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Used 2006 BMW M5 Consumer Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
34 reviews

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

The best financial mistake you should make.

Mr. Waffles, 01/28/2017
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
23 of 24 people found this review helpful

Look. If you're in the market to lose 2k in value on a car (picked up for 16k, traded in for 13k and 1k tax), tempt fate with a looming expensive repair (thankfully I never had one while I had it), and have everyone you know collectively hate everything you love about your money pit, this is without a doubt the car for you. Don't take any of what I just said as me saying you should steer away from this car. Losing 2k on this car was worth every penny. The way that engine revved was out of this world. The exhaust note simply wasn't something that could have been recreated on any other engine and is probably what I loved the most. The car just builds speed faster than anything I've ever been in. For a 2 ton sedan, it handles it's weight as if it were a little roadster. And when you're in a corner, the active side bolstering is both a nice party trick for passengers as well as an absolute (to me) necessity when cornering hard as it allows for both a relaxed feel when cruising or that nice race car feel when driving hard. And that transmission, definitely jerky to drive in traffic and at slow speed. But when cruising and driving at 10/10s, I feel it's just mated perfectly to the engine and car no matter what anyone says about it not being a "true manual" car. Definitely want to keep both hands on the wheel when ripping it at 170 mph. Trips to the bmw dealership every 800-1000 miles or so was annoying to get a quart of oil as the engine loved to drink it as well as gasoline. Sometimes at the rate of 8 miles to the gallon. Passengers were never a fan of having to wait to warm it up or shut it down or pretty much anything that involved the car moving as it was apparently uncomfortable. But the way I saw it, the car was originally built to only really have a driver to go ponder the limits of mortality. The only reason it had 4 more seats was because someone at BMW was insane enough to go "You know what the driver needs? The ability to instill fear into others, 4 people at a time." All in all, if you can afford to pick up even a questionable example in your budget, do not hesitate. Buy it, enjoy it as long you can. The 6 months I had mine were worth every penny I lost.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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3.75 out of 5 stars

Don't Make the Same Mistake!

brandon54, 12/22/2014
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
49 of 55 people found this review helpful

I bought an 06 BMW M5 in May with 68,000 miles. On the drive home, the oil cooler broke and started leaking oil. That was a $1500 repair, an addition to the money I just spent purchasing the car and approximately $1000 in taxes. A few weeks later, the passenger restraint malfunction showed up. The battery cable had to be replaced. I spent nearly $1000 on that particular issue, maybe more. Shortly after, I began to get transmission malfunctions, as well as engine malfunctions which placed the car in limp mode. I spent $7000 fixing the transmission problems and just a few months later, I'm having problems again. I've lost $15,000 this year because of the M5 and I'm done.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Experience with 2006 M5

rsteele, 08/06/2009
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful

The new BMW M5 has a substantially different character than the previous model: less low rpm torque, but more mid and high range power. Using the SMG transmission well is like learning an action video game or how to tango with a new dance partner. Once you've got the rhythm and the timing, it's a great transmission, but this may take 5,000-10,000 miles. That's why reviewers tend not to like it. Same with iDrive. It's clunky for tuning different radio stations, but very handy otherwise, once you've learned how to use it. Unlike with the Editor's M5 Review, I find the steering to be very good and much better than on my prior model M5. What's not good: fuel economy and driving range.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Delayed Review

vbprof, 07/13/2009
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

I have this car for about 4 years now. I am usually not an aggressive driver because I do not want to ruin the car (someone must think I am nuts to buy an M5 and drive like a grandma). I found it very powerful with the full power on. As I bought it in its first generation, I had many problems with oil leak, SMG failing, radio malfunctioning, and dead on the road (due to electronic problem in SMG). Well, after many trips to the dealership, it has been doing well recently. SMG is very sluggish between 1st and 2nd gear (it stinks especially when you are at a stop sign and want to speed up, but the car just gets "lazy"). Love the BMW full maintenance program. Love the iDrive too.

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5 out of 5 stars

have fun while burning money

Enthusiast, 09/22/2019
updated 03/23/2021
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I have never driven a better car. It is blindingly fast, handles like a small sports car, holds four adults in comfort, has all the room for luggage you'd ever need. No other sedan offers this kind of performance and comfort for four. All that said it is an enormous money pit. Parts are ridiculously expensive and not always available - forget the dealers, few are well trained on this model. Gas mileage overall was 13 mpg, drive it hard and that can drop to 8. It drinks very expensive oil (Liquid Moly) - 1 quart per 300 miles was normal, not just my car. All the hate for the SMG tranny I felt was unwarranted. The car in auto mode was stupid but paddle shift it in sport mode and you won't miss the third pedal. The controls are way more complicated than need be - a friend described it as a car designed by German engineers for German engineers. Mostly this was the result of trying to offer a multitude of different ways to program the vehicle. Once you've figured out what works for you this is a non issue. Years from now I think these will be true collectors pieces representing the best of BMW's naturally aspirated luxury performance sedans.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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4.75 out of 5 stars

State of the art in performance

longman40, 10/28/2009
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful

Having driven BMW's for 39 years I can attest that this V10 is the state of the art in performance in a thoughtful, safe and understated sports car. It's like will not be seen again. I have had two of these - the E39 and the E60.

