BMW M5

The M5 is the high performance version of the BMW 5 Series executive saloon but built by the Motorsport division. The M5 was first introduced in 1984 at the Amsterdam Motor Show, it was built using the 535i chassis and a modified BMW M1 engine – it was the fastest production saloon car in the world.

The current model, the E60 M5 was introduced in 2005; it has a 4.9 litre BMW V10 engine. It has a peak output of 507 bhp (378 kW; 514 PS) and 520 N•m (380 lb•ft) of torque. It also has a 7-speed SMG III sequential manual gearbox, also known as a single-clutch automated manual transmission.


An interesting fact about the E60 M5 – it does not have fog lights as most high performance vehicles do, this is because the space occupied by the fog lights has to be utilised to help cool the brakes during “spirited” driving.

The E60 M5 was the most successful M5, despite being on the market for one year shorter than the E39 M5. During its five year run, 20,548 units were built composing of 19,523 saloons and 1025 estates.

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Personally, I love driving the BMW M5 in Scotland the country roads combined with twisty mountain roads really do bring the best out of the M5. The BMW M5 has always been the perfect combination of practicality and speed.