The BMW M5

 The BMW M5 has been a flagship performance sedan for BMW since its debut, blending the luxury and practicality of a 5 Series with the raw performance of the M division. Over the years, the M5 has evolved significantly, and each generation has brought its own innovations and improvements. Here's a detailed look at the full evolution of the BMW M5:


1. BMW M5 E28 (1984–1988)

  • Engine: 3.5L inline-6 (M88/3)

  • Power: 282 hp

  • 0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds

  • Top Speed: 153 mph (246 km/h)

]The BMW M5 was born with the E28 generation, which featured a 3.5-liter inline-six engine derived from the BMW M1 supercar. This car was built to be a sleeper—unassuming and practical on the outside, but capable of out-performance against many of the day’s sports cars. The E28 M5 was the world’s first true super sedan, combining the comfort and luxury of a 5 Series with a performance-oriented engine and chassis. Despite its relatively modest output by modern standards, it made waves for its performance and handling at the time.


2. BMW M5 E34 (1988–1995)

  • Engine: 3.6L inline-6 (S38)

  • Power: 311 hp

  • 0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds

  • Top Speed: 155 mph (250 km/h)

The E34 M5 marked an evolution in the M5's legacy, introducing a more refined and technologically advanced package. The engine now had an increased displacement of 3.6 liters and was mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. It had improved suspension, making it more comfortable for daily driving, but still offering exceptional performance when pushed to the limit. The car also gained a bit of weight but remained a standout for its combination of high-speed stability and everyday usability. The E34 M5 was praised for its precision handling, solid build quality, and balance.

3. BMW M5 E39 (1998–2003)

  • Engine: 4.9L V8 (S62)

  • Power: 394 hp

  • 0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds

  • Top Speed: 155 mph (250 km/h)

The E39 M5 is one of the most beloved M5s, combining brute force with refined luxury. With the introduction of a 4.9-liter V8 engine, the E39 M5 became a true performance icon. It was one of the first M cars to have electronic aids like traction control and stability systems, though the car still had the rawness and precision that M enthusiasts crave. It offered an incredible mix of power, handling, and comfort, and many enthusiasts still consider it one of the best M5s ever produced. It had a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a 5-speed automatic being available. The E39 M5 could keep up with supercars of the era, and its balanced chassis made it a joy to drive on any road.


4. BMW M5 E60 (2005–2010)

  • Engine: 5.0L V10 (P60B40)

  • Power: 500 hp

  • 0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds

  • Top Speed: 155 mph (250 km/h)

The E60 M5 was a bold departure for BMW, with the introduction of a high-revving 5.0-liter V10 engine that produced an astonishing 500 horsepower. The car was significantly more powerful than its predecessors, making it capable of blistering performance. However, it was also equipped with the advanced SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) transmission, which some enthusiasts criticized for being less engaging than a traditional manual. Despite the gearbox's mixed reviews, the E60 M5 delivered incredible performance, acceleration, and cornering capabilities, with its electronic aids further enhancing stability and handling. The V10 engine was known for its aggressive sound and high-revving nature, though it was also thirstier and more maintenance-heavy than the previous inline-six and V8 engines.


5. BMW M5 F10 (2011–2016)

  • Engine: 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 (S63)

  • Power: 560 hp

  • 0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds

  • Top Speed: 155 mph (250 km/h)

The F10 M5 marked a return to turbocharging with the introduction of a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. The power output was now 560 horsepower, and the car’s acceleration improved significantly, with a 0-60 mph time of just 3.7 seconds. The F10 M5 was equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which was far quicker and more responsive than the E60’s SMG unit. Handling was refined, and the M5 received several updates in terms of its suspension, electronics, and driver aids. While it still maintained a strong sense of raw power and performance, the F10 M5 was also more refined and comfortable for everyday use. It featured advanced safety and infotainment technologies, making it a more well-rounded package than its predecessors.


6. BMW M5 F90 (2017–Present)

  • Engine: 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 (S63)

  • Power: 617 hp (Standard), 627 hp (Competition)

  • 0-60 mph: 3.1 seconds (Competition)

  • Top Speed: 155 mph (250 km/h), 189 mph (Competition)

The F90 M5 represents the latest evolution of the model, combining extraordinary performance with cutting-edge technology. It carries forward the 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, but power is now up to 617 horsepower in the standard model and 627 horsepower in the M5 Competition. One of the most significant changes with the F90 M5 is the introduction of xDrive, BMW's all-wheel-drive system, which ensures that the M5 can handle the immense power while improving traction in various driving conditions. It’s the first time an M5 has come with AWD, making it more accessible in terms of performance, especially in less-than-ideal weather conditions.

In addition to the added power and AWD, the F90 M5 also introduced a dynamic stability control system, allowing the driver to select between more assistance or a more raw, rear-wheel-drive experience. The F90 M5 also features sophisticated driver assistance systems and a high-tech interior with BMW's latest infotainment system. It is a technological powerhouse, but also delivers thrilling performance on par with the best performance sedans in the world. The M5 Competition is the sharpest, most track-focused version of the car, but it retains the comfort and refinement that makes it suitable for daily driving.

Summary of Key Changes:

  • E28: Introduction of the first M5, setting the template for a high-performance sedan.

  • E34: Refined handling and a more luxurious interior; a more mature M5.

  • E39: The pinnacle of the traditional M5 formula with a balanced mix of comfort and raw performance.

  • E60: Introduction of a high-revving V10 engine; more aggressive styling and advanced electronics.

  • F10: Introduction of a twin-turbo V8; refined and more comfortable, with a focus on daily drivability.

  • F90: Introduction of xDrive, improved power, and performance, with a more modern tech-laden interior.

Conclusion:

The BMW M5 has evolved from a basic performance sedan into a high-tech, luxury performance car that offers cutting-edge performance, technology, and refinement. The car's evolution highlights how BMW has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance, handling, and comfort while retaining the M division's core philosophy of driving pleasure. Whether you're looking for a thrilling track day car or a refined daily driver, the BMW M5 continues to be one of the most respected performance sedans in the world.

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