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2019 BMW M5 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

BMW M5 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Powerful V8 engine
  • Choice of rear- or all-wheel drive on the fly
  • Comfortable and practical

Cons

  • Not as luxurious as some rivals
  • Complicated drive modes
  • High price of purchase and operation

Mileage (EPA estimate)

15 city, 21 highway, 17 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

6 photos
Price
Year

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2019 BMW M5: High performance meets premium luxury

For 35 years, the BMW M5 has delivered an excellent blend of stirring performance and luxurious refinement that has been a benchmark for premium carmakers. In 2018, BMW reintroduced the M5, which is based on the standard 5 Series sedan that was redesigned in 2017. Power is just as impressive as before, but the addition of all-wheel drive allows drivers to take full advantage of the engine's output while also adding a lot of driver assurance.

For 2019, the BMW M5 gains an optional Performance package that increases power output to 617 horsepower and upgrades some suspension components for sharper handling. Apple CarPlay® is also a standard feature.

If you happen to be in the market for a high-performance sport sedan that doubles as a comfortable luxury tourer, you can't do much better than the 2019 BMW M5. It's not the only choice, though, as the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S and Porsche Panamera are also worthy of your attention.

All BMW M5 years

What is new for the 2019 BMW M5?

  • The M5 is available in a new trim called the Competition.
  • M5 trims have been upgraded with Automated Cruise Control, 20 Inch Plus Wheels, and Apple CarPlay as standard equipment this year.

2019 BMW M5 trims

Curious how BMW M5 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 600-hp, 553-lb-ft of torque 4.4L
  • Rear Defroster
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Leather Seats
  • Power Seats
  • Memory Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • View our BMW M5 inventory

Competition:

  • Includes all features available on the Base
  • 617-hp, 553-lb-ft of torque 4.4L
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels

BMW M5 photos

5 reasons to buy the 2019 BMW M5

What We Like

Tons of power: If there's one thing the BMW M5 has plenty of, it's power. With 600 horsepower from the turbocharged V8, this midsize luxury sedan is a rocket compared to the supporting 5 Series. This year's new Competition package ups the ante even more, with 617 hp. That's as impressive as the 3.2 seconds it takes for the M5 to accelerate to 60 mph.

Stable and sporty: If you're worried that the M5 is too powerful and raucous, fear not: It's actually just as easy to drive as the supporting 5 Series. Thanks to all-wheel drive, there's an abundance of traction to inspire confidence in a variety of conditions. That's not to say it's boring, because you can also switch to rear-wheel drive at the touch of a button if you're the type of driver who enjoys tail-happy plumes of white tire smoke.

Everyday usability: While the M5 delivers the kind of performance expected from smaller powerhouse sports cars, it avoids their notorious lack of practicality. You have enough room in the rear seats for adult passengers and it has plenty of trunk space for everyone's luggage. On top of that, the M5 is fairly comfortable, both in terms of ride quality and seating.

What Needs Improvement

Should feel more special: The M5's cockpit distinguishes itself from supporting BMW models with some badging and red buttons, but otherwise, it shares a lot in common with more affordable vehicles. For a vehicle that costs double what a 3 Series runs, we expect a more noticeable difference. The materials quality is still good, we just wish the interior was as special as the M5's performance.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

2
Below Average

RepairPal gave the BMW M5 an overall reliability rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Below Average. This rating ranks BMW M5 44th out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the BMW M5

BMW M5 features and specs

Competition 4WD/AWD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • 4WD/AWD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Adjustable Suspension
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Bowers & Wilkins Audio
  • Leather Seats
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Seat Massagers
  • Sunroof(s)

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

4.4L

Horsepower

617

Torque (ft-lbs)

553

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

20.1

Wheelbase

117.4"

Overall length

195.5"

Width

74.9"

Height

57.8"

Leg room

F 41.4"/R 36.5"

Head room

F 38.8"/R 37.5"

Front tires

P275/35YR20

Rear tires

P285/35YR20

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2019 BMW M5 FAQ

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