What Is It?
2006 BMW M5
What's Special About It?
Although BMW showed this car in nearly completed concept form last spring, this represents the full production model that is scheduled to go on sale in the States next fall. As expected it will run a Formula One-inspired V10 engine that cranks out 507 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. With a redline of 8,250, the 5.0-liter V10 not only spins to dizzying speeds it emits an exhaust note that no other V8 can match. A seven-speed SMG transmission will be the only gearbox available, but it's fortified with electronic launch control and steering wheel shift paddles so performance isn't likely to suffer compared to traditional manual gearboxes. A set of 19-inch wheels and tires helps put all that power to the ground along with a variable differential lock that distributed power to the wheel with the most traction. The revised suspension uses aluminum control arms and adjustable dampers to provide a level of control commensurate with the power on tap.
Styling changes are subtle, but effective. The front and rear fascias are more aggressive while the fenders were enlarged to cope with the larger wheels and tires. M5-specific wheels are also part of the package along with quad tailpipes and side grilles similar to those used on the M3 coupe. Interior upgrades include more aggressively bolstered sport seats, "Motorsport" badging and a standard head-up display so you can concentrate on the road and not the unique gauge cluster.
What's Edmunds' Take?
It doesn't take an enthusiast to figure out the draw of BMW's latest "M" car. Although there are more cars than ever that qualify for the 500-hp club, the fact that the M5 offers such heroic levels of performance wrapped up in a sleeper sedan package makes it all the more appealing. The lack of a rear manual gearbox is a disheartening development, but given the quality of the overall package, it's a drawback we could live with — for a little while at least. — Ed Hellwig.
2006 BMW M5
What's Special About It?
Although BMW showed this car in nearly completed concept form last spring, this represents the full production model that is scheduled to go on sale in the States next fall. As expected it will run a Formula One-inspired V10 engine that cranks out 507 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. With a redline of 8,250, the 5.0-liter V10 not only spins to dizzying speeds it emits an exhaust note that no other V8 can match. A seven-speed SMG transmission will be the only gearbox available, but it's fortified with electronic launch control and steering wheel shift paddles so performance isn't likely to suffer compared to traditional manual gearboxes. A set of 19-inch wheels and tires helps put all that power to the ground along with a variable differential lock that distributed power to the wheel with the most traction. The revised suspension uses aluminum control arms and adjustable dampers to provide a level of control commensurate with the power on tap.
Styling changes are subtle, but effective. The front and rear fascias are more aggressive while the fenders were enlarged to cope with the larger wheels and tires. M5-specific wheels are also part of the package along with quad tailpipes and side grilles similar to those used on the M3 coupe. Interior upgrades include more aggressively bolstered sport seats, "Motorsport" badging and a standard head-up display so you can concentrate on the road and not the unique gauge cluster.
What's Edmunds' Take?
It doesn't take an enthusiast to figure out the draw of BMW's latest "M" car. Although there are more cars than ever that qualify for the 500-hp club, the fact that the M5 offers such heroic levels of performance wrapped up in a sleeper sedan package makes it all the more appealing. The lack of a rear manual gearbox is a disheartening development, but given the quality of the overall package, it's a drawback we could live with — for a little while at least. — Ed Hellwig.
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