This is the face of one of the most powerful luxury sedans in the world. BMW prides itself on the M5’s ability to produce supercar performance in a daily-use car that handles as seamlessly in city commuting as through the twisties on the back roads. The M5 is pure class, and with the exception of the Mercedes Benz E63 AMG and the surprisingly refined new Cadillac CTS-V, stands pretty much alone in its high performance luxury sedan credentials. After a significant upgrade last year, the 2009 BMW M5 sees only minor changes this year.
2009 BMW M5 Performance
The BMW M5 sports the awesome 5.0-liter V10 that generates a massive 500hp and 384lb-ft of torque. It features a seven-speed automated manual transmission with BMW’s Drivelogic system that shifts seamlessly and super-fast, and allows the driver to change gears from either the steering wheel-mounted controls or the more traditional selection lever on the console without the use of a clutch. Six-speed manual transmission is also available for the purists who want to maintain clutch and gearstick control. Launch Control maintains speed through the whole range of gears for smooth as silk acceleration from standstill and makes 60mph in a glorious 4.7 seconds.
BMW has been working overtime recently to improve emissions and in the M5 they use the Double-Vanos variable valve timing to maximize fuel efficiency and performance while also reducing emissions. Fuel economy is pretty much as expected for a V10, doing 11/17mpg in city/highway driving for both the seven-speed automated manual and six-speed manual transmissions.
To optimize the driving experience, the M5 features an aluminum chassis for reduced weight and precision steering, and allows even greater stability in sharp cornering. Aluminum suspension offers three settings including Comfort, Normal and Sport which make use of the Electronic Damping Control to automatically adjust according to road conditions.
Braking is superb thanks to the high-tech system care of BMW’s racing team, and the M5 pulls to a stop from 62mph in just 120 feet. The variable differential lock automatically adjusts traction between the left and right rear wheels for impressive cornering.
Overall driving the BMW M5 is like driving a car that knows exactly what to do in every situation– it is the pinnacle of intuitive driving without detracting from the fun of driving a really fast car.
2009 BMW M5 Interior and Features
The interior is everything that you would expect from a BMW and more. The five seats are plush and over-the-top comfortable in merino leather with 18-way power adjustment and three-temperature heating as well as ventilating. The leather trim is continued on the center console and door panels and can be upgraded to Alcantara leather for even more opulence. Aluminum and real hard-wood accents give a sophisticated finish. Storage in the trunk is plentiful and enough for four 9-inch golf bags BMW says, and we have no reason to doubt them, plus the rear seat split folds for longer items.
Standard interior features on the M5 include voice recognition navigation system with real time traffic information and either screen projected or audio instructions. Google Maps is new this year and allows drivers to search for businesses as well as streets. Bluetooth wireless phone system automatically registers phones and complete contacts lists and can be used through the steering wheel controls and the iDrive system. iDrive integrates all of the electronic functions inside the cabin and although it has been widely criticized for its extremely complicated system, with each progressive year BMW manages to make it a bit more user-friendly. The sound system features 16-speakers with 6-disc CD changer, MP3 capability and digital media connection. Of course full power accessories are included, as well as heated door lock and washer nozzles, universal garage door opener, power door closing, self-dimming and automatic high beam headlights and iPod adapter. 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels are also standard with high performance Z-rated tires as well as quad exhaust pipes, front and rear spoilers and xenon headlights with adaptive lighting for projecting light in the direction of steering.
2009 BMW M5 Safety
Being a BMW, safety is impressive, with full airbags covering the driver, front passenger, side and head curtain, as well as an automatic sensing system that detects what level of inflation is required as well as unlocking doors, cutting off the fuel pump and activating the seatbelt tensioners. Adaptive headlights increase night driving safety, and rear park assist, front and rear obstacle detection, ABS brakes, brake assist and Dynamic Stability Control are all standard. Body stability and crush zones are highly developed in the BMW to minimize damage in case of an accident.
Safety features:
- Dual front, front side and curtain airbags
- Adaptive headlights
- Dynamic stability control, brake assist, ABS brakes
- Front and rear obstacle detection
Overall the 2009 BMW M5 is a remarkable luxury sedan that continues to wow drivers with its superior balance of highly tuned performance, sophisticated styling and advanced technology features. It is a hard act to beat.