The 2009 BMW M5 performance sedan takes the everyday drivability of a five-passenger mid-size 5 series and pumps it up with the high-powered, high-tech performance emanating from BMW's M Shop.
One innovative performance feature is BMW's M-Drive, which varies throttle response, rises or lowers shift points to match engine output, and stiffens or softens the car's suspension as needed. BMW says exactly 279 different driving arrangements can be selected with M-Drive, quickly morphing the M5 from a domesticated, traffic-faring sedan to a tight-cornering performance machine.
The M5's 5-liter V10 power plant generates a full 500 horsepower. All of this power is sent to the rear wheels through a 7-speed sequential gearbox that can be shifted via steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. A 6-speed manual is also available.
Fuel economy on the M5 is 11 miles per gallon city, 17 miles per gallon highway.
Base MSRP for the 2009 BMW M5 at the time of this program's production is $85,100. Fully optioned, the price will top out at around $100,000. The M5 comes with a 4-year, 50,000-mile power train warranty.
The 2009 BMW M5, with its potent engine and versatile M-Drive system, makes for a sedan with both refined traffic manners and a driving attitude fit for the true performance enthusiast.