First Drive: 2006 BMW M5
05/02/2006
Shahed Hussain
BMW took on the challenge of the Mercedes-Benz E55 with its revamped M5. While the 400-bhp V-8 in the previous M5 was no slouch, it was clearly surpassed by the 469-bhp supercharged V-8 in the E55. To address the power deficit, BMW tooled up a completely new 5.0L V-10 that sets a new standard for tractable power and high-RPM thrills. A set of massive 19-inch wheels, prominent quad exhaust tips, combined with aggressive styling leaves no doubt that this is one serious sport sedan.
Get in the driver's seat, and the first task is to start the V-10 with the keyless fob. Oddly enough, the M5 requires the brake pedal to be depressed before the engine comes to life, presumably to prevent mishaps if the transmission is left in "D" mode. This 500-bhp motor idles smoothly with a distinctive, unobtrusive thrum. As the revs rise towards the stratospheric 8,250 RPM redline, the engine note becomes more audible, but never intrusive. With its progressive throttle response, the V-10 doesn't feel that fast, but a quick peek at the speedometer showed 90 mph on a 55-mph limit country road. It felt like 55-mph too. Normal cues that indicate rising speed such as tire or wind noise are so minimal, that the driver has to glance at the speedometer to know how fast the M5 is actually traveling. We must add that we drove the M5 at the P400 (400-bhp) power setting (3 of 5 bars on the instrument panel display). Frankly, on secondary roads, even 400-bhp is overkill, while the 500-bhp P500/P500S setting is more relevant on the autobahn or racetrack.
The standard 7-speed SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) has steering column mounted paddles for convenient upshifts or downshifts, while the driver keeps his hands on the wheel. A 6-speed manual will be offered later in 2006. At full throttle in Sequential mode, the car lurches annoyingly as it shifts gears. BMW has 11 possible settings for the SMG. Sequential mode settings are: S1-S6 (softer/smoother-harder/faster shifts). Automated mode settings are: D1-D5 (softer/smoother-harder/faster shifts). The SMG transmission allows considerable adjustment, which should enable the driver to find an optimum setting. We did not have the seat time to play with all the SMG settings, but we recommend prospective owners invest the necessary time to tune the SMG to their preferences.
Out on the curving country roads, the sharp steering and quick turn-in response built into the M5 pay real dividends. Flick the fat leather-covered wheel in any direction, and the M5 obediently follows. Since we were driving on village streets and secondary highways, there was no opportunity to probe the lofty handling limits tuned by BMW's vehicle dynamics engineers. Kickback through the wheel is minimal, considering the finely honed steering response. With its superbly communicative steering system, the M5 telegraphs road textures accurately, but with just enough damping to keep the driver from getting fatigued during extended driving.
Overall handling balance is remarkably neutral, at least at sane public road speeds. To safely test handling limits, a driver would have to spend some time at a racetrack. A fine balance of ride and handling is expected from any M-badge vehicle, and the M5 does not disappoint. We drove roads in relative comfort over a variety of road surfaces that ranged from smooth pavement to rippled 2-lane. The suspension quickly damps body motions, but without the expected choppy ride that often the consequence of stiff springs and dampers. Despite the fat 19-inch low profile performance tires (255/40ZR-19 front & 285/35ZR-19 rear), tire noise is remarkably subdued. All the driver hears is a slight thump to indicate road impacts. For a sports sedan with such superb handling, the M5 demands few compromises for its capabilities. Note that the M5 has no spare tire, so owners should be prepared to flatbed their car in the event of a flat tire or damaged wheel.
BMW equips the M5 with a complete set of electronic driving aids such as DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), Dynamic Brake Control, Brake Drying, and Brake Standby. Brake performance is excellent, with a firm, progressive pedal and short stopping distances. Again, only the autobahn or the racetrack will test the massive 14.7" front and 14.6" rear discs that comprise the M5 braking system. It is comforting to know that M5 will stop faster than the vast majority of vehicles on the streets.
BMW's interior design differs from its German rivals Audi and Mercedes-Benz in that it is purely oriented to the business of driving. The M5 shares its interior design with standard 5-Series, which means the dashboard and door panels are a jumble of odd angles and textures. Ergonomically, there are no real problems. All the controls are within easy reach, and intuitive to use (aside from the much maligned iDrive controls). To its credit, BMW does offer a wide palette of leather upholstery and interior trim options that should satisfy discriminating customers. Standard 16-way power seats can be upgraded to optional 18-way M-seats. The standard seats are comfortable and supportive, so we suspect that the M-seats may be overkill. Even with all the expensive trim, high technology, and superb build quality, the interior manages to look less luxurious than it should. BMW could take a lesson from Audi or even Mercedes-Benz on how to design an inviting interior.
So here is the $80K+ question: Is the BMW M5 still the benchmark in its class? The short answer is "yes". With its stunning V-10 engine, telepathic handling, and comfortable ride, the M5 is equally at ease going to the grocery store or carving corners on your favorite two lane road. The only change we would suggest is an optional fully manual transmission, but BMW has already addressed that issue with the upcoming 6-speed manual. We hope that the 6-speed equipped M5 will cost less, but at this price point we suspect few buyers will care. Our recommendation is to wait until the manual transmission is available, unless the convenience and customizability of the SMG better suits your needs. If you can't wait, and have deep pockets, few sport sedans will give you as much pure driving pleasure.