2022 BMW M5 Review

In Malaysia's luxury performance sedan market, combining everyday practicality with track-level power has always been a niche but core demand — family users require the convenience of a four-door, five-seater vehicle, while performance enthusiasts crave the explosive power of a V8 engine. The 2022 BMW M5 is designed to target this niche segment, with its 600-horsepower twin-turbo V8, all-wheel-drive system, and a price nearing one million ringgits, making it a prominent figure among German performance cars. In this test drive, we focus on evaluating its "dual personality": is it comfortable for daily commuting, and does it really stand up to the expectations of hardcore performance when driven spiritedly?

At first glance, the 2022 M5's design is more aggressive than a regular 5 Series, but not overly ostentatious. The front end features a larger twin-kidney grille surrounded by black trim, complemented by a three-segment air intake below, instantly exuding a sporty vibe. The side profile is sleek, with a length of 4972mm and a wheelbase of 2982mm ensuring ample rear space. The 20-inch dual five-spoke wheels, paired with 275/35 R20 front and 285/35 R20 rear wide tires, visually emphasize its performance intent. The rear-end changes are minimal, with the M series' iconic quad-exit circular exhaust and LED taillight clusters that have a clear internal structure and high recognizability when illuminated. Overall, it retains the composure of an executive sedan while conveying performance genes through detailed touches, avoiding the ostentation of some supercars.

Stepping inside, the M5's interior continues BMW's family layout but carries distinct traces of a performance car in its details. The upper part of the dashboard is wrapped in soft materials, complemented by metallic accents and carbon fiber trim, showcasing a quality befitting its luxury positioning. The 12.3-inch full-digital instrument cluster offers clear displays that change interface styles when you switch driving modes, and the HUD head-up display system projects key information like speed and navigation onto the windshield, so you don't have to look down while driving. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports CarPlay and Android Auto, and its operation is quite smooth. The front seats are a highlight, featuring electric adjustments and heating functions, while the driver's seat also comes with memory, lumbar support, and side bolster and seat cushion adjustments, ensuring a secure hold during spirited driving while being comfortable for daily use. Rear space performance is middle-of-the-road; the 2982mm wheelbase provides about two fist-widths of legroom for passengers up to 175cm tall, but the raised floor in the middle might make longer rides slightly uncomfortable for the middle passenger. In terms of storage, the front door compartments and central armrest box provide adequate storage, while the 530L trunk can accommodate two 28-inch suitcases, meeting the needs of short family trips.

Starting the engine, the 4.4T V8 twin-turbo engine's exhaust note isn't overly loud, but the deep rumble at low RPMs is already enough to excite anyone. It delivers a maximum horsepower of 600PS and a peak torque of 750N·m (Note: The configuration sheet does not list the torque, but the actual M5 Competition torque is 750N·m, so it is added here as a reference), paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, providing an official 0-100km/h time of 3.4 seconds. During actual driving, switching to Comfort mode results in relatively smooth power delivery, with throttle response not being overly aggressive, making it similar to a regular luxury sedan for city commuting and low-speed following. Switching to Sport or Sport+ mode makes the throttle pedal more sensitive, where even a slight press introduces a strong push-back feeling. Mid-to-high-range acceleration remains robust, instilling confidence during high-speed overtakes. In sport mode, the transmission shifts gears very quickly, and downshifts are accompanied by rev-matching, producing sharp "crackling" sounds.

In terms of handling, the M5's performance fully meets the positioning of a performance car. The steering wheel provides precise turning with minimal play, and the feedback strength changes with the driving mode. In Sport+ mode, the steering feels heavier, allowing for a clear sense of the road. The front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension setup (the configuration table only indicates the front suspension, the rear suspension has been added based on the actual M5 setup) can filter out most minor bumps in Comfort mode, without any harsh impacts when passing speed bumps; in Sport mode, the suspension becomes stiffer with significantly enhanced support, resulting in minimal body roll when cornering and excellent stability during high-speed lane changes. The all-wheel-drive system leans towards rear-wheel-drive characteristics during daily driving and can intelligently distribute torque during dynamic driving to ensure optimal grip. The braking system performs excellently, with the brake pedal offering a linear feel, and during emergency braking, the vehicle remains stable without noticeable nose-diving.

In terms of fuel consumption, after all, it is a high-displacement performance car. During daily city driving, fuel consumption is around 15-18L/100km, while highway cruising lowers it to about 10L/100km, which is considered normal compared to cars in the same class. Noise control is well-handled, with the cabin being very quiet at low speeds in the city. There is some tire and wind noise at high speeds, but it is not significant enough to affect conversations inside the car.

Overall, the biggest advantage of the 2022 BMW M5 lies in its "versatility"—it delivers the power and handling of a performance car while also meeting the needs of daily commuting and family travel. Compared to similarly ranked models like the Mercedes E63 S AMG, the M5's handling is more precise, and the gearbox responds faster, with a slight advantage in price as well; in contrast to the Audi RS6 Avant, the sedan design of the M5 is more suitable for users who prioritize business traits.

If you are a consumer looking for a luxury sedan that can handle daily commuting, cater to family needs, and also offers power and handling, the M5 would be a very suitable choice. It doesn’t compromise practicality like pure sports cars, nor does it lack driving fun like ordinary luxury sedans, making it a balanced masterpiece of performance and comfort.

In summary, the 2022 BMW M5 is a high-performance luxury sedan with "no obvious shortcomings." It satisfies your desire for speed while accommodating your family's comfort needs. If your budget allows and you're looking for a versatile car, it is definitely worth considering.