M5 BMW M5 F10 - Test Drives/Reviews

[bmwblog]

That's BS indeed.

As with my X6 M the variable twin-turbo's, all the thrust is available at a moment's notice with little-to-no turbo lag if I have to be critical or exaggerating. Turbo lag I literally felt back in the day when I owned a E53 3.0d. Not even the X1 23d Twin Variable Turbo has lag worth mentioning at ANY throttle position.

There is a slight lag, but barely noticeable and that because we were very critical also. The car is phenomenal. Period.

And the best part, it has a Servotronic hydraulic system.

 

[Soup]

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[Merc1]

Would be nice to see it in some other colors now. Gee whiz.

M

 

[Kowalski]

The sheer breadth of this engine's ability is what sets the new M5 above the competition. Smooth, quiet and flexible when it need to be, it also posseses a frightening turn of pace that should leave its rivals standing. Factor in a lightning fast twin-clutch gearbox that's just as happy in auto and manual modes, and adjustable suspension that ranges from comfortable to rock-hard for track work, and the M5 has a sensational dual personality that's never been seen before in an M car. With fuel economy of 28.5mpg it's relatively efficient too, and is just as spacious as a standard 5 Series. Once again, BMW has redefined the performance saloon.

Read more: Auto Express - First Drives: BMW M5

 

[martinbo]

I much prefer the nicer looking 19" wheels and I'd not opt for the harder-riding 20 inchers if it was my purchase decision.

 

[FC123]

I much prefer the nicer looking 19" wheels and I'd not opt for the harder-riding 20 inchers if it was my purchase decision.

Highly agree - Wheels are getting far too large to make real sense for road cars, with the control/compliance aspect in mind.

 

[south]

I much prefer the nicer looking 19" wheels and I'd not opt for the harder-riding 20 inchers if it was my purchase decision.

This guy has taste!


Best regards,
south

 

[SCOTT27]

Would be nice to see it in some other colors now. Gee whiz.

M

In amongst the sea of Monte Carlo Blue nesting @ Ascari We also brought along the first BMW M5 finished in BMW Individual Frozen Black matte paintwork.

 

[Merc1]

Thanks Scott...its gorgeous.


M

 

[Kowalski]

This is what my M5 would look like if I had the dough to buy one.

 

[Merc1]

Highly agree - Wheels are getting far too large to make real sense for road cars, with the control/compliance aspect in mind.

Here I was thinking that in 1992 when the first production car with 18 inch wheels in the U.S. (the Ferrari 512TR) would set the limit, now everything has 18,19,20 inch wheels aren growing. Amazing how things progress.


M

 

[SCOTT27]

Mrs Scott gets behind the wheel.

 

[Mr Robert]

Sounds like it is quite good a car!

 

[FC123]

Here I was thinking that in 1992 when the first production car with 18 inch wheels in the U.S. (the Ferrari 512TR) would set the limit, now everything has 18,19,20 inch wheels aren growing. Amazing how things progress.


M

Progress/degress - I would love to hear an engineer from the industry explain, if there is actually a benifit beyond something like 18" with regards to road cars, when everything is taken into consideration. And with this I'm not talking about plus X amount of grip in a drag scenario.

 

[Beemer B773ER]

I much prefer the nicer looking 19" wheels and I'd not opt for the harder-riding 20 inchers if it was my purchase decision.

Although it lacks that special tailor-made for the M5 look of the E39 and E60 M5 wheels, the F10's 19" multi-spoke is definitely more appealing than the 20" 5-spoke alternative! Not perfect IMO... but better.


As for the car itself. Well.... strangely enough I'm having a hard time finding those who criticized and doubted M-Division during the M5's development. Busy eating words I guess....

 

[Beemer B773ER]

Hey Merc1,

Just reading through these reviews, I don't think there's any need to actually test-drive the M5. Just go check out the 6er with M-Package, give it a test drive,...and when you arrive back at the dealer, tell the salesperson 'It's nice, but not great' ....and the second after his/her face sinks in disappointment...mention that you would like to make a deposit on the new M5 instead!
Something tells me that driving experience and that powerplant are well worth choosing over the 6er's sexy-GT appeal.

 

[Merc1]

Hey Merc1,

Just reading through these reviews, I don't think there's any need to actually test-drive the M5. Just go check out the 6er with M-Package, give it a test drive,...and when you arrive back at the dealer, tell the salesperson 'It's nice, but not great' ....and the second after his/her face sinks in disappointment...mention that you would like to make a deposit on the new M5 instead!
Something tells me that driving experience and that powerplant are well worth choosing over the 6er's sexy-GT appeal.

Its going to be a difficult decision, but I don't see anything else making the cut right now.


M

 

[Betty Swollocks]

As for the car itself. Well.... strangely enough I'm having a hard time finding those who criticized and doubted M-Division during the M5's development. Busy eating words I guess....

I was one of those "doubters", and despite the obviously great reviews so far, my opinion hasn't changed. My point was always that the M5 was losing some appeal by making it forced induction. I'm well aware of the reasons behind the decision, and to some extent I understand it, but these reviews don't make any difference to me, and I certainly won't be "eating my words". In fact, in the Top Gear review, Ollie Marriage summed it up in one sentence. "The last generation M5 was a rabid V10 thing, all fury and attitude and nothing like any other 5-Series."

I guess it's too much to ask to expect what is basically a four door saloon (a very fast one though) to compete with some very exotic and sporty competitors. I suppose I'm not BMW's target market when it comes to the M5. The M3 was always great value and it was very hard to look elsewhere when it came to driver satisfaction/performance for the money, but when spending M5 money, there is some serious competition.

As for four door super saloons, the M5, on first reviews, seems to be the one to beat again and I wish it all the best.

 

[K-A]

Looks like an M5 is the sole F10 that has a chance to lure me from an E-Class. It looks a little too plain/dull in some colors, but in that blue, it's just right. If they can be reasonably negotiated or better yet, listed at under $85K in the States, this would be a helluva buy considering the engineering and so-insane-you'll-never-be-able-to-use-it-but-you-sure-could-brag-about-it performance.

 

[klier]

I much prefer the nicer looking 19" wheels and I'd not opt for the harder-riding 20 inchers if it was my purchase decision.

I'd go for the harder riding 20" rims because they look great and the 19" ones are fugly