2010 BMW M5: What's New

Vehicle Overview
BMW says the rear-wheel-drive M5 has “supercar handling,” but also promotes its “outstanding everyday driving qualities.” This 500-horsepower version of BMW’s 5 Series competes with the 435-hp Audi S6, the 469-hp Cadillac STS-V and the 507-hp Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.

New for 2010
There are no significant changes for 2010.

Exterior
The M5 has a unique front face to distinguish it from other 5 Series sedans; it features a gaping front air dam and a prominent front spoiler, and the side sills are modified to protrude more aggressively than the regular 5 Series’. The M5’s wheel arches are also more prominent.

• 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels with performance tires
• Quad exhaust tailpipes
• Adaptive xenon headlights
• Front and rear spoilers
• Rain-sensing wipers

Interior
MDrive lets the driver select preferred performance and handling settings for instant recall later.

• Brushed-aluminum interior trim
• Park Distance Control
• Navigation system with iDrive
• Logic7 premium sound system
• Two types of wood trim available
• Standard heated seats
• Available head-up display
• Available high-beam assist turns on the high beams automatically when necessary in low-light situations; system can be overridden by driver

Under the Hood
Sport sedan purists will be pleased to hear that the M5 can have a conventional six-speed manual transmission as a no-cost option. The M-calibrated Dynamic Stability Control system has two driving programs available, and it can be deactivated. With a braking system adapted from the auto racing world, the M5 can brake from 62 mph to a standstill in less than 120 feet.

• 500-hp, 5.0-liter V-10 with 383 pounds-feet of torque
• Seven-speed sequential manual transmission with steering-wheel paddles
• Available six-speed manual gearbox
• Specially calibrated aluminum suspension with three modes — Comfort, Normal and Sport — that adjusts to driving conditions and operates with Electronic Damping Control
• Quickened power steering with two levels of power assistance

Safety

• All-disc antilock brakes
• Side-impact airbags for the front seats
• Side curtain airbags
• Electronic stability system
• Available rear-seat side-impact airbags