2010 BMW M5
- Used BMW M5
BMW M5 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 BMW M5 flies like a bat out of hell. Test drivers, however, report that its handling dynamics make it more suitable for the track circuit than city streets.
Model Overview
The M5 is a performance-tuned variant of the BMW 5-Series -- which is praised for its excellent handling and power delivery, as well as its luxurious cabin and long list of convenience features.
Upping the ante with a 500-horsepower V10 engine and enhanced performance engineering, the M5 adds a heckuva lot more power to the mix. "If you're into German ultra-performance in an otherwise practical sedan, and BMW is your brand, then this is your ride," writes Kelley Blue Book. "It's exclusive, expensive and seriously fast, and with more high-technology features than just about anything else on the road."
Still, the M5's performance dynamics aren't universally praised. Many test drivers complain that it lacks typical BMW steering and transmission feel. Others add that it performs better on the track than road. Because road feel is a trait that's open to interpretation, interested shoppers should take the M5 on a few lengthy test drives before signing on the dotted line.
This year's BMW M5 is a carryover from the 2009 model year. For 2010, the M5 receives a revised version of BMW's iDrive multi-media system -- which should make it easier to use. The M5 is only available in one trim and body style, a sport sedan.
- "The BMW M5 sedan is the hot ticket for the enthusiast driver who needs a four-door sedan but wants performance on the far side of legal speeds, is comfortable with cutting-edge technology, and doesn't mind low fuel efficiency." -- Left Lane News
- "In advertisements, BMW has used the slogan 'Race car for 5' for its M5 campaign, which describes this 500-horsepower, V-10 monster to a tee, for few sports coupes can approach the handling limits, acceleration and all-out exhilaration of this legendary model. It has long ruled the sports-sedan roost - although Cadillac's new CTS-V model with its 556 supercharged horsepower, might have something to say about this." -- Road and Track
- "In the realm of super-sedans that cost close to $90,000...the stakes are considerably higher, and the M5 turns out to be not so super after all. Yes, that V10 is a thing of beauty, but the M5 is otherwise missing too much of the expected BMW DNA to earn our recommendation. ... In most other respects, the 2010 BMW M5 is a stupendous car." -- Edmunds
- "All this fanciness is not cheap, and you wouldn't expect it to be. In truth, to get this car on the cheap would take some of the fun out of owning it. But don't worry about that, the base sticker price for the 2009 BMW M5 is $85,100. That's more than many pay for a starter home. Still, you do get what you pay for." -- Carseek
The Bottom Line
The BMW M5 is renowned for being powerful and fast. Relatively speaking, however, it's difficult to utilize its full potential on the open road. So unless you plan on the occasional track run, it might not be that fulfilling.
If you're in the market for a high-performance sports sedan that's easier to live with on a daily basis, check out the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. It costs roughly the same as the M5, but offers seven more horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph 0.2 seconds quicker. More importantly, however, test drivers are unanimous in their praise for its handling dynamics.
Performance Dynamics
The M5 sedan features many of the same performance components as the pricier M6. However, its curb weight is 103 pounds heavier than the M6 coupe and 385 pounds lighter than the M6 convertible. Overall, test drivers are impressed with the M5's lightening quick acceleration, but wish its handling dynamics translated as well on the road as they do on the track.
The BMW M5 comes equipped with a 5.0-liter V10 engine that produces 500-horsepower at 7,750 rpm and 383 pound-feet of torque at 6,100 rpm. While a seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) with Drivelogic and paddle shifters is standard, a six-speed manual transmission is available at no extra cost. According to BMW, the M5 has a top speed of 155 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
The EPA reports that the BMW M5 nets a city/highway fuel economy of 11/17 mpg.
Aiding performance for the rear-wheel drive M5 is a vehicle-speed-sensitive variable-assist power steering, dubbed M Servotronic. This steering set-up features M Driving Dynamics Control, which allows drivers to choose between two settings -- Throttle and Steering. What's more, the M5 features an independent suspension system. Electronic Damping Control allows drivers to configure the vehicles suspension settings to Comfort, Normal, or Sport mode. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with M Dynamic Mode (MDM) helps the M5 maintain road composure, while an Anti-look Brake System (ABS) and Brake Assist bring it to a halt.
- "The M5's 500-hp V-10 is a mechanized wonder, relatively calm at low revs but turning downright tempestuous toward its 8200-rpm redline." -- Car and Driver
- "The standard seven-speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG), with 11 selectable programs ranging from 'softest and slowest' to 'hardest and quickest,' can shift automatically or manually with the console lever or steering wheel paddles. But, in normal driving, and with a skilled driver, it is actually slower and less smooth than the conventional manual transmission. We prefer the no-cost optional six-speed manual, which offers crisp throws, well-arranged pedals and smooth clutch engagement." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "Acceleration is invigorating, to say the least, and autobahn speeds are achieved without a drop of sweat. This is a supremely fast car that likes going supremely fast. ... In terms of handling, the...BMW M5 is a tad underwhelming in the real world, even if it excels on a racetrack. The steering lacks feel and is inconsistent in its effort -- a very strange phenomenon in a BMW. Frankly, we'd rather drive a 535i with the sport package on a daily basis." -- Edmunds
- "The M5 comes with lots of neat features, but none neater than the ability to choose from three levels of damping. With the flip of a switch, you go from comfort to normal to sport. Electronic steering assistance is based on your damper choice." -- Carseek
