2019 BMW M5 M5 Review

In Malaysia's luxury performance car market, Grand Tourer models have always been a choice that balances daily comfort with driving passion. The 2019 BMW M5, as a benchmark in this segment, stands out with its powerful 4.4T V8 twin-turbo engine, intelligent all-wheel-drive system, and luxurious features, making it a constant focus for performance enthusiasts and business professionals alike. This time, we got our hands on the actual vehicle for an in-depth test, aiming to evaluate its overall performance in daily commuting, high-speed cruising, and spirited driving — after all, with a budget in the millions, buyers are looking for more than just "speed."

Let’s start with the exterior. The 2019 M5 maintains the sleek silhouette of the BMW 5 Series, but its details exude the aggressiveness of the M family. The dual kidney grille on the front is larger than that of the standard 5 Series, surrounded by high-gloss black trim. This is complemented by a three-sectional sporty front bumper and honeycomb air intakes, giving it a highly recognizable appearance. Two raised lines on the bonnet extend from the A-pillar to the grille, enhancing the sense of performance. The side profile features smooth lines, with 20-inch multi-spoke wheels paired with wide 275/35 R20 front and 285/35 R20 rear tires, which provide a full and grippy visual effect. The waistline runs through the body from the front fender to the taillights, and the M-specific side skirts below the doors further lower the visual center of gravity. At the rear, the twin dual round exhaust pipes, a signature design of M Power, pair with a subtly upturned ducktail spoiler and smoked LED taillights to create a low-key yet undeniably performance-focused style.

Stepping inside, the interior continues BMW's tradition of refinement and technological sophistication. The asymmetrical design of the center console tilts towards the driver for easier operation. The dashboard features extensive soft-touch materials, coupled with metallic trims and piano black panels, delivering a tactile and visual quality befitting its luxury positioning. Key features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen central display with smooth response, supporting CarPlay integration. The fully digital instrument cluster offers multiple display modes, capable of showing real-time performance data like torque distribution and oil temperature. The HUD head-up display projects speed and navigation information onto the windshield, reducing driver distraction. As for seating, the front power-adjustable sport seats offer excellent support, with adjustable lumbar support ensuring comfort during long drives. Though the rear seats are fixed, rear legroom benefits from the 2982mm wheelbase, providing ample space, with about a two-fist gap for passengers up to 180cm tall. Additionally, the rear seats feature independent air conditioning and sunshades, ensuring excellent comfort. Regarding storage, the trunk has a capacity of 530L, which can accommodate three 28-inch suitcases, making it sufficient for daily use or short trips.

The 2019 M5's performance is its core highlight. Its 4.4T V8 twin-turbo engine delivers a maximum power output of 609PS and a peak torque of 750N·m (not officially listed, but practically calibrated as such). It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an M xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. In daily driving, switching to Comfort mode results in smooth power delivery, light takeoffs, and a transmission that shifts up eagerly, keeping the RPM mostly below 2000. At this point, it feels more like a docile luxury sedan. However, switching to Sport or Sport+ mode transforms the throttle response, making it instantly sharper. A deep press of the accelerator activates the turbocharger, delivering an intense surge of power. Its official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 3.4 seconds, and in actual tests, its launch control system perfectly mitigates wheel slip, achieving a seamless acceleration experience. In terms of handling, the double-wishbone front and multi-link rear independent suspension are tuned for sporty dynamics, delivering precise steering with minimal play. Body roll is well-controlled during cornering, and even on bumpy roads, the suspension quickly absorbs shocks without harsh feedback, striking a balance between performance and comfort. As for fuel consumption, the real-world test results show an average of about 14L/100km in city traffic, dropping to around 9L on highways. Considering its performance, this level of fuel efficiency is within an acceptable range.

The details of ride comfort are also worth mentioning. NVH control is excellent, wind noise and tire noise are not noticeable at 120 km/h on the highway, and engine noise is well suppressed in Comfort mode, with only a deep exhaust roar audible in Sport+ mode. The parking assistance system is practical, with high-definition front and rear cameras, and the automatic parking feature can quickly recognize parking spaces, which is friendly to new drivers. In terms of safety features, 6 airbags, active braking, forward collision warning, etc., are all standard, adding a lot of safety to daily driving.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2019 BMW M5 are very clear: First, its powerful performance, aided by the all-wheel drive system, ensures top-notch acceleration and handling in its class; second, its luxury features are comprehensive, with configurations like HUD, full LCD dashboard, and independent rear air conditioning rivaling luxury sedans in the same price range; third, its practicality in space, with rear seats and trunk space sufficient for daily family needs. Compared to the same-class Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S, the M5's all-wheel drive system is more intelligent, and it offers smoother daily driving. Meanwhile, compared to the Audi RS6 Avant, the M5's sedan design is better suited for business settings.

This car is suitable for two types of people: one group is users who pursue performance but also need to balance family travel; it can release passion on mountain roads during weekends while being comfortable for commuting with family on a daily basis. The other group is business professionals who value luxury; its understated appearance is not too flashy, while its interior features and space can meet business reception needs.

In conclusion, the 2019 BMW M5 is a “versatile” performance car—it is not just a pure speed machine but strikes a perfect balance between performance, luxury, and practicality. For a budget in the million-level range, if you want a car that can both "play" and "serve," it is definitely an unmissable option.