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2020 BMW M5 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

BMW M5 highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

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

2020 BMW M5: Part sports car, part luxury sedan

As we get older and gather more responsibilities, the vehicles we drive are typically more practical, but that doesn't mean we can't still enjoy ourselves, right? The 2020 BMW M5 is a prime example of that. It's based on the "regular" 5 Series, but the wizards in BMW's M division dropped a fire breathing V8 under the hood and blessed it with the kind of handling prowess expected of much smaller sports cars.

After coming off a full redesign two years ago, the 2020 M5 returns with only minor changes and a few more standard features, such as a digital instrument panel, wireless charging pad, and remote monitoring and control. A new M5 Edition 35 Years aesthetic package commemorates the model's anniversary and is based on the M5 Competition.

The 2020 BMW M5 is a standout for its blending of performance and luxury, but it's not the only choice. Rivals include the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S and Porsche Panamera. The good news is, there's not a bad choice among them.

All BMW M5 years

What is new for the 2020 BMW M5?

  • Automated Parking and Remote Start features are now available as options on select trims.

2020 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
  • Adjustable Suspension
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Head Up Display
  • Parking Sensors
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Smart Key
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • 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 2020 BMW M5

What We Like

Potent power: Performance is the name of the game when you're looking at BMW's M cars, and the 2020 M5 has plenty to spare. With up to 617 horsepower from a burly turbocharged V8, it makes the kind of power we expected only from supercars a mere decade ago. From a standstill, the M5 will accelerate to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and thanks to all-wheel-drive and launch control, it doesn't take much skill to achieve that.

Stability and fun: The kind of power the M5 makes can be intimidating for some drivers, but it's surprising how well-mannered and easy it is to drive. All-wheel drive adds a significant amount of stability and traction, though the enthusiast crowd may dismiss it as a crutch. For those drivers, BMW smartly included a feature where you could disable power to the front wheels to allow traditional rear-wheel-drive antics.

Easy to live with: Unlike some smaller sports cars, the BMW M5 won't beat you up. The ride quality is acceptably smooth, though it is firmer than the supporting 5 Series. The seats are well shaped and cushioned for all-day comfort. The 14-cubic-foot trunk capacity and spacious rear seats are also very accommodating for such a sporty sedan.

What Needs Improvement

Doesn't feel special enough: Despite its inspiring performance and everyday convenience, the M5 shares just a bit too much with lesser BMW models. We expect a car that cost over $100,000 when new to wow us with a uniquely crafted interior. Instead, the M5 has the same design as BMW sedans and SUVs that cost half as much.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2020 BMW M5 is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.

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
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cruise Control
  • 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 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
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automated Parking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bowers & Wilkins Audio
  • CD Audio
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Remote Start
  • Seat Massagers
  • Smart Key
  • 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

58"

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

2020 BMW M5 FAQ

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