2015 BMW M5

he M5 models are essentially the 5-Series sedans tuned and reworked by the BMW M performance division since 1985. They have been produced for every generation of the 5 Series since 1985. The current 2015 M5 is the fifth generation in the M5 lineup and is based on the sixth-generation F10 BMW 5 Series sedan.

The 2015 BMW M5 really is a standalone car with no trim levels to choose from. BMW does offer tremendous customizability with the car and you can perfectly tune it according to your taste. The premium leather interior can be customized according to a wide color palette. The most popular option is the Competition Package that bumps up the output to 575 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque and boasts a revised suspension setup. 

This package also lowers the car by another 10 mm (0.4 inches). However, this package comes at a hefty price tag of $7,300. The next add-on package is the Executive package for $6,400 which throws in features like Fully LED headlights, automatic high beams, 4-zone climate control, a head-up display, self-closing doors, and a power trunk lid. We also recommend getting the Driver Assistance Plus Package that brings in useful safety aids such as a blind spot monitoring system, a frontal collision-mitigation system, side- and top-view parking cameras, speed limit information, and a driver fatigue monitor.

Which Trim should you buy?

There's only one trim level with the BMW M5, so this question is pretty much redundant. We would recommend not getting the Competition Package unless you really want to smoke your neighbor's Mercedes-AMG E63 S. The Competition Package has a much stiffer ride than the standard M5. And as for the power output, most buyers will rarely feel the difference between 560 hp and 575 hp. We highly recommend the Driver Assistance Plus Package for additional safety features that the base trim lacks.

The highlight of the BMW M5 will always be under its hood. Rumbling under the hood one will find the 4.4 L Twin-Turbocharged V8 engine that generates 560 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. The engine is force-fed fuel and air via a direct injection system. The BMW M twin-scroll turbochargers offer negligible lag when you slam the throttle down. This unit is mated to a standard seven-speed dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission. This transmission boasts three settings as per the driver's requirements. In its lowest setting, the transmission braces for smooth and early shifts making it perfect for everyday cruising. 

Moving on to second and third modes, the shifting speed trickles up and so does the redline, thus allowing for the engine to build more power before shifting into the next gear. For enthusiasts, BMW also offers the optional Six-Speed Manual transmission to make the BMW M5 the Ultimate Driving Machine. What's more impressive is that this is a zero-cost substitution. An Active M-Differential provides torque vectoring between the rear wheels, which are 19-inches in standard trim.

Looking at the spec sheet, the M5 is evenly matched to its primary competitors from Germany. Due to the M5 being rear-wheel drive, it loses to the AWD E63 and RS7 in zero to 60 MPH times. However, in real-life conditions, you will never notice the one-tenth of a second difference. The M5 is capable of going toe to toe with any other super sedan on the market right now.

If you are in the market for one of these super sedans, chances are you don’t really care about how much fuel these cars will be consuming. Nonetheless, the BMW M5, when released, was praised for its improved fuel economy compared to its predecessor. At 16 MPG on combined driving, the fuel economy is decent considering the performance of this car. Thankfully, BMW offers a large 21.1-gallon fuel tank which enables longer trips without frequent stops for refueling.

The BMW M5 is certainly a gas guzzler and the fanboys must be disappointed seeing the M5 lag so far behind the AMG E63 and RS7 when considering fuel economy. Both of these offer better fuel economy, thus longer overall range, making them more appealing for potential BMW buyers.

Another reason for M5s popularity is that they boast the perfect blend of performance and luxury. At the core, the M5 is essentially a luxurious mid-size executive car from Germany. It is the most expensive 5 series which also translates to the most luxurious 5 series sedan. Nothing inside the M5 will feel cheap or out of place. Everything you touch will be lined with high-quality materials. There is extensive use of brushed aluminum and premium leather inside the cabin of the M5.

The front seats are the place to be in as they offer the most amount of headroom for a car in this class. As standard, you get sport bucket seats which are beautifully crafted with premium perforated leather. These front seats offer tremendous adjustability for both driver and the passenger. They also come with heating functionality as standard. The rear seats are also quite generous in terms of headroom and shoulder room. However, they aren’t as roomy as the 7 series that the car is based on. The cargo capacity is rather average at 14 cubic feet which is lower than many mid-size sedans in the market.

