New 2009 BMW M5

Otherworldly power, classic styling and sophisticated refinement highlight the 2009 BMW M5 sports sedan.

The advanced 5.0-liter, 500-horsepower V-10 engine motivates the M5 with authority. The standard seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox with Drivelogic enables sporty, rapid gear changes through all the gears via the steering wheel paddle shifters or selector lever. The optional six-speed manual transmission is the perfect choice for purists and enthusiasts who want to wring the most performance out of the engine. For more flexible handling, the Electronic Damping Control offers 'Sport' or 'Comfort' modes that modify the shock absorbers to increase firmness and optimize handling. The M5 gets 11 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway and competes with the Cadillac CTS-V and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.

A new exterior color, Carbon Black Metallic gives the already sleek M5 a bolder look, while a new Smartphone Integration option charges the phone, allows access to music stored on the phone and can improve phone reception. The M5 is as comfortable as it is fast. Standard 18-way power adjustable heated front seats include adjustable bolsters and headrests, lumbar and thigh support, and 2-setting memory function for balanced support and pure luxury. Automatic climate control is standard, with separate controls for driver and front passenger. The standard Navigation System includes an 8.8-inch screen, detailed maps and directions, and real-time traffic information to make your travels easy. The Premium Sound audio system with enhanced bass incorporates 16 high-performance loudspeakers and a maximum output of 825 watts goes to show that the M5 is just as powerful inside the cabin as it is under the hood. The iDrive controller operates your iPod, radio tuner and CD player.

Standard 4-wheel ventilated, cross-drilled anti-lock compound disc brakes offer major-league stopping power and prevent lockup. Standard dual front airbags, front door-mounted side-impact airbags, and front and rear head curtain airbags offer superior passenger protection in a collision. Adaptive Brake Lights increase in brightness as brake pedal pressure is increased. Standard Dynamic Stability Control with M Dynamic Mode combines with All-Season Traction Control to offer confident, controlled handling during emergency maneuvers and minimal wheel slip in adverse weather conditions.

As the preeminent luxury sports sedan in the world, the 2009 BMW M5 continues to set the bar by which all others are judged.