2009 BMW M5

• Overall
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Prices

BMW M5 - What the Auto Press Says

No question, the 2009 BMW M5 is one fast sedan. However, reviewers find that it's more at home on the track than the road.

Model Overview

The BMW M5 is a performance-tuned variant of the 5-Series. Renowned for its powerful 500-horsepower V10 engine and long list of performance technologies, the M5 bolts like a bat out of hell. However, that's where much of its performance-allure ends. Edmunds explains, "The 2009 BMW M5's V10 is phenomenal, but a clunky SMG and un-BMW-like steering limit the car's appeal." While auto critics report that the M5 performs well on the track, many find that its handling dynamics don't translate well to the road.

The BMW M5 is only available in one trim and body style, a sport sedan.

• "If you're into German ultra-performance in an otherwise practical sedan, and BMW is your brand, then this is your ride. It's exclusive, expensive and seriously fast, and with more high-technology features than just about anything else on the road." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "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
• "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, fast and agile. 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. Still, you can rest assure that its more powerful and capable than almost anything you'll encounter on the street.

Performance Dynamics

In terms of engineering, 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. Altogether, test drivers find that the M5 is lightening quick for a large car. But while its track performance impresses, its road handling leaves much to be desired.

The BMW M5 features 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 2009 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