BMW M5 review: Luxury business car is faster than an Aston Martin – but it’ll cost you £90,000
The 2018 supersaloon from BMW is one of the best all-rounders you can buy - although it certainly doesn't come cheap. Blistering pace, great handling and a luxury cabin - what else do you need?
THE BMW M5. Lush, loud, lairy. God, I love alliteration. Your hooligan in Hugo Boss. OK, I’ll stop now.
But the point is, this 2018 super saloon is one of the finest all-in-one cars money can buy. Your luxury-business-cruiser-slash-track-bomber.
Our German cousins have been busy, very busy, making that V8 faster, shaving weight and adding four-wheel drive for the first time.
I know, the horror, 4WD – but with a cheat code.
But let’s look at the numbers first. How does 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds grab you? That’s half a second quicker than a DB11. And 0-124mph in 11.1?
Yep, you could lose your licence in no time at all.
Pay extra for the M Driver’s Package and the top speed is raised from 155mph to 189mph.
Now that magic M xDrive system I mentioned earlier does all sorts of things to make you look competent down an unknown B-road, sending maximum traction to the wheels that need it.
But it’s also very playful. There are many settings – hence the red M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel to save your favourites – and even 4WD Sport mode will let you enjoy a little flourish of oversteer exiting a corner with vigour.
There’s also the crashy-slidey-turn-everything-off-RWD mode for smoky burnouts and hero drifts. Track only, of course.
I liked it a lot. But with your sensible shoes on, the M5 is more Mmmmm 5.
Sophisticated, luxurious interior with digital cockpit and head-up display as standard. The illuminated speakers look classy, not trashy.
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Body control is excellent. And the new eight-speed auto, top notch.
I’d say the M5 ticks all the boxes. It should do for £90k.
Except one. There’s no estate version. So if you’ve got a dog, you’ll want the E63 down the road at Mercedes.
Key facts
BMW M5
Price: £89,640
Engine: 4.4-litre twin turbo V8
Economy: 26mpg
0-62mph: 3.4secs
Top speed: 155mph
Emissions: 241g/km
Out: February
Verdict: Peachy