2016 BMW M5

For the 2016 MY, the BMW M5 undergoes subtle yet evident changes. These include the introduction of a new limited-edition color, a standardized power liftgate, and improved USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Priced at $94,100 for its only variant, the sports sedan continues to be a serial performer that competes against the likes of the 2016 Audi RS7 and 2016 Cadillac CTS-V. 

The 2016 BMW M5 is offered in only 1 trim BASE and is priced at $94,100.  It comes fitted with a mighty V8 that bestows unparalleled performance to it. Amongst its standard set of features, the mid-size sedan sports a power liftgate, front and rear parking sensors, and an auto-dimming rearview camera.

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Due to the availability of just one trim, the 2016 BMW M5 Base trim becomes an obvious choice for those who are looking forward to buying this super sedan. With a great array of features as standard along with a performance with it, the M5 justifies the price it commands.

Under its skin, the M5 packs a powerful and burbling 4.4L V8 engine that churns out an impressive 560 hp from its belly and is good for 516lb.-ft. The burbling engine not only feels powerful but also feels well-tuned and responsive. The engine shows its true nature at high speeds and offers the rider an exhilarating performance and thus makes the ride quite thrilling.

It gets mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that reeks of refinement and never seems to be in the wrong gear. It transfers power to the rear wheels of the SUV. The 2016 BMW M5 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and can breach the quarter-mile run in 12.2 seconds, making it the slowest vehicle in the segment.

In terms of setup, the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V is the most powerful engine in the segment belting out 640hp and 630lb.-ft of torque. On the other hand, the 2016 RS7’s turbocharged engine gets mated to an AWD setup and produces similar power as the BMW.

When tested for the 0-60 timing, the 2016 Audi RS7 takes 3.6 seconds, making it the quickest in the segment and is closely followed by the 2016 CTS-V taking 3.8 seconds and thus finishes at the second place.

When it comes to giving long and break-free drives, the M5 trails behind its rivals as it offers an unimpressive amount of fuel economy of 16 mpg. It is rated at 14 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. However, it features the largest fuel tank in the segment that can hold 21.1-gallons and manages to cover a range of 295 and 422 miles in the city and on the highway, respectively.

When compared to the competitors, the 2016 RS7 is the most efficient sedan in the segment despite its strong performance averaging 21 MPG. The 2016 CTS-V is a notch above the BMW. However, like efficiency, the Audi leads the pack in terms of range covering 297 and 495 miles in the city and on the highway, respectively. However, both contemporary sedans lose out due to their smaller fuel tanks.

As soon as the rider steps inside, the cabin feels warm and welcoming. The cabin feels just as luxurious as any other luxury sedan in this price bracket from its stylish and well-laid interiors. On the inside, premium and high-quality materials like leather and aluminum accents have been appointed to enhance the overall interior experience and give a plush ride to the occupants.

The 2016 BMW M5 interiors provide a supple and comfortable ride quality. It can seat five passengers and the front seats are very comfortable, supportive and offer an ample amount of room to stretch. Just like the regular 5-series sedan, the M5 offers a spacious and comfortable rear cabin with enough room for the legs and the head to move and relax.

In the segment, the Audi RS7 loses out to its competitors due to its seating capacity of four passengers only. The Cadillac CTS-V on the other hand has maximum space for the front seat passengers without compromising on the rear-seat comfort. In terms of cargo capacity, it is difficult to declare a certain winner, as each competitor has eerily similar trunk volume.

Some standout interior features include:

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Leather Upholstery
• Keyless Start
• Dual-zone climate control
• Cruise Control

How intuitive is the infotainment system of the 2016 BMW M5?

The 2016 M5 makes use of BMW’s proprietary and intuitive iDrive system and comes loaded with features to the brim. As standard, it makes use of a 10.2-inch touchscreen system that does not have a steep learning curve and can be controlled using a central rotary knob which also has a touchpad interface. It comes connected to a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Some of its other infotainment features include:

• Satellite Radio
• Surround Sound System
• AM/FM Stereo
• USB Connection
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• DVD Player

With its muscular and aggressively styled sheet metal, the 2016 BMW M5 indicates the power that it is hiding beneath its hood. With its main body structure taken from the regular 5-series and then worked upon to look beefed up, the M5 looks like a muscular man with a lot of iron pumped into his body. From its low-slung stance to its aggressive front fascia and smooth lines running across its body, the M5's sophistication sits perfectly well with its spottiness in its DNA.

With its low profile and big 19" wheels, the M5 stands as a stylish showstopper that can make the heads turn towards itself and make the driver feel like a celebrity. It is, however, the shortest in overall length of 193.5 inches but sports the longest wheelbase of 116.7 inches. It sports a ground clearance of 4.6 inches and stands a total height of 57.3 inches.

When compared to its competitors, the 2016 Audi RS7 is the heaviest sedan in the segment weighing 4,564 lbs, while the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V is the lightest having a curb weight of 4,134 lbs. The Cadillac is also the longest sedan measuring 197.6 inches and on the other hand, the Audi sports the highest clearance from the ground of 4.7 inches.

Some of its exterior features include:

• 19-inch performance tires
• LED taillamps
• LED headlights
• Rear Spoiler Delete
• Limited-edition color option

The 2016 BMW M5 comes equipped with a large number of safety features like anti-lock disc brakes, a full suite of airbags, and BMW Assist emergency services. Its safety quotient is backed by its ratings that it receives in the crash tests conducted by the NHTSA and IIHS, where it receives the highest possible ratings.

The 2016 BMW M5 comes with the following safety features

• Ventilated antilock disc brakes
• Stability control
• Traction control
• Cornering brake control
• A full suite of airbags
• Rearview camera
• Lane-keeping assist
• Blindspot warning system
• Active front seat head restraints
• BMW Assist emergency services
• Night vision camera

The 2016 BMW M5 carries forward the sedan’s bespoke legacy and reflects the highest quality of German engineering. Its engine feels adequately powered but lacks engagement in its drive. It also suffers due to its lower efficiency, but buyers of sports sedans seldom worry about the frugality. In all other aspects, the BMW M5 is an absolute delight. The interior is skillfully crafted, resonates with an upmarket aura and features the best-in-class comfort creatures and infotainment specifications. The standard safety features feel adequate and in each divisible criteria, it translates into an affable performer.