BMW M5 review - pictures

The new BMW M5 is the latest in a line of models which have set the benchmark for all high performance saloons.

Inside owners are treated to a double spoke M design steering wheel and luxurious multi-adjustable sports seats. Once more, the headlining is made from Alcantara, with stainless steel pedals helping create a sporty feel. This is f

Over the standard 5 Series, there are a number of notable exterior upgrades. Firstly, there is the M 'kidney' grille, which features high gloss double slats, followed by black door mirrors, carbon fibre roof and twin tailpipes at the r

Due to aluminium being used throughout the M5's body, it weighs 50kg less than the previous generation car, despite the new 4x4 drivetrain. The M5 measures in at 4,966mm long, 2,126mm wide and 1,473mm, meaning it is not for the faint h

In the centre of the dash, the M5 has a tablet style 10.25-inch touchscreen (with specific M interface), while a head-up display is found in front of the driver. When bought new you also get a 12-month subscription to BMW Connected ser

The new BMW M5 comes with a massive 592bhp from its twin-turbo V8, which despite some groans from ardent rear-wheel-drive BMW fans, is best delpoyed through a four-wheel drive system. If you opt for the Competition, power is increased

The M5 uses an eight-speed automatic gearbox to send power to its wheels, helping it claim a 0-62mph time of 3.4 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph. The Competition pack reduces the 0-62mph time to 3.3 seconds, and opting for th

For normal road use there are 4WD and 4WD Sport modes with the latter bringing more rear bias to the set-up, resulting in a driving experience that helps enthusiastic drivers forget they’ve got xDrive at all. Sending torque to the

<span>Wide-opening doors reveal a spacious 5 Series interior, with the extra body length being put to good use for rear seat passengers, who have plenty of space to lounge and lots of headroom too. There’s easily room for three-abreast

<span>Safety hasn't been ignored with the M5. The standard 5 Series was awarded a 5-star Euro NCAP crash rating and&nbsp;scored highly for adult and child occupants. </span>&nbsp;The standard autonomous braking system was commended, an

<span>Despite all the performance, when you leave things in comfort mode there’s enough compliance in the suspension to let the M5 ride supremely comfortably over challenging British road surfaces – the only issue being a slightly jigg