BMW M5 2020 Review

In the luxury performance car market in Malaysia, four-door Grand Tourers have always been a popular choice that balances prestige and practicality—not only do they need to be comfortable for daily commuting, but their power also can't disappoint when one wants to unleash some passion. The 2020 BMW M5 is a "beast" in this niche market: its 4.4T V8 twin-turbo engine produces 600 horsepower and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds, faster than many sports cars, yet it still retains a five-seat layout and a 530L trunk. In this test drive, we focused on verifying two points: Can it truly balance being a "track beast" and an "everyday ride"? And does its million-ringgit level of configuration live up to its price?

From a static perspective, the design of the 2020 M5 retains the business-like quality of the BMW 5 Series while adding plenty of performance-oriented elements. The body dimensions are 4965mm in length, 1903mm in width, making it wider than the regular 5 Series. Its 20-inch wheels (275/35R20 at the front and 285/35R20 at the rear) add a commanding presence. The front features a large kidney grille adorned with black trim, and the LED headlamp assemblies come as standard with a sharp design and automatic lighting features. The side profile is sleek, with tight waistlines running from the front fender to the rear. The lower part of the doors features the M series' exclusive side skirts, while the rear bumper includes a diffuser and quad exhaust outlets, making it instantly recognizable as a performance version.

Inside the car, the materials used for the interior are more premium compared to the regular 5 Series. The dashboard is wrapped in soft leather, complemented by metallic trim details. A fully digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display come as standard, offering good interface smoothness and CarPlay connectivity. The configuration is comprehensive: a head-up display (HUD), keyless entry, power-adjustable seats (front seats with memory functions), four-zone climate control, and Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system are all included, covering most daily comfort needs. Space performance aligns with the Grand Tourer positioning: the 2982mm wheelbase ensures rear legroom is comfortable, with a 175cm passenger having about two fists of extra space. The 530L trunk can accommodate three 28-inch suitcases, making it fully sufficient for family use.

The dynamic performance is the core highlight of the 2020 M5. The 4.4T V8 twin-turbo engine delivers a maximum of 600 horsepower, and peak torque starts delivering at 1,800 rpm. Even with a light press on the accelerator, you can feel a strong push-back sensation at launch. In Sport Plus mode, it accelerates explosively from 0-100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds. During overtaking, pressing the accelerator deeply causes the 8-speed automatic transmission to downshift responsively, ensuring power is always available on demand. In terms of handling, the double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension are tuned for sportiness, but they don't feel overly stiff in daily driving. They absorb vibrations well over speed bumps, and the car remains very stable at high speeds. The steering wheel offers precise handling with minimal play, and the body maintains great control during cornering. Combined with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the grip is outstanding and the limits are exceptionally high. Fuel consumption is about 15L/100km in the city and drops to around 9L/100km on the highway, which is considered normal for a car in this performance class.

The sound insulation is commendable, with wind and tire noise well controlled at 120 km/h, and the engine noise only enters the cabin at high RPMs, where the engine note is actually quite pleasant. The seats are comfortable, with strong support and soft padding, making long drives fatigue-free. The safety features are also comprehensive, including six airbags, lane-change assist, lane departure warning, and active braking, providing peace of mind for daily driving.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2020 BMW M5 are quite clear: first, its powerful performance, with an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, which is rare among Grand Tourers in the same class; second, its high configuration, offering features like HUD, Harman Kardon audio system, and full digital instrument cluster for under one million MYR, making it more cost-effective compared to competitors (such as the Mercedes-AMG E63 S); third, its balance, functioning well as both a daily commuter car and an occasional track car for fun. It is suitable for two types of people: those who value performance but also need a car for family use, and young individuals who love luxury and seek driving pleasure. If your budget is around one million MYR and you want a Grand Tourer that balances performance and practicality, the 2020 M5 is definitely worth considering.