The BMW M5: The Fastest Sedan in the World


The BMW M5 has long been recognized as one of the most iconic high-performance sedans in the world. When it was first introduced in 1984, it stunned the automotive world by becoming the fastest production sedan ever made. This marked the beginning of a legacy that has continued for decades, with each new generation of the M5 pushing the boundaries of speed, power, and luxury.

The Birth of the BMW M5 (E28) - 1984

BMW’s Motorsport division, known as BMW M, had already gained fame with the BMW M1, a mid-engine sports car developed in the late 1970s. However, BMW saw an opportunity to create a high-performance sedan that could combine the practicality of a four-door executive car with the thrilling speed of a race car. Thus, the BMW M5 was born.

The first-generation BMW M5, based on the E28 5 Series, was introduced in 1984. Under the hood, it housed the 3.5-liter inline-six engine (M88/3) derived from the legendary BMW M1. This engine produced 286 horsepower (hp) and 340 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful sedan of its time.

With a top speed of 245 km/h (152 mph) and an acceleration time of 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 6.1 seconds, the E28 M5 was significantly faster than any other sedan available in the 1980s. It combined a luxurious interior with high-speed performance, setting a new benchmark for performance sedans worldwide.

Evolution of the BMW M5 Over the Years

Second Generation (E34) - 1988-1995

BMW introduced the second-generation M5 in 1988, based on the E34 5 Series. It featured an upgraded version of the inline-six engine, now producing 311 hp (Euro-spec) and 265 lb-ft of torque. The car’s top speed remained electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), but without the limiter, it could reach nearly 275 km/h (171 mph).

The E34 M5 also introduced an improved suspension system, refined aerodynamics, and an optional Touring (wagon) version, making it a versatile high-performance sedan for enthusiasts who needed extra cargo space.

Third Generation (E39) - 1998-2003

The E39 M5 marked a significant departure from its predecessors by introducing a V8 engine for the first time. The 4.9-liter S62 V8 engine produced 394 hp and 500 Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. This made the E39 M5 not only the fastest M5 at the time but also one of the quickest sedans ever built.

It also featured advanced technology, including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a refined suspension system, and luxurious features that made it an everyday supercar.

Fourth Generation (E60) - 2005-2010

The E60 M5 was perhaps the most radical transformation in the M5’s history. It was powered by a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine (S85) producing 507 hp and 520 Nm of torque. This engine was directly inspired by BMW’s Formula 1 technology and was paired with a 7-speed SMG automated manual transmission.

The E60 M5 could sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds and had a top speed of 305 km/h (189 mph) when the limiter was removed. It also introduced an M mode button, which allowed drivers to adjust throttle response, transmission settings, and suspension dynamics for a more aggressive driving experience.

Fifth Generation (F10) - 2011-2016

The F10 M5 saw the return of a turbocharged engine for the first time in an M5. BMW replaced the V10 with a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (S63) producing 560 hp and 680 Nm of torque. It was mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), making shifts lightning-fast and improving overall performance.

With a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.7 seconds, the F10 M5 was significantly quicker than its predecessors. BMW also offered a Competition Package, boosting power to 600 hp, and making it even faster.

Sixth Generation (F90) - 2017-Present

The latest generation, the F90 M5, introduced a revolutionary change: all-wheel drive (xDrive). The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 now produces 600 hp (617 hp in the Competition model) and 750 Nm of torque. Thanks to the intelligent all-wheel-drive system, the F90 M5 can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, making it the fastest M5 ever built.

For those who prefer a more traditional BMW experience, the xDrive system can be switched to rear-wheel-drive mode, allowing for pure drifting and enhanced driving pleasure.

What Makes the BMW M5 the Fastest Sedan?

The BMW M5 has always been at the forefront of automotive engineering, pushing the limits of what a luxury sedan can achieve. Here are some key reasons why it remains one of the fastest sedans in the world:

1. Powerful Engines

Every generation of the M5 has been equipped with a high-performance engine that delivers extreme power and torque, allowing for incredible acceleration and top speeds.

2. Advanced Transmission Systems

From manual gearboxes to dual-clutch and automatic transmissions, BMW has continually improved the M5’s drivetrain to provide the best combination of speed, efficiency, and driving engagement.

3. Aerodynamic Design

BMW engineers optimize aerodynamics to reduce drag and enhance stability at high speeds, ensuring the M5 remains composed even at extreme velocities.

4. Intelligent Drivetrain (xDrive and RWD modes)

The latest M5 features an all-wheel-drive system with rear-wheel-drive capabilities, offering the best of both worlds: supreme grip for acceleration and the classic BMW driving dynamics.

5. Lightweight Construction

Using lightweight materials like carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the roof and other structural components, BMW reduces weight while maintaining rigidity, improving both speed and handling.

Conclusion: The King of Performance Sedans

The BMW M5 has remained at the pinnacle of high-performance luxury sedans since its inception. From the early days of the E28 M5, which became the world’s fastest sedan in 1984, to the latest F90 M5, which is one of the quickest sedans ever made, the M5 continues to set benchmarks for speed, innovation, and luxury.

Whether on the racetrack or the highway, the BMW M5 has proven time and time again that it is more than just a sedan—it is a true performance machine. With each new generation, BMW continues to push the limits, ensuring that the M5 remains the undisputed King of Performance Sedans.

Would you like to see a comparison of the M5 with its competitors like the Mercedes-AMG E63 or Audi RS7? Let me know!

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