost every surface, while carbon fibre trim adds motorsport authenticity. The M sport seats offer excellent support during spirited driving yet remain comfortable enough for long motorway journeys. The driving position is spot on with plenty of adjustment to suit drivers of all sizes.

Technology is cutting edge throughout. The latest iDrive system controls everything through a large central screen, though BMW thankfully retains physical controls for key functions like climate control. The digital instrument cluster is clear and customisable, while the head up display projects key information directly into your line of sight. Sound insulation is excellent, creating a serene cabin environment when you want to cruise quietly. Higher specification models add features like massage seats, premium sound systems, and ambient lighting that further enhance the luxury experience.

The BMW M5 represents the pinnacle of the performance saloon genre. It successfully combines devastating straight line speed with genuine luxury and surprising practicality. The engineering is extraordinary, from the sophisticated all wheel drive system to the adaptive suspension that transforms character at the touch of a button. On track days it can embarrass dedicated sports cars, yet it remains refined enough for comfortable motorway cruising.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a BMW M5?

Owning an M5 is an expensive proposition, but that’s the price of this level of performance and luxury. Fuel economy is predictably poor, with real world figures ranging from 18 to 25 mpg depending on how restrained you can be with your right foot. Insurance costs will be substantial due to the high performance nature and expensive repair bills. Road tax is also steep due to CO2 emissions, though hybrid versions fare slightly better.

The initial purchase price puts the M5 firmly in premium territory, starting from around £100,000 for older models. Maintenance costs are high due to the complex engineering and specialist parts required. However, BMW’s build quality is generally excellent and the M5 has a strong reputation for reliability when properly maintained. For those who can afford the running costs, car finance options can help spread the expense. The M5 holds its value reasonably well thanks to its desirable performance and limited production numbers.

Is the BMW M5 Practical for Everyday Use?

Despite its supercar beating performance, the M5 remains surprisingly practical for daily use. The 530 litre boot easily accommodates a family’s luggage for a week away, while the rear seats fold to extend cargo space when needed. Interior storage is adequate with door pockets, cup holders, and a decent centre console compartment. The wide opening doors and relatively high seating position make getting in and out easier than in many sports cars.

The rear seats offer reasonable space for adults on shorter journeys, though legroom can be tight for taller passengers on longer trips. For families, the M5 strikes an excellent balance between performance and practicality that few cars can match. Its ability to serve as both a track day weapon and comfortable family transport makes it incredibly versatile. Compared to other used BMW cars, the M5 offers unique combination of space and speed that justifies its premium pricing.

The BMW M5 stands as the ultimate expression of the performance saloon concept. It packages race car levels of acceleration and handling into a luxurious four door package that works brilliantly as an everyday driver. The latest versions push the boundaries even further with hybrid technology that delivers over 700 horsepower while improving efficiency. Every aspect feels meticulously engineered to deliver maximum performance without compromising comfort or practicality.

You choose the M5 when you want the fastest way to transport four people and their luggage between any two points. Its combination of devastating performance, luxury refinement, and daily usability is virtually unmatched in the automotive world. While the running costs are substantial, the driving experience justifies the expense for those fortunate enough to afford it. For buyers seeking the ultimate performance saloon, especially with flexible finance options available, the M5 remains the benchmark that all others aspire to match.