The BMW M5, an iconic high-performance sedan, has continually set benchmarks in its segment since its inception in 1985 with the E28 series. Renowned for blending elegance, breath-taking performance, and technical innovation, it has captivated car enthusiasts across generations.

The journey began with the E28 M5, which was hand-built and introduced a new era in the business sedan class. Its 3.5-litre inline 6-cylinder engine, originally developed for the BMW M1, delivered 210 kW (286 hp), setting it apart from its predecessors with a perfect balance between high performance and refined elegance. The production of all E28 M5 models was entirely by hand, underscoring the meticulous attention to detail and quality synonymous with BMW’s M division.

The second-generation M5, the E34, raised the bar even higher, with its inline 6-cylinder engine offering between 232 kW (315 hp) and 250 kW (340 hp), and a top speed of 250 km/h. This model was particularly rare, with less than 1,000 units of the M5 E34 Touring leaving the factory, highlighting its exclusivity.

With the introduction of the E39 M5 in 1998, BMW M set a new standard by incorporating a V8 engine for the first time, delivering an impressive 294 kW (400 hp) and 500 Nm of torque. This model was a significant milestone, marking a leap in performance and establishing the E39 as the most powerful M automobile in the lineup at the time.

The fourth generation, the E60 M5, introduced in 2005, took inspiration from the racetrack with its high-revving, naturally aspirated V10 engine producing 373 kW (507 hp). This engine’s design had close ties to Formula 1 technology, reflecting BMW’s racing heritage and commitment to high performance.

The F10 series, which debuted in 2011, signified a new era with the introduction of a turbocharged V8 engine, replacing the naturally aspirated V10. This change brought immense power, with up to 423 kW (575 hp) in the Competition model, setting new benchmarks for torque and performance in the M5’s history.

The latest in the lineup, the F90 M5, first introduced in 2017, showcases the pinnacle of BMW’s engineering prowess. The M5 Competition variant, in particular, boasts a 4.4-liter V8 engine with BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology, pushing out 460 kW (625 hp) and achieving 0-100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds. Its performance was highlighted by a lap time of 7:35.90 minutes around the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, underlining the M5’s capability as a high-performance sedan that combines the comfort and sophistication of a business sedan with the dynamics and power of a sports car.

Each generation of the M5 has contributed to the model’s legendary status, with advancements in power, performance, and luxury, making it a revered name among high-performance sedans. The BMW M5 continues to delight enthusiasts with its dynamic capabilities, advanced technology, and luxurious features, maintaining its position as a standard-bearer in its class.