Like most BMWs, the more they are pushed, the better they respond. This is true of the SMG: In maximum Sport mode, shifts are massively quick. In "regular" mode, shifts are somewhat slow if almost clumsy. A quick and simple remedy to better this situation is by gently lifting off the throttle when up-shifting. Likewise, when downshifting, a light tap on the go pedal will shoot engine rpm a little higher to smoothen the transition between gears. With 11 possible settings, the SMG can be tailored to the driver's liking.
In order to counteract and control the tremendous rate of speed possible
with this car, it is equipped with massive cross-drilled and ventilated discs and a perfectly tuned all-aluminium suspension with Electronic Damper Control (EDC). The big brakes showed no signs of distress after a few hard stops from highway speeds. Regardless of which setting the M sport suspension is in, the ride is never punishing however the car's damping response sharpens considerably from Normal to Comfort and finally to Sport.
M beautiful?
So we have covered everything you do not see. What about the car's sometimes questionable styling? Whether it is a matter of taste or not, the 5-Series and particularly the M5, makes a statement that says: "I am here" and the M5' subtle cues are sufficient to add an "In your face" to the first statement. I, for one, think the M5 looks great. I am very fond of the side gills, the front air scoops and especially am keen on the quad tail pipes and the 19" wheels.
The cabin is certainly luxuriously appointed, well assembled and completed. The M Multi-Function seats are remarkably attractive and feature active side bolsters that hold the occupant in place when the car is snaking around a bend. The fat-rimmed wheels and typical straight-forward BMW gauges are marvellous to work with. I do not find the double-pod styling of the instrumentation and navigation very attractive but I can appreciate their functionality.
M5? E 63 AMG? RS4?
Which to choose in this game? This is a tough question to answer. The only disadvantage to the Bimmer is the convoluted i-Drive setup. The arrival of a 6-speed will simplify matters for certain. The Audi and Mercedes are very competent high-performance and luxury cars in so much as they both provide knockout power from their respective V8s. The RS4 is a more dedicated hardcore driving machine and the AMG is set to cover thousands of kilometres in a matter or moments. The M5 slots itself somewhere between its rivals.
The M5's pricing begins at $115,500 and will climb to about $130,000 with options.
Good stuff:
Monster acceleration and power
Fantastic seats
Massive braking power
Not so good stuff:
i-Drive...
Competitors:
Audi RS4
Mercedes CLS 63 / E 63 AMG
Cadillac STS-v
In order to counteract and control the tremendous rate of speed possible
 |
| 2006 BMW M5 (Photo: Olivier Delorme, Auto123.com) |
M beautiful?
So we have covered everything you do not see. What about the car's sometimes questionable styling? Whether it is a matter of taste or not, the 5-Series and particularly the M5, makes a statement that says: "I am here" and the M5' subtle cues are sufficient to add an "In your face" to the first statement. I, for one, think the M5 looks great. I am very fond of the side gills, the front air scoops and especially am keen on the quad tail pipes and the 19" wheels.
 |
| 2006 BMW M5 (Photo: Olivier Delorme, Auto123.com) |
M5? E 63 AMG? RS4?
Which to choose in this game? This is a tough question to answer. The only disadvantage to the Bimmer is the convoluted i-Drive setup. The arrival of a 6-speed will simplify matters for certain. The Audi and Mercedes are very competent high-performance and luxury cars in so much as they both provide knockout power from their respective V8s. The RS4 is a more dedicated hardcore driving machine and the AMG is set to cover thousands of kilometres in a matter or moments. The M5 slots itself somewhere between its rivals.
 |
| 2006 BMW M5 (Photo: Olivier Delorme, Auto123.com) |
The M5's pricing begins at $115,500 and will climb to about $130,000 with options.
Good stuff:
Monster acceleration and power
Fantastic seats
Massive braking power
Not so good stuff:
i-Drive...
Competitors:
Audi RS4
Mercedes CLS 63 / E 63 AMG
Cadillac STS-v
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