2009 BMW M5 Road Test Ratings

High-performance tuning improves upon the standard 5 Series' greatness.

Mega-motor, mega-handling, mega-brakes equals mega fun to drive.

Ride comfort is cockpit adjustable and impeccably damped, but the softest setting is still very aggressive.

There are many features and controls. Six programmable memory keys ease the difficutly of iDrive, though it still takes practice to master. Secondary controls are more ergonomically positioned than 2007 and prior models.

The so-called "flame surfacing" exterior styling concept is not universally loved, but no one disputes the impeccable build quality.