BMW M5

On the inside, the similarities between the regular 5-Series and the M5 too are just like how they are on the outside. The differences here too are quite subtle, with appreciable detailing to favor on the part of the M5.

The M5 gets a rather sporty-in-feel three-spoke steering wheel with round hexagonal center boss and silver inserts. The instrument console as well as the hexagonal center console with pop-up style trapezoidal screen for iDrive has been lifted off from the regular 5-Series. Although, BMW has made special attempts to make the cabin of the M5 feel more special in comparison, which is why it gets three leather upholstery options and three trim level options.

In terms of space, there is nothing much to differentiate between the regular 5-Series and the M5, with the cabin accommodating enough to seat four adults with complete ease, though a fifth passenger can squeeze in comfortably too.
When it comes to features, full marks have to be given to BMW to make the cabin feel luxurious and sporty in feel at the same time.

One does get multi-functional seats with electrical adjustments, memory functions and cooling and heating functions, full color BMW heads-up display with M-specific functions, ambient lighting, full digital cockpit with analog pattern for dials, automatic climate control with separate settings for all passengers, ceramic embellishments for center console and transmission tunnel, Alcantara roof with electric sunroof, iDrive touchscreen infotainment system with gesture control, 16-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, massage function for front seats and BMW M Laptimer App.

As with every generation of the M5, this sixth generation version of the BMW M5 too is based on the regular 5-Series. This means that the car shares a lot with the 5-Series in terms of looks, which might limit its visual appeal for a sportscar. However, there are a couple of subtle differences on the outside, which make it look a bit wilder than the regular 5-Series.

Take for instance, the frontal look of the M5. It does get the same all-LED headlamp setup which extends till the twin-kidney grille, as on the 5-Series. However, the front bumper has been revised to accommodate larger air dams in the lower portions of the bumper. Also, the signature dual Corona rings for daytime running LEDs too have been restyled.

From the sides, one needs a watchful pair of eyes to spot differences between the regular 5-Series and the M5, for the side profile of both the cars is exactly the same. However, the M5 does get bigger wheels, lower ground clearance and thinner profile tyres to accentuate its sporty appeal even further. Also, the outside rear view mirrors are styled in a more aerodynamic way with fins to enhance better wind protection.

At the rear too, things are mildly different from the 5-Series. Just like the front, the tail lamps with LED inserts have been lifted off from the 5-Series. However, the rear bumper gets mild revisions and the M5 gets four exhaust pipes to make sure you are following the wilder form of the 5-Series.

It’s not all about the performance in the M5, but the way it handles that extra power over the 5-Series is what makes the M5 feel more special. The M5 has always been a driver’s delight, and even in this generation avatar, the M5 comes with revised suspension settings and brakes over the regular 5-Series. The M5 has been blessed with three different ride modes for the suspension setup – comfort, sport and sport plus, in the increasing order of agility and responsiveness. The overall suspension setting is on a stiffer side over the regular 5-Series, but that helps a lot in its accurate driving dynamics. The M5 also gets M Carbon ceramic brakes for a sharp braking experience.

This is the biggest differentiator between the regular 5-Series and the M5, for the latter comes fitted with a more powerful and technologically advanced powertrain option. Powering the BMW M5 is a 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 petrol engine, which pumps out 600 bhp of maximum power and 750 Nm of maximum torque. Channeling this mammoth performance outputs to all the four wheels is a new generation 8-speed M Steptronic automatic gearbox. One does get three different driving modes in the xDrive system for the M5 – 4WD, 4WD Sport, and 2WD, for increased thrilling performance levels in that order.

Being a top of the line sportscar is a preliminary need for having an impressive safety equipment list, and the M5 falls in the same category as well. Apart from the regulars like front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, front and rear parking sensors and reverse parking camera, hill launch assist and hill descent control, the M5 also gets adaptive headlamp system, heads-up display, parking assistance plus for better electronic help while parking the car, driving assistance plus for decreasing fatigue, Night vision with person recognition system and dynamic stability control with three different modes.

If you want to stand out from the crowd of luxury cars, the BMW M5 might not give you the best of the worlds of Italian exotics. The car looks more or less the same as the regular 5-Series, and although BMW has tried its best to make it look different by detailing jobs in and out, it still feels a slightly jacked up 5-Series, which it actually is. However, the M5 has always been about performance and driving dynamics, and in that front, the current generation M5 is among the best in the industry.