BMW M5 2022 Review

The luxury performance sedan market has always been a focal point for consumers who value driving pleasure and everyday practicality. The 2022 BMW M5 series (including the standard and Competition versions) is a popular model in this segment, attracting many users seeking a balance between performance and comfort with its powerful performance, intelligent all-wheel-drive system, and luxurious configurations. This test drive will focus on the static design, dynamic performance, and everyday practicality of these two models to help readers decide whether they are worth the nearly one million ringgit investment.

In terms of exterior design, the 2022 M5 continues the BMW M series' sporty genes. The overall look combines the stability of an executive sedan with the aggressiveness of a performance car. The front face features a large kidney-shaped grille paired with blackened LED headlights. The "angel eye" design of the daytime running lights retains the brand's distinctiveness, while sharper lines have been added. The side profile features a waistline extending from the front fender to the rear, with 20-inch wheels paired with wide tires (front: 275/35 R20, rear: 285/35 R20), further enhancing the sporty stance. At the rear, the dual-round quad exhaust layout complements the small spoiler, and the taillights use blackened LED light sources, offering high recognition when lit. The Competition version lowers the ride height by 4mm compared to the standard version, giving it a more grounded visual effect and a slightly stronger sporty vibe.

Inside, the interior style of the M5 leans towards a combination of luxury and technology. The dashboard is covered in soft-touch materials, paired with metal trim and carbon fiber-textured panels, providing a solid tactile feel. The 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel can switch to M-exclusive display modes, showing real-time performance data such as horsepower, torque, and G-force; the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports CarPlay connectivity, offering a smooth user experience. The front seats are electrically adjustable with heating, lumbar support, and side bolster adjustments. The driver's seat also features a memory function, with the side bolsters offering sufficient support during spirited driving without feeling overly tight for daily use. The rear seats are fixed, and thanks to the 2982mm wheelbase, legroom is adequate. A 175cm tall passenger seated in the rear still has about two fists' distance to the front seats. The rear also features independent air conditioning vents and sunshades, ensuring comfort. In terms of storage space, the trunk has a capacity of 530L, enough to hold two 28-inch suitcases, meeting the needs of short family trips. The center armrest console and door storage compartments in the front provide ample room for daily use.

On the performance front, the standard M5 is equipped with a 4.4T V8 twin-turbo engine, delivering a maximum output of 600PS and a peak torque of 750N·m. The Competition version increases the maximum output to 626PS while maintaining the same torque. Both versions are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which supports 2WD rear-wheel-drive mode switching. During actual driving, the power response is immediate at launch, with noticeable acceleration from a light press on the throttle. Mid-to-high-speed acceleration remains strong, with peak torque available from 1800rpm, allowing for overtaking without needing to floor the pedal. Switching to Sport+ mode makes the transmission shift more aggressively, with quicker downshifts and a deeper engine note. In terms of handling, the front double-wishbone suspension provides excellent support during cornering, and the vehicle exhibits good body roll control. The rear suspension is well-damped for uneven roads, minimizing jarring bumps. In standard mode, the steering feel is moderate and easy for daily driving; in Sport mode, steering becomes more precise, with clearer road feedback. Regarding fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is rated at 11.2L/100km. During actual city driving, fuel consumption is approximately 14-15L/100km, which can drop to 9-10L/100km on highways, aligning with expectations for a high-displacement performance car.

In terms of ride comfort details, the M5 does a good job with noise control; wind noise and tire noise are not noticeable at high speeds. The seat padding is moderately firm, making it less tiring for long periods of sitting. The all-wheel-drive system performs stably on wet and slippery roads, and even when switched to 2WD mode, the electronic stability system can intervene in time to prevent the vehicle from losing control. The Competition version's suspension is tuned a bit firmer, making vibrations over speed bumps more noticeable than the standard version, but it offers higher handling limits, better suited for users who enjoy spirited driving.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2022 BMW M5 series lie in its powerful performance, agile handling, and balance of practicality for everyday use. Compared to its rival, the Mercedes E63 S AMG of the same class, the M5's all-wheel-drive system is easier to switch, and its interior technology is also more advanced. The Competition version provides slight power enhancements to satisfy users seeking ultimate performance. This car is suitable for two types of people: one is performance enthusiasts who also prioritize family use, leveraging it as a daily driver while enjoying driving fun on weekends; the other is young consumers who prefer luxurious configurations, as the interior quality and technological features meet their comfort standards. Overall, the 2022 M5 is a "well-rounded" performance sedan that combines family-friendly travel with pure driving pleasure, making it a balanced choice among million-class luxury performance cars.