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5 out of 5 stars

One to stay in the garage forever

SCORPIO, 07/10/2006
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Absolutely top quality ride - there is no substitute. 50/50 weight distribution and the understeer issue that existed with the e39 M5 has been drastically improved. Exterior still maintains the stealth look, but upon closer inspection has a more muscular stance than other 5-series and of course, the tell tale oval side mirror housings and the quad- tail pipes. Great color options (but still no BMW individuals colors for the US). Interior has improved over the previous model with more comfortable seats - you can sleep in these babies and full leather package with alcantara headliner is gorgeous. SMG is great, but takes a bit of finesse to get smooth shifting in paddle mode.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Bow down, the King has returned!

impreziv, 11/15/2005
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

The BMW M5 has always been the leader of the performance sedan class. Overall, the power, handling, comfort is unsurpassed. My trip to the local dragstrip showed 12.2 in the 1/4mile, finishing at 117mph. Thats faster than all current Lambos, Benz sedans, pre-03 Vipers. The car has yet to disappoint me. but maybe I'm to preoccupied with the performance side to notice anything wrong. If you want supercar-like performance, but need four doors, this is the car for you. If you just want a status-symbol sedan, dont buy it. This car takes a certain breed of driver to appriciate it. It is more of a moneypit than most cars. I have averaged 11mpg, even driving within speed-limits.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Super sedan

cq, 07/28/2006
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Traded in a 05 911 carrera S (a great car BUT not like the M5). I have no regrets. This is just a superior vehicle in so many ways. The ride is great and the performance is just outstsanding. It is my 6th BMW and absolutely the best.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Happy m5 owner

jdyjak, 01/02/2006
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

This is an incredible sports sedan, lots of power at very high RPM's, I'm still in the break-in period, so I have not pushed it that far yet. I'm a little disappointed the launch control that had been advertised is not available in the U.S. overall I'm very happy with this vehicle, if you consider purchasing this vehicle remember there is a reason why there is a $3,700.00 gas guzzler tax, this car drinks it.

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5 out of 5 stars

Perfection personified

David Swanson, 11/27/2005
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is one amazing car! I have never ever been left with a feeling of amazement whilst being overjoyed behind the wheel of any other vehicle. The awesome power with control gives this vehicle the right balance between fun and stabilty. S6 mode is brutal and thoruoghly fun for a true driver. Loved it beyond all measure!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Best Luxury Sedan on the Planet

mdh, 07/29/2006
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Delivered October 2005 on the first shipment to the US, I'm at over 25,000 miles. The iDrive and SMG take some time to get used to - really about 5,000 miles or so. Once you get the hang of the SMG, it is just a blast. I never tire of revving this engine, especially on downshifts. The power is just astounding, especially on the highway - there are only a few cars sold today that compare. I've put on lightweight BBS 20" rims and Michelin PS2 tires, and installed H&R springs and spacers. With these mods, the car handles like a go-kart, but still rides well enough to take 5 people out to dinner. If you're looking for a Porsche that seats 5 people, this is your car. Amazing!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

M5 rides again

MacinTosh, 08/01/2007
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have owned a 2000 M5 and 2003 M5 and they were exceptional vehicles. I purchased my 06 M5 and was totally blown away. I even race at the Super Speedway and with 4 people I can hang with the Z06s and other modified models. It is a smooth and refined vehicle.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7A)

magiver, 05/26/2009
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

A wolf in sheep's clothing. Mild mannered driving around town and then head snapping acceleration and tight cornering is available when needed. The seats are incredibly comfortable for a tall driver. Great handling with the proper amount of feedback. Fit and finish are superb.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

M5 rules

Mach 5, 07/14/2009
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I studied and drove everything available in the 50-60K range. This car has everything you need and more power. The performance is outstanding. The exhaust sound has improved with mileage. Now it sounds WONDERFUL!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

2nd M5

mb2ndM5, 12/24/2005
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my second M5 and have been waiting for 3 years for this one. It was worth the wait! Awesome car, tremendous ability to adjust performance. Great handling, great feel, a wolf in sheeps clothing. Looks and feels great during the ride to church with the family and performs equally well side by side with the viper or 911 on the interstate on the way back home. SMG takes some getting used to, but once you decide how you want to use it; it's relatively smooth and functional.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Truly the Ultimate Drving Machine

archangel, 01/06/2006
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This vehicle is a pure driver's machine, it is what other cars aspire to be. The design, the handling, suspension and cornering are unmatched, as is the fluid acceleration through all gears... the moment you hear the engine turn over, you know you are in for a great ride... the bosy turns heads, and the engine pulls your neck straight back.. I wouldn't own anything else after driving this car.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

