World's Fastest Sedans
BMW M5 (E39)
Powered by a 5.0-liter V-8 engine, the M5 is the flagship model for BMW's M brand and also the first M car to offer a V8 engine. This ultra high-performance four-door sedan is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, 400 horsepower (DIN), a 7000 rpm redline and 18-inch wheels, allowing the M5 to perform effortlessly at any speed. It undercuts its main competitor, the E55 AMG, by 0.1 seconds to 60 mph and 0.1 seconds in the quarter mile, while trailing by 3 ft from 60 mph back to 0 and 0.3 mph in the 600 ft slalom. Minuscule differences, especially when considering the mere $300 price difference and the identical 16 second 0-100-0 mph time which is 2.5 seconds faster than the 540i.
There is more to the M5 than all out performance,
though. Suspension upgrades from the already competent 540i as well as
excellent steering response and feel help the M5 achieve perfectly neutral
handling and luxury sedan ride. The new M5 can be distinguished from other 5
Series sedans by its larger 18-inch wheels, 0.5 inch lower ride height and
quad-tailpipes emerging from a free-flowing dual exhaust system highlighting
the rear. A tantalizing evolution of the award-winning 5 Series, the M5
promises to be one the most alluring cars ever produced and the greatest
super-sedan of all time. - by Traian Popescu
Specifications
| Price, USD | 70,400 | Engine Type | DOHC 32-valve V8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain Layout | Front engine, RWD | Displacement, cc | 4941 |
| Horsepower@rpm | 394@6600 | Torque, lb-ft@rpm | 369@3800 |
| Curb Weight, lb | 4024 | 0-60 mph, sec | 4.7 |
| 1/4 mile, sec@mph | 13.2@107.4 | 600 ft slalom, mph | 65.6 |
| 60-0 mph, ft | 117 | Top speed, mph | 155 |