ABDC 2018: BMW M5

5th Place

Why is it here?

BMW’s pursuit of speed and precision from a large luxury sedan saw the shiny new M5 land at ABDC as one of the headline acts.

Performance enthusiasts will be no stranger to the M5 nameplate, however, the mechanical make-up of the latest model piqued the interest of judges at this year’s event. Having toyed with six-cylinder, V8 and even V10 power plants in the past, the F90-series M5 debuts with a twin-turbocharged V8 that sends drive to all four wheels.

Any arguments over added weight and lack of driving dynamism begin to loose merit when the M5 spec sheet reads an official 0-100km/h time of 3.4sec, along with a dedicated rear-wheel drive mode.

Not surprisingly, the big five-door sedan threw its weight around in the Victorian high country, drag strip and race circuit. Its size was a constant consideration, but beneath lurked a level of dynamic polish and poise that has not been present in an M car of this size arguably… ever.

What’s under the bonnet?

Up front resides a reworked version of the M division’s 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, generating 441kW at 7600rpm and 750Nm between 1800-5600rpm.

It drives all four wheels to propel the high-tech German sedan to a speed ceiling of 305km/h with the optional M Driver’s Package fitted. The M5 also sounds the goods, thanks to the standard fitment of a sports exhaust.

The all-wheel drive system is an inherently clever one. There are three modes (4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD) that are mapped to different stability control settings. Drive is sent to a mechanical centre transfer case that is linked with a computer controller and electronically-controlled torque vectoring M Differential.

Another key factor behind the improved speed and response is an eight-speed automatic transmission that is lightning fast in its shifts and ultra-intuitive.

>>Get all the 2018 Australia's Best Driver's Car results here

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How does it perform?

With its smaller M2 sibling taking out our flagship award back in 2016, there were some high expectations of the M5.

It performed admirably, placing fifth overall and putting BMW’s storied M division back on the map in terms of large go-fast limousines.

Adopting a slightly softer tack to its arch-nemesis, Mercedes’ E63 S 4MATIC+, the M5 felt more compliant on rough roads and offered significantly better cabin acoustics than its German compatriot. Most judges were at odds with the complex interior layout, but all were left enamoured by the M5’s storming engine.

“It has the feel of a big, rear-drive muscle car with the assurance of all-wheel drive and the grip of a sports car,” reported judge Matt Brogan.

And therein resided a key question among judges: the M5 has the makings of a sports car, but is it a genuine driver’s car? Its 5.0-metre length and 1855kg kerb mass were constant considerations on the often-tight and twisting roads scaling the Victorian High Country, leaving many judges with mixed emotions.

“The M5 is just too big for some of the tighter roads,” said judge Feann Torr. “But what it lacks in the corners it makes up for with incredible straight-line punch.”

The M5 was decidedly more at home on track, successfully marrying explosive mid-range power and all-wheel drive smarts with excellent grip and steering response. Resident racer Luke Youlden, no stranger to wrestling large sedans around on Australian circuits, strung together a convincing 1:35.313, pitting the M5 third overall behind the Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4MATIC+ and Alfa Romeo Giulia QV.

The straight line speed was re-affirmed by 12.154 second quarter-mile pass at 192.5km/h during our drag strip testing.

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Is it worth the asking price?

The M5 packages significantly more technology and safety equipment than most of its cohort at ABDC, bearing the latest and greatest from the BMW catalogue.

But that’s not to say it’s cheap. At $199,900 (plus on-road costs), the M5 is second only to the E63 S 4MATIC+ on price, and even then asks customers to pony up more cash for basic features such as Apple CarPlay.

What you do get is luxe materials, crystal clear interior displays and an impressive suite of safety gear that essentially allows the car to control itself on the road for up to 30 seconds at a time.

So, yes, the brawn is supported by plenty of brain. But as for whether the M5 is worth the outlay? The word value is an operative and subjective term at ABDC.

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What do the judges think?

The general consensus around the M5 was that it was a mighty engine and driveline supported by OK dynamics – a virtue of its size and executive brief.

But a lead-tipped arrow like the M5s of old? Far from it.

“Even better than I expected. The most complete large sports sedan there is,” reported judge Marton Pettendy.

“A safe, competent large touring car, but may be too heavy and complicated to be the ultimate driver’s machine. It feels closer to a powerful limo,” said judge Greg Crick.

Whereas the dearer and more overt E63 S MATIC+ revelled on a closed circuit, the M5’s biggest party trick was delivered on longer, open radius corners and bumpy backroads. It simply lacked the machismo and brawn of the AMG, even if it matched its straight line speed.

It meant the M5 finished narrowly behind the E63 S 4MATIC+ on the leader board, and never really threatened to push the front-runners for top accolades.

This is the car you’d pick to transfer you from the airport to the gates of the racetrack, via the backroads. But its capabilities beyond that are limited from a performance standpoint.

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How much is the 2018 BMW M5?

Price: $199,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 4.4-litre eight-cylinder twin-turbo-petrol
Output: 441kW/750Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 10.5L/100km (ADR Combined), 21.1L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 199g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

2018 BMW M5 performance figures (as tested):

0-100km/h: 4.2sec
0-400m: 12.154sec @ 192.5km/h
Lap time: 1:35.313sec

Related reading:

>> BMW M5 Review