2013 BMW M5 First Test: A Bigger Bang: Latest Sedan promises Big Step

The latest generation of M5 manages to address the daily driving issues ignored by the e60, while simultaneously blowing it out of the water in performance. Enthusiasts may wax poetic about spinning the V-10’s tachometer needle past 8000 rpm, but the rush of torque — 500 lb-ft, to be exact — created by the twin-turbo […]

The latest generation of M5 manages to address the daily driving issues ignored by the e60, while simultaneously blowing it out of the water in performance. Enthusiasts may wax poetic about spinning the V-10’s tachometer needle past 8000 rpm, but the rush of torque — 500 lb-ft, to be exact — created by the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 launches the big car like a cannonball.

The SMG transmission is gone, replaced by a thoroughly modern twin-clutch seven-speed semi-automatic transmission. The suspension has a greater range of adjustments from the previous car’s, and even the steering assist is surprisingly variable. With all knobs and switches set in Economy or Comfort mode. The freeway ride is comfortable; the steering is light by BMW standards; and the transmission jumps to the highest possible fuel-saving gear as quickly as it can.