Even by its exalted standards, the M5 is a huge one for BMW. It's with this particular vehicle when it slotted the motor from its M1 supercar into a 5, that it produced the supersaloon writing style in 1984 - collection. The effect was not just the quickest production fourdoor on earth, but also better than most sports cars that were handled by one.

Since that time, following generations of M5 have consistently rated in the highest part of the course, blending illogical efficiency and innovative technologies together with the capability to move five in luxurious.
In case the formula has consistently been about the same, the arrangement of the motor hasn't. We've had straightsixes of numerous capacities, a highrevving V8, and also in the prior edition a level higher-revving V10.
For your auto BMW has moved back again to a V8 in a similarity to the S63 petrol unit from its X5M SUV. At 4.4 litres in capacity it's 600cc smaller compared to the preceding V10 but includes a pair of turbochargers by means of damages. It indicates that peak torque of 501lb ft is yours completely from 1,500rpm right through to 5,750rpm - a significant feat after the last M5 could gather "only" 383lb ft at 6,100rpm.
The primary cause of the change to forced-induction, nevertheless, is the push for improved economy. And boy has it worked, with usage improved by 30 percent on the old version to 28.5mpg within the EU Joined cycle. Plus an extra 80litre tank instead of the 70-litre thing of a standard 5-series, this means a touring variety within the area of 400 miles between fill-ups.

As for operation, the M5's 552bhp from 6,000-7,000rpm means 0-62mph in 4.4 second plus a top speed restricted to 155mph (190mph in case you choose for the M Driver's package).
With regards to styling, the M5 is about as subtle as an animal like this could get.
It's the same story inside, with loads of room for five individuals as well as their bag, in addition to that sense of solidity and tactility that BMW does so nicely. Like every present 5 - series the center console and its own controls are angled slightly to the driver you can certainly sit one sixfooter behind another and in advance.
Mounted behind the steering-wheel are paddles for the sevenspeed doubleclutch gearbox, which itself can function as either an automobile or sequential manual. Thankfully, in case you ever locate an ideal setup you'll be able to save and remember it via one of two "M" buttons to the controls.
Whether there are just two things not lacking within the M5 they are buttons and torque. I counted 58 altogether, all in the driver's order - and that's before you make it into BMW's iDrive car info and multimedia system.
Everything sounds like it's definitely going to become a technical nightmare, but the methods are mostly intuitive to utilize. Actually, besides the steering, that one extremely good setup might have been better-than three not-quite as good ones, the gizmos all provide their particular actual gains.
That much is obvious whenever you fire the snarling V8 into life and tripped down a cobbled street to learn that the M5 not only rides good, but that it's more cozy when compared to a conventional 5-collection.
Prod the accelerator and within an immediate the M5 is less cruiser, more bruiser. Gear shifts are instantaneous, not it truly matters: in any gear and at any revs it is a relentlessly fast car.
All this provides control something to the traction of a work out.
Brake discs the size of dinner plates show amply strong for street use and simple to modulate via the pedal.
The inclination here, as-is BMW M Division's will not, is for something within the limit of grip to lead to oversteer instead of understeer, so you got to believe long and difficult before knocking back the balance management and then see the street like it's about the Man Booker Prize short-list should any unexpected bumps or crests toss you off-line. The compliant suspension obviously aids, but nevertheless, it can't work wonders.
This really is very a motor-car, then, and something that's worth the badge. Some may say that at?73,040 it's an impression in the costly side, but also for a saloon car that's as quickly as a Ferrari, as well as one that's this nicely assembled, I believe it truly represents fairly excellent value.

THE FACTS
BMW M5
Price/on sale: From ?73,040/November
Tested: 4,395cc twin-turbo petrol, 7spd auto
Power/torque: 552bhp @ 6,000-7,000rpm/ 501lb ft @1,500-5,750rpm
Top speed: 190mph
Acceleration: 0-62mph in 4.4sec

Fuel economy: 28.5mpg (Combined)
CO2 emissions: 232g/km
VED band: L (?790 first year, ?445 thereafter)
Verdict: Brutally fast with an agile chassis and great ride, the latest M5 proves that technology needn’t detract from the driving experience
Telegraph rating: Five out of five
RIVALS
Jaguar XFR, ?65,350
Light on its feet, with fabulous steering and a great interior, the big Jag delivers a blow thanks to its supercharged 5.0-litre V8. This Cat gives 510bhp, 155mph flat-out, 0-62mph in 4.9sec and 22.5mpg on the Combined cycle.