New 2010 BMW M5

Otherworldly power, classic styling and sophisticated refinement highlight the 2010 BMW M5 sports sedan.

A V-10 engine is exotic in itself, and truly rarefied when it churns out 500 horsepower from a 5.0-liter powerplant – that hits the extolled 100 horsepower-per-liter mark, a truly impressive feat for a normally aspirated street car engine. Double overhead camshafts with variable cam timing and ten individual throttle valves – one per cylinder – ensure maximum airflow and maximum power. This Formula1-inspired engine is mated to a seven-speed sequential-manual transmission or an optional six speed manual, and power is delivered to the rear wheels for maximum driving fun. This street-racer powertrain delivers 11 mpg city and 17 mpg highway ratings, which lags behind the stronger Cadillac CTS-V and supercharged Jaguar XF.

Sport seats are wrapped in leather and provide excellent lateral support for passengers during cornering, while providing great long-term comfort. The front seats come heated, while an optional ventilated feature further enhances comfort. Heated rear seats are also available. Alloy and leather interior trim pleases the eyes. A moonroof lets in the sunshine to warm you up, and the dual zone climate control keeps you cool. For a few dollars more, you can get doors that close themselves – you get the door within range of being closed and the M5 brings them home.

A 13-speaker Logic7 audio system massages your ears with your favorite sounds, and an optional 825-watt stereo can rattle the windows when necessary. A hard-drive based navigation system features voice command operation for easy use and displays real time traffic information on an 8.8-inch screen.

The new BMW Assist satellite communications system competes with OnStar, and connects you to a call center at the push of a button. This system is especially useful in the event of a crash in a locale with no cell phone reception. Further safety is ensured by big, beefy brakes with antilock and brake assist functions, and BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control. A well engineered crash structure and a suite of airbags including the optional rear-side airbags deliver Five-Star crash ratings from NHTSA, except a Three-Star driver front impact rating (based on the 5-Series platform).

Formula1-inspired power, luxury and modern technology meet BMW’s unparalleled driving dynamics in the 2010 BMW M5.