On the spec sheet, the BMW M5 dominates when it comes to offering front row space. It is leagues ahead of other super sedans when it comes to front row headroom and shoulder room. However, the same does not apply to the second row of seating where the M5 is pretty much on par with the competition when it comes to space. That said, some of the most highlighting interior features are:

• Keyless ignition and entry
• Sunroof
• Auto-dimming mirrors
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Leather upholstery
• Power tilt-and-telescoping steering column
• 16-way power sport front seats
• Aluminum interior trim 
• Heated front seats with memory settings
• Split-folding rear seats

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The standard infotainment system on the BMW M5 consists of a 10.2-inch widescreen display that runs the latest BMW iDrive Infotainment System. This system is controlled via a touchpad present in the central console. The system is pretty easy to use and boasts crisp graphics. However, at times the screen can feel a bit dull especially under harsh sunlight. A 16-speaker Harman Kardon Surround Sound System is also offered standard along with hard-drive storage to store your countless songs and albums. 

If this system isn't enough you can upgrade to a Bang & Olufsen Sound System for $3,700. You can also add in a Rear Seat entertainment system for an additional 2.2 grand. That said, some of the standard infotainment features include:

• 10.2 Inch Widescreen Display with iDrive Infotainment System
• USB ports + Smartphone integration
• 16 Speaker Harman Kardon Surround Sound System
• Bluetooth
• Satellite Radio
• CD/DVD Player

The 2015 BMW M5, when unveiled in 2011, was criticized for its muted looks and low profile. The M5 definitely qualifies as a sleeper car as there aren’t many distinguishing factors that make it stand out from the sea of other 5 series sedans. This generation of the M5 feels a bit more grown and mature with a clean design with strong shoulder creases and an elegant rear end. The optional 20 inch machined aluminum wheels definitely enhance the look of the sedan quite a bit compared to the standard 19s.

All of these super sedans are gorgeous in their own right and none of them stand out too much. It is up to the consumer to decide which one suits their style and preference. The M5 certainly looks the most muscular out of all these super sedans. Some of the features that solidify these looks on the M5 are:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Driver-adjustable adaptive suspension 
• Summer performance tires
• Adaptive xenon headlights
• Keyless ignition and entry
• Black chrome tailpipes 
• Optional 20-inch wheels

In the IIHS evaluation of the BMW 5 Series sedan, the car scored a rating of “Good” which is their highest rating in all three categories except for the Small Overlap Front Test where it scored “Marginal” which is second best. However, considering the price tag, there is a surprising lack of standard safety features on offer with the 2015 M5. The safety aids that can be added on to the M5 via packages are:

• Adaptive Headlights with Dusk Sensing
• Emergency Braking Preparation 
• Post Collision Safety System
• Emergency Braking Assist
• Cruise Control
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control
• Top View Cameras
• Night Vision Camera with Pedestrian Detection

2015 BMW M5 vs 2015 Mercedes-AMG E63

The Mercedes-AMG E63 sedan has always been the closest competitor to the M5. The 2015 AMG E63 offers equal amounts of performance compared to the Bimmer. Although, somehow the E63 feels sportier and aggressive whereas the BMW feels like a luxury sedan on steroids. Both are equally priced and equally fun.

2015 BMW M5 vs 2015 Audi RS7

The Audi RS7 is another tough challenger to the BMW M5s cred. The RS7 offers a lot more practicality with its larger boot. It also offers slightly better performance than the standard M5. However, it also costs a lot more than the M5. Even when you consider the M5 with the Competition Package, the Audi RS7 still stays a few grand ahead.

2015 BMW M5 vs 2015 Jaguar XF R

The Jaguar XF R is another beautiful super sedan with a glorious supercharged V8 that dares to challenge the M5. The Jaguar has only one thing going for it, which is its competitive pricing. The XF R is slightly low on the performance aspect, but it is equally fun to drive. However, if reliability is your concern you better stick to the M5.

Yes, if you have a hundred grand lying around you should definitely consider the 2015 BMW M5. The F10 BMW M5 is the perfect sleeper and no one will notice that you are rolling around with enough power to smoke out most supercars from stoplight to stoplight. It is also incredibly luxurious and sublime which could be another of your priorities considering the price point.