The 2006–2010 BMW M5, known internally as the E60, marked one of the most ambitious and technically exotic chapters in BMW M history. It catered to drivers who wanted supercar performance wrapped in a luxury sedan—enthusiasts who valued razor-sharp responses, high-revving power, and everyday usability in equal measure. Positioned at the top of the 5 Series range, the E60 M5 was engineered to push the boundaries of what a German performance sedan could be, and it stands out today as one of the last genuinely analog-feeling M cars despite its advanced electronics and complex drivetrain.

The car’s centerpiece was the S85 engine, a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-10 that was directly influenced by BMW’s Formula One program. Producing 500 horsepower and revving to a stratospheric 8,250 rpm, the S85 was lauded for its throttle response, intake shriek, and relentless top-end pull. Power was most often routed through a seven-speed SMG III automated manual gearbox in the U.S., though a few savvy owners spec’ed their cars with a six-speed manual transmission. The car boasted an electronically limited 155 mph top speed and could sprint to 60 from a stop in just over 4 seconds. Despite the car’s size and 4000-pound weight, the V-10 made the E60 M5 feel every bit the exotic it aspired to be.

BMW refined the E60 M5’s chassis to match the engine’s intensity. A stiffened structure compared to the previous M5, hydraulic steering, and a finely tuned rear differential gave the car exceptional balance and precision. Electronic damping control allowed the driver to select different suspension settings, while an array of configurable parameters—throttle mapping, shift aggression, stability control calibration—let owners tailor the car’s character to their driving style. The E60 also introduced “MDrive,” a customizable setting that allowed drivers to store preferred performance profiles and activate them with a button on the steering wheel. Wide tires, massive brake rotors, and a near-perfect weight distribution made the car surprisingly agile on mountain roads and capable at track days, even as it served primarily as a high-speed autobahn machine.

BMW updated the M5 subtly during its lifecycle. Early issues with the SMG software and iDrive interface improved, and minor interior and equipment updates arrived for the 2008 model year. Options such as head-up display, comfort access, premium audio systems, and expanded leather packages allowed owners to configure the M5 as either a discreet luxury sedan or a more focused performance flagship. Despite its sophistication, the E60 remained distinct for its analog feel, with its engine note, steering weight, and chassis communication all being high points for drivers.

Today the BMW E60 M5 is highly regarded as a luxury sedan with a race-bred soul, and is seen as an extraordinary chapter in the company’s M car history.