2010 BMW M5

Review

If you like performance but want a vehicle with a bit more substance than your standard sports car, perhaps the 2010 BMW M5 might just be what you’re after. According to road tests, auto reviews and test drives, the BMW M5 offers a great combination of speed and styling. In this overview, we’ll look over new/used car guide information as well as car pricing and invoice.

First the basic data: The BMW M5 has an MSRP of $85,500 and an invoice of $76,660. And if you’re expecting efficiency along with that price tag, think again: it gets 11 miles per gallon in the city and 17 miles per gallon on the highway. The M5 is offered in just one trim package, a four-door sport sedan.

Improvements from 2009 M5

If you were hoping for significant improvements from the 2009 M5, think again. Just about the only change is an updated version of BMW’s often criticized iDrive technology system.

Performance

Anyone in the market for an M5 obviously wants performance and speed, and for the most part the M5 doesn’t disappoint. Consider it a more practical version of BMW’s smaller and slightly speedier M3, which means you’ll get 500 horsepower and a V-10.

Yeah, a V10. Toss in acceleration from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds, and you’ve got a serious vehicle on your hands.

So it’s got plenty of power, but some experts say the M5 doesn’t handle quite as well on city streets as it might on the track. So don’t think that you’ll get the full capability of the V-10 and the 500 horsepower while driving down Main Street. That is, unless you want your car insurance rates to skyrocket. You can get an idea of how high your insurance will get by exploring online car insurance quotes.

Exterior Features

Based off BMW’s popular 5-Series line of vehicles, the M5 is a sizeable sports sedan. That means you’ll have an ample trunk as well as classy exterior styling. Check out photos of the M5 to get the full effect.

Interior Features

Roomy and comfortable, the M5 features ample space for passengers both in the front and back seating areas. You’ll enjoy an updated version of the multimedia system that’s equipped for most BMWs, which means a shorter and less confusing learning curve when you first take the wheel.

Safety and Specs

Car safety remains a priority for BMW, and the M5 is no different. Delivered with Dynamic Stability Control, anti-lock brakes, brake assist and a host of other features, the M5 ensures that its performance won’t make the car any less safe when driven correctly.

Upgrade Options

Like all BMWs, you’ll be given a selection of upgrade options that range from premium leather seating to premium sound and heating steering wheels. BMW often makes many of its upgrades a la carte options, so you’ll be able to select the features you want.

How the 2010 BMW M5 Compares to the Competition

Anyone looking for a high-performance sedan that has ample storage is sure to check out the M5. If you want to compare it to its competition, be sure to check out the Cadillac CTS, which has a 556-horsepower engine to rival the M5, and the Mercedes Benz E Class AMG sedan (that one’s slightly faster than the M3). No matter what, you’re looking at a vehicle in excess of $80,000 and plenty of features to keep you interested.

Ultimately, your choice will be affected by upcoming car reviews including the J.D. Power Quality Ratings and the Intellichoice 5 year cost of ownership assessment. Most luxury automakers, such as BMW and Mercedes Benz, offer stellar warranty programs for the first few years of ownership.

Conclusion: Is the 2010 M5 a Smart Buy?

Some auto reviewers complain that the M5 doesn’t handle as well as it’s smaller BMW counterparts like the M3. But what it might lack in performance it makes up for with ample storage and space for passengers. Of course, it’ll be difficult to maximize the full potential of the M5 on the city streets, but that’s all part of the fun, right?