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BMW F10 M5 Review - Motor Trend: Better Than Predecessor in Every Way

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The first drive acclaims for the 2012 M5 continue as Motor Trend posts their first take on the F10 M5. Calling it improved with age, like a bottle of fine wine, Motor Trend believes that the F10 M5 is better than the E60 M5 in every way. How's that? See some excerpts below.

For a list of F10 M5 reviews see - http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=588616

Some things improve with age, like a bottle of 64-year-old Macallan. Like that fine spirit, the BMW M5 has also improved mightily over the years, with the all-new 2012 BMW M5 being the smoothest, most powerful, most elegant, and most refined M5 distillation to date.

The engine in the M5 is akin to that in the X5 and X6, but with a few tweaks to give it that extra oomph. The addition of BMW's throttle-less Valvetronic induction system makes the intake valve system infinitely variable, providing optimal fuel delivery for any driving situation. The valley-dwelling turbos have also been reworked for higher flow, increasing boost pressure from 22 to 26 psi. Placing the turbos between the V of the block does more than just improve packaging. The newly developed manifold system with exhaust ports in the valley and intake outboard means both the intake and exhaust tracks are now shorter, with a wider diameter to reduce pressure loss. That increases throttle response, reduces turbo lag, and improves efficiency.

We're sure under a controlled situation all that torque would be available, but in the real world, it's not. Mat the throttle while rolling down the highway and gear kickdown selection is perfect...then there's a delay before you really start moving. Yes, boys and girls, the new BMW M5 has a smidge of turbo lag. It's not terrible, but it's definitely there. It's more noticeable on the street than the track, where the M5 will show you what it's truly capable of.

On the track, you never notice any turbo lag, and you actually enjoy hearing those turbos spool up -- not in a silly tuner way, but in a subtle, refined manner. It's a pick-your-poison situation when you can turn some hot laps on a private facility.

The only transmission we were able to sample was BMW's seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual, which is unique to the M5. Much work was done to make sure this transmission could handle all the M5's newfound torque. Just like BMW's other DCT, it's ultra-quick, with shift harshness ranging from silky smooth to neck-snapping. Rumor has it the U.S. will be getting a manual. Not sure why we need it, but we'll take it. The M5 also sports a new electronically controlled locking rear differential that can vary between fully open to fully locked.

What does all this mean in terms of the driving experience? One word: magnificent. On the street in normal mode, the M5 is a pussycat, stealthily rolling down the road with a firm but forgiving ride, ready to pounce on unsuspecting prey. You don't hear or feel a single shift through the seven gears. Even in this mode, you can slap that GO pedal and you're gone (after a short delay while the turbos spool -- nothing 95 percent this car's buyers will notice or even care about).

A car that can move this kind of weight as quickly as it does, and slow it down as well as it does, feels awesome. The M5 doesn't drive nearly as big as it is -- the car manages to shrink around you. It is also very forgiving. It doesn't get upset if you lift mid-corner. It gives you a bit of a wiggle, but is completely controllable. Speaking of lifting, the M5 makes the most beautiful bark when you lift off the throttle from high rpm while transitioning to braking. The brakes never fade, but I had to give firmer pressure than expected in hard-braking situations.

Without a doubt, the new 2012 BMW M5 is better than its predecessor in every way. Some say they'll miss the high-rpm V-10 screaming under the hood. Not me. I'll take this subtle torque monster any day. Much like a purveyor of fine spirits, when an automaker starts with quality components, and adds time, insight, and desire, it's possible to create something amazing -- a vintage that can truly be savored. With the new M5, BMW has done just that.

Check out the full review at Motor Trend