pretty hard to beat, but there's still nothing more rewarding
than the M5's 617HP twin-turbo V8 distributing its
power to all four wheels.
e EV Zoom Option
Since we'll all be driving electric vehicles soon, according
to politicians and pundits, why not just go for a Tesla
Plaid or Lucid Air Dream edition? It's a reasonable
question, and if zero to 60 acceleration is the only spec
that matters, both might just nose out our quite quick
3.1-second M5. For that matter, BMW 's new i4 M50
will quietly leap to 60 in just 3.7 seconds and its MSRP
starts at just $65,900. But if you take the competition to
the track, the M5 will prevail. And for many enthusiasts,
it also sounds like a winner.
Fine Tuning
Our Voodoo Blue test subject, even with its generous air
intakes, black chrome, and 20-inch M wheels, didn't shout
for attention. But if recognition is desired, the four-pipe
exhaust can be changed from low rumble to something far
less subtle with a flick of a switch. One could also change
the Bowers & Wilkins sound system from classic to hip
hop and bump up the bass. Or, just find a nice winding
road with little traffic and enjoy the balance of power, late
braking, and lively corner exits.
e inner beauty of today's M5 is the balance of set-your-
hair-afire performance when you wish it and a reasonably
quiet, comfortable sedan for family journeys. I've driven
the current M3 on public roads and racetracks and it's
Front-engine,
all-wheel drive
4.4-liter Twin Turbo V8
617 @ 6,00 RPM
553 lb.ft. @ 1,800 RPM
$103,500
$141,045
15 city
21 highway
17 combined
TYPE:
ENGINE:
HORSEPOWER:
TORQUE:
BASE PRICE:
AS TESTED:
FUEL
CONSUMPTION:
2022 BMW M5
ranchandcoast.com @ranchandcoast
RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE MARCH 2022
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