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Ask anyone who loves European cars to name their ultimate executive performance sedan, and there’s a good chance the BMW M5 will be the first thing they utter. The halo model for the 5 Series range has always been at the cutting edge of technology and performance, and over the years this luxury go-fast sedan has warped into a supercar beater in terms of its acceleration and awe-inspiring agility. It’s no surprise that all that progress comes at a price – the M5 starts at $259,900.
The BMW M5 G90 features an 'S68' 4.4-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 developing 430kW (5600-6500rpm) and 750Nm (1800-5400rpm). It is a development of the previous 'S63' found in the F90.
BMW's M division boosted outputs using a 145kW electric motor embedded in the transmission, for total combined power and torque of 535kW and 1000Nm.
The M5 drives all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic, and the front axle can be disconnected in 2WD mode.
With a focus on technology and touchscreens, the M5 uses BMW's 'Operating System 8.5' and retains a rotary controller. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
Buyers can options various different interior trim materials and leather colours, including bold red/black and 'Kyalami Orange'/black combinations.
The BMW M5 has a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.5 seconds, a tenth slower than its 'F90' predecessor.
Once on the move, its gathers speed quickly making the 80-120km/h interval in 2.2 seconds (in 4th gear) and taking just 10.9 seconds to reach 200km/h.
In Australia, the standard 'M Driver's Package' lifts the M5's electronically limited top speed from 250km/h to 305km/h.
You should never consider a car as an investment, just a depreciating asset, unless you're lucky enough to have a rare classic Porsche or Ferrari in the garage. The V10-engined M5 is definitely a favourite with driving enthusiasts but it's unlikely to become a serious investment because of the number built.
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The M5 is fully loaded, equipped with 20/21-inch alloy wheels, 'M Carbon Exterior' package including carbon roof and rear lip spoiler, adaptive LED headlights and ‘Iconic Glow’ illuminated kidney grille surrounds.
Other features include keyless entry, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, an interior camera, 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, M seatbelts, four-zone climate control and a power tailgate.
Carbon ceramic brakes ($18,500) and BMW 'Individual' paintwork (from $4100) are the only options.
The five-seat BMW M5 is equipped with electrically adjustable sports seats. They are heated and ventilated for front passengers.
The M5's rear seat room is ample for those up to and above 180cm tall.
The BMW M5 sedan has a 466-litre boot though its shape is not particularly practical. The Touring is only rated a little larger, at 500 litres, but with a flat floor and better load bay shape it is a lot more useable.
The BMW M5 has an 18.6kWh lithium-ion battery which can help it travel up to 69km (WLTP) on electric power only at speeds of up to 140km/h.
Combined fuel consumption is rated at 3.2L/100km (ADR) and the M5 has a 60-litre fuel tank requires 98 RON unleaded petrol.
In the real-world, expect around 650km of driving range from a mix of electric and petrol combined.