For decades, the BMW M5 has reigned as the king of performance sedans, a car that seamlessly blends luxury with breathtaking power. But the lineage hasn’t always been a smooth ride for enthusiasts. After the naturally aspirated V-8 and V-10 eras that cemented the M5’s legendary status, the introduction of a twin-turbo V-8 in 2013 left some longing for the raw emotion of its predecessors. While undeniably potent, that generation felt somewhat detached, prioritizing brute force over driver engagement. The whispers of an all-wheel-drive system and the abandonment of the manual transmission for the latest iteration only amplified concerns. Could BMW recapture the magic? Could the new M5 reignite the passion?
Those anxieties began to dissipate the moment we put the 2018 BMW M5 to the test. BMW promised a lighter car despite the addition of all-wheel drive, and a substantial power bump to 600 horsepower from its twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8. The numbers were enticing, but the real question was whether they translated into a truly engaging driving experience. We were eager to discover if this new M5 was just about impressive figures, or if it had rediscovered its soul.
Blistering Acceleration: The BMW M5 0-60 MPH Sprint
Our first order of business was to unleash the M5’s fury at the test track, focusing on the metric that truly defines modern performance: the 0-60 mph sprint. The eight-speed automatic transmission, initially a point of apprehension for purists, proved to be a masterstroke in conjunction with the all-wheel-drive system. BMW’s engineers have crafted a launch control system that is both remarkably user-friendly and devastatingly effective. Simply holding the brake and accelerator unleashes a symphony of controlled aggression. The engine revs climb to just under 3000 rpm, and the rear wheels momentarily break traction, a hint of the M5’s rear-wheel-drive DNA before the front axle engages to catapult you forward.
The result? A mind-bending 0-60 mph time of just 2.8 seconds. This figure isn’t just impressive for a sedan; it places the BMW M5 in the hypercar territory, matching the acceleration of a Tesla Model S P90D to 60 mph, and crucially, surpassing it in the sprint to 100 mph and the quarter-mile dash. The quarter-mile is dispatched in a mere 10.9 seconds at a staggering 129 mph. Turbo lag is virtually nonexistent; the engine delivers an instantaneous surge of power, reminiscent of a naturally aspirated behemoth, but with the added punch of forced induction. The transmission is equally impressive, locking up the torque converter almost immediately for a direct and responsive feel, banishing any hint of traditional automatic slush.
Even after repeated launch control runs, the M5 consistently delivered astonishing acceleration. While the system did subtly adjust the launch rpm downwards after a few attempts, the impact on performance was minimal. Interestingly, our test car, supposedly governed at 155 mph, shrugged off that limitation and surged to a verified 163 mph, hinting at the even greater potential unlocked by the optional M Driver’s package, which raises the top speed to 189 mph.
Rear-Wheel Drive Dynamics: Exploring the M5’s Versatility
BMW, recognizing the allure of rear-wheel-drive dynamics, has ingeniously engineered the M5’s all-wheel-drive system to be defeatable, allowing drivers to switch to a pure rear-drive mode. This feature, echoing the Mercedes-AMG E63 S’s Drift mode, provides an intriguing opportunity to assess the real-world impact of all-wheel drive on acceleration.
In rear-wheel-drive configuration, the M5’s 0-60 mph time increases to 3.6 seconds, and the quarter-mile time to 11.6 seconds. While still exceptionally quick, these figures underscore the monumental advantage of all-wheel traction when harnessing 553 lb-ft of torque. Launching in rear-wheel drive becomes a delicate dance, demanding precise throttle control to manage wheelspin and maximize grip. The all-wheel-drive system, therefore, isn’t just about straight-line speed; it’s about delivering consistent, repeatable, and accessible performance in virtually any condition.
Beyond Straight Lines: The M5’s Engaging Character
The BMW M5 is far more than just a 0-60 mph statistic. BMW hasn’t simply chased numbers; they’ve imbued this M5 with a renewed sense of driver connection. It feels less digitally filtered, more organically engaging than its immediate predecessor. The steering, often a point of criticism in modern BMWs, is genuinely communicative, offering actual feedback and liveliness.
On the track, the M5 demonstrated its dynamic prowess, pulling 0.98 g on the skidpad. While the front tires communicate their limits with audible protest, on public roads, the chassis exhibits a remarkable balance, feeling agile and smaller than its substantial dimensions suggest. There’s a genuine joy to be found in pushing the M5, a sense of involvement that was missing in the previous generation. You feel like a participant, not just a passenger in a technological showcase.
Luxury and Refinement: The Dual Nature of the M5
Despite its blistering performance capabilities, the M5 remains a true luxury sedan. In Comfort mode, the adaptive dampers provide a ride quality that rivals a standard 5-Series. While Sport and Sport Plus modes stiffen things up considerably, they are best reserved for truly spirited driving.
The interior is a sanctuary of comfort and refinement. The leather seats are both supple and supportive, enveloping occupants in luxurious embrace. Large windows create an airy and spacious cabin, a welcome contrast to some of its more claustrophobic competitors. Road and wind noise are remarkably subdued, even at high speeds, contributing to a sense of serene composure. At 70 mph, the sound meter registers a hushed 66 decibels, rising to a still-civilized 74 decibels under full throttle. In Sport mode, the audio system subtly enhances the engine’s soundtrack, reaching 80 decibels at peak acceleration, a carefully judged balance that amplifies the driving experience without becoming intrusive.
A True Return to Form
The 2018 BMW M5 is unequivocally a return to form for the legendary nameplate. It’s a car that has rediscovered the delicate balance between technology and tactility, enjoyment and outright performance. The numbers are undeniably impressive – the Bmw M5 0-60 Mph time of 2.8 seconds is a testament to its raw power and sophisticated engineering – but the M5 is so much more than just a collection of statistics. It’s a car that reignites the passion, offering a driving experience that is both thrilling and deeply rewarding. For the first time in a long time, the M5 is once again a car that truly stirs the soul, proving that BMW has successfully blended blistering performance with genuine driver engagement, creating a performance sedan that is not just incredibly fast, but also incredibly desirable.
