Throughout my career as an automotive journalist, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing a wide array of remarkable vehicles. From groundbreaking power and cutting-edge technology to innovative design, each drive has offered a unique perspective on automotive excellence.
Then, I finally got behind the wheel of the 2018 BMW M5.
It felt as though I was late to the party, possibly the last automotive writer to test drive the newly reimagined and engineered BMW M5. Having read numerous glowing reviews, I approached the M5 with a degree of skepticism, almost hoping to find fault where others had only seen perfection. Perhaps I was aiming to offer a dissenting opinion, to stand apart from the chorus of praise.
Describing the 2018 BMW M5 adequately proved to be a challenge. Initially, words seemed insufficient, resorting instead to expressive gestures and exclamations that were hardly suitable for professional discourse. It was a vehicle that initially left me speechless, communicating more through visceral reaction than articulate description.
However, I will endeavor to provide a civil and measured account of my experience, though the sheer excitement this car evokes makes absolute composure a difficult promise.
The BMW 5 Series has always held a special place in my estimation. While I generally avoid playing favorites, the 5 Series strikes an exceptional balance, positioned perfectly between the compact agility of the 3 Series and the opulent grandeur of the 7 Series. I intentionally sidestep the 6 Series, as it occupies a distinct niche deserving of its own dedicated discussion.
Miranda Lightstone aptly captures the essence: the 5 Series masterfully blends style and practicality, offering considerably more interior space than the 3 Series without venturing into the palatial dimensions of the 7 Series. Historically, the 5 Series has also provided a compelling range of engine options, delivering robust power and commendable handling, especially considering its larger footprint compared to the 3 Series sedan.
Now, entrust the 5 Series to the wizards at BMW’s M division, and the result is nothing short of transformative. A true beast is born.
There has been some debate surrounding the actual horsepower figures of the 2018 BMW M5. Independent dyno tests conducted by other automotive publications have suggested output numbers significantly higher than BMW’s official claims, potentially reaching the 700 horsepower range.
Let that sink in.
BMW officially rates the 2018 M5 at 600 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. This formidable power is distributed to all four wheels via the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system (though Sport+ mode cleverly directs power exclusively to the rear wheels for a more traditional driving feel). The raw force is immediately apparent the moment you engage the start/stop ignition.
Take a moment to let the exhilaration settle – or perhaps that’s just my lingering excitement.
In complete honesty, the sheer magnitude of power and acceleration this sedan possesses is genuinely astonishing. Utterly astonishing. The responsiveness is instantaneous, defying any notion of turbo lag from the 4.4L V8 TwinPower Turbocharger. It’s an intoxicating and deeply addictive sensation. Every opportunity to merge aggressively or accelerate rapidly, even under the guise of “avoiding” a potential incident, became irresistible.
Words struggle to capture the sheer thrill of speed in the 2018 BMW M5. It transcends mere velocity (although its 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds undeniably places it in the “fast” category). It’s the holistic experience from behind the wheel, and it’s not limited to the driver alone.
Never before have I encountered a passenger audibly pleading for me to cease accelerating, gripped by a genuine fear of motion sickness. And this is after years of piloting seriously rapid and potent vehicles with passengers on board. The intensity of g-forces generated during straight-line acceleration from a standstill in the 2018 BMW M5 is so profound that my unfortunate passenger was reduced to flailing limbs and desperate entreaties to stop, fearing the imminent re-emergence of our recent lunch within the M5’s pristine interior.
The handling of the BMW M5 is nothing short of sublime, exhibiting pinpoint precision. The 8-speed M Steptronic transmission is remarkably swift, delivering gear changes that are both seamless and rapid. The inclusion of M Servotronic, which intelligently adjusts steering input based on road conditions and driver preferences (customizable via the onboard system to tailor steering feel, throttle response, and suspension settings), coupled with the active M Differential enhancing traction when unleashing the M5’s considerable horsepower, further elevates the driving experience.
It’s remarkably easy to overlook the M5’s substantial size when the throttle is engaged. Body roll is virtually nonexistent during cornering (even during spirited driving, or so I’ve been told), and the sheer velocity makes its 4,370 lbs (1,982 kg) curb weight – a mere 17 lbs (8 kilos) lighter than its predecessor – easily forgivable. Weight concerns simply melt away in the face of such performance.
And then there’s the sound. The glorious sound. Equipped with the optional M Sport Exhaust system, downshifting merely to revel in the V8’s guttural burble, pops, and crackles becomes an addiction in itself, rivaling the addictive nature of pressing the accelerator.
Everything about this car is visceral, authentic, and despite the opulent luxury enveloping the occupants, undeniably raw at its core.
Delving into the intricacies of interior amenities and spaciousness feels almost irrelevant, as they are not the defining characteristics of this machine. However, it is a BMW, and therefore it naturally boasts the best that BMW offers: M-branded sport seats in the front, contrasting stitching, supple soft-touch materials, and lavish leather throughout the cabin, along with BMW’s continuously evolving iDrive system, improving with each new generation of vehicles.
I am rarely rendered speechless, much to the exasperation of my friends and family, but this luxury sedan, housing a beastly engine, left me genuinely astounded after a week in its command. It managed to steal my breath away, and perhaps even replace a few brain cells with pure, unadulterated excitement and an overwhelming surge of adrenaline.
Would I invest $133,800 (the final sticker price of my test vehicle, including a $4,900 Marina Bay Blue Metallic paint finish and a $1,200 carbon fiber engine cover) on a 2018 BMW M5? Without a moment’s hesitation. Though, I might require some assistance with bail money shortly thereafter…
2018 BMW M5 Specifications:
- MSRP: $113,000.00
- Price as Tested: $133,800.00
- Configuration: Front engine, AWD
- Engine/Transmission: 4.4L turbocharged V8, 8-speed automatic
- Power/Torque: 600 hp/553 lb-ft
- Fuel Economy: Irrelevant when piloting an M5
- Key Competitors: Audi RS 7, Mercedes-AMG E 63, Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, Porsche Panamera Turbo
Related Links: BMW USA
