BMW M5

The BMW M5 is the high-performance variant of the 5 Series, engineered by BMW M GmbH since 1984. The first M5, based on the E28 chassis, borrowed its engine from the M1 sports car, making it the fastest production sedan of its era. Over eight generations, the M5 has evolved from a 286-hp analog icon to a 717-hp plug-in hybrid. The current G90-generation sedan and Touring estate combine a twin-turbo V-8 with an electric motor, offering up to 24 miles of EV range. Yet the car now weighs over 5,300 pounds, heavier than a Chevrolet Tahoe, a fact that has divided enthusiasts. Some swear by the lighter, sharper F90 generation, while others embrace the hybrid's silent thrust and tech-laden cabin.

Produced in sedan form with estate versions in select markets, the M5 competes directly with the Mercedes-AMG E63 and Audi RS6 Avant. The 2027 model starts around $120,000, while used examples range from $15,000 for a high-mileage E39 to over $230,000 for a low-mileage CS. The limited-run 2022 M5 CS, with 627 hp, sprints to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, quicker than many supercars. Despite its heft, the G90 delivers staggering grip and acceleration, thanks to adaptive M suspension and all-wheel drive with a rear-wheel-drive mode. The interior wraps passengers in leather, carbon fiber, and a curved display running iDrive 8.5.

Cultural impact is immense. The M5 pioneered the concept of a family sedan with supercar performance. The E39 generation, in particular, is revered for its balanced chassis and the howl of its 4.9-liter V-8. Straight-piped E39s have been known to make Corvettes cry. The CS variant is already a collector's item. With the 2028 refresh spotted testing a redesigned dashboard, the M5 legacy continues to evolve, heavier, more powerful, and more complex, but still the benchmark it set forty years ago. [edit]