2023 BMW M5 Sedan

There are executive sedans, and then there's the BMW M5. The M5 has always been the go-to mid-size performance sedan and continues to offer barnstorming performance and excellent refinement. The M5 features a twin-turbo V8 engine that delivers 600 horsepower, or 617 hp in Competition spec, and will rush to 60 mph in as little as 3.1 seconds in the latter thanks to a rear-biased all-wheel drive system with a Drift Mode. Unlike the M2 or M4, the 2023 BMW M5 hides its performance credentials well beneath a sharply tailored but understated suit that comes across as tame compared to the M5's competitors like the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing and Audi RS7 Sportback.

The next-generation M5 will likely inherit a plug-in hybrid powertrain from the XM, which means this could be one of the last few years you get to enjoy the M5 in unadulterated combustion form. An icon that founded the segment and dominates it still, we relish any opportunity to review the BMW M5.

The regular M5 has an MSRP of $109,900. The price of the BMW M5 does not include the $995 destination and the $1,000 gas guzzler tax. Adding the Competition Package takes the MSRP up to $117,500 without other options added.

The M5 might be one of BMW's most hardcore offerings, but it is more than happy to be used as a daily driver and is rather comfortable in this environment. After the 2021 facelift, the M5 has become softer and more compliant in its most relaxed driving mode, which makes it drive and feel almost like the standard 5 Series. This is great for driving around town and matches the quiet exhaust note and overall sleeper status of the M5.

However, tap one of the two M switches on the steering wheel, and things change drastically. The M5 has a myriad of driving modes and custom settings to choose from, so you can go wild and specify your own custom driving modes. These modes include three modes for the M xDrive system, a general Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus mode, and the ability to go RWD. The M5 is a true driver's machine and loves to tackle a few sets of corners. Grip is immense, but steering feel could be better. The Competition package adds firmer engine mounts, stiffer suspension, larger wheels, and a louder exhaust. We recommend going for this package if you're after a more engaging experience, as it also gives you an extra 17 hp and drops the 0-60 mph sprint from 3.2 to 3.1 seconds.

The M5 name is cemented in the BMW lineup as one of its most loved models and is fiercely respected in the automotive world; after all, the M5 gave birth to the super saloon. The 2023 model builds on what is a great platform and offers tons of performance and luxury. The M5 is brutally fast in a straight line and loves to go around corners; we just wish it was a bit louder and provided more steering feedback. The same goes for the exterior: we wish it looked the part, as its understated nature falls short compared to more dramatic rivals such as the Audi RS7. The interior is luxurious and classy but doesn't scream performance to us. The new BMW M5 sedan shines as a practical daily sedan that will keep up with supercars on city streets, and that's why we love it. The fact that it's time without electrification is running out only makes us want the current model even more. The 668-hp Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing makes for an intriguing rival at nearly $20k less though - and it's available as a manual.

It depends on how much track driving you do. If your M5 isn't going to see much track time, or none at all, go for the regular M5 and add the Executive Package for all the additional comfort features. You still get the ridiculous performance, but the regular M5 is more suited to daily driving.

If you're a track regular, the Competition is a must. The firmer ride will be a small sacrifice. If you will use it on the track, it's worth investing in the carbon ceramic brakes. The standard brakes can take a beating, but the carbon ceramics will remain fade-free. Regardless of which model you choose, all M5 configurations make a strong case for themselves.