2006 M5-- An Outstanding Achievement!!

DAVID LOYA, 01/19/2006
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just turned in my 2003 M5 for this new 2006 M5. Surprisingly there is little in common between the two cars. The 2006 M5 is much more dynamic and exciting to drive. It outperforms the older model in every way, even in the 400hp mode. The new M5 is a blast to drive and I look forward to getting in the car every morning. The 2006 M5 has surpassed my expectations and I feel it is under-priced at 90K.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Amazing performance

Joshm18, 05/23/2006
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Deciding between this and the 911 4S was a tough decision, but they are comparing apples and oranges. The fact that you can get this type of performance in a four door "sedan" is unbelievable. Anyone who has been around BMWs before knows of their intense performance, but lack of "luxury" - this car really has it all. The available optins are fantastic (the comfort access is a must!). Bottom line, this car is truly a spectacular machine. Not only does it outperform just about everything on the road, its style is set apart enough from the standard 5 series that you catch a lot of looks in it.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

A wolf in sheep's skin.

b. smith, 06/03/2006
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

A wonderful driving machine. A pleasure on long trips, but a blast though out the canyons.

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5 out of 5 stars

Perfect for anyone

Nick, 10/19/2005
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is a very well rounded car. Offers all sorts of modes and options to fit the drivers style. It has 6 different settings for the 7 speed transmission. Hold on tight on mode S6, the gear changes are extremely violent in this agressive mode. But when you want to cruise around town, the slower modes make smooth clean shifts. The 530i was said to be the best car ever tested, this is one step better, has everything the 530i offers, plus more, especially more power.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Best Car Built!

MattMumford1, 11/10/2005
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is an excellent vehicle. It feels as if you are driving a car from the future because of the extreme horsepower and the simple luxury.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Worth the wait

Kelly777, 11/04/2005
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Unbelievable car. SMG and iDrive are far better than I anticipated after reading several mixed reviews. Also being previous E39 540 owner. I never really cared for the new E60 5 series design before, the styling on the M5 is stunning. Needless to say I bought the car for it's performance and it has exceeded every expectation. It can ride like a top of the line luxury sedan and with the push of a button, you will feel like you are in a race car ready for the track!

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5 out of 5 stars

Unbelievable Once You See the Car

DKM, 11/24/2005
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The car is stunning and incredible once you see it on the showroom floor and then actually take it for a drive. I previously owned a 1998 540I and there is no comparison. I looked at the 2006 550I and again, no comparison. A fabulous car with many technologically advanced features. It is amazing to hear the sound of the engine when you start the car and as you wind up the RPMs. There is no doubt that there is a high performance engine under the hood.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Astounding

pelican, 12/18/2005
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The M5's technology enables virtually infinite adjustments to suit the driver and the driving conditions. It is like having a bespoke car: the driver can adjust transmission, suspension and horsepower settings to your liking. And there is a lot to choose from given this car's great capabilities. It handles beautifully, with precise steering and road feel. The M5 has ample power, with up to 500 hp. I owned the previous generation M5, and the 2006 is a tremendous improvement in terms of both performance and comfort. And I like the fact that the car is a "sleeper". Unless they know their cars, most people won't know that the M5 is one of the best performing cars on the road.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Best I have ever owned

Brad, 03/03/2006
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Having owned over 10 BMWs including the MZ3, 7&6 series and other 5 series, there is nothing like this sweet driving machine. Typical of BMW, you know you are driving - it lets you feel the road. The interior comfort is incredible. The seats literally hug you when you get in and maneuver around curves. Spend 30 minutes learning the iDrive and you will love its ease of use! And if you need to accelerate, no fear, you will be gone before you can blink. I traded in my 645i for this baby and have NO regrets. The only disappointment was the tires. BMW really needs to deliver this vehicle with a better tire, I changed mine right off the bat. Gawk factor is at an all time high on this one!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Best BMW Ever

M5Racer, 04/13/2006
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I recently purchased a 2006 M5 after retiring an Infiniti G35 and 2001 525i. In a nutshell, this car rocks! It has all the features and benefits of a luxury car, yet when asked immediately this performs like a Formula 1 racecar. Two thumbs up for BMW!! If you can afford one, get one. I promise you won't regret it.

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5 out of 5 stars

One Bad Bimmer

Bimma Boy, 04/17/2006
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the ultimate driving machine!! It can be the family sedan to carry around your friends an family around town or it can be a race car. I traded in my 600hp Subaru STi for this an have no regets. It gets looks from everyone and sounds great! Interior design is very nice but the iDrive can be confusing. Set aside about 20 minutes to try out an experiment with the iDrive and you'll get the hang of it. Don't think this car can get any better? Press the M button and everything becomes a lot better. Throttle and steering response are instantaneous. The sound of the exhaust in so beautiful, smooth yet sporty sound that you cannot replicate. It's a car with 4 doors that can you take the track.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

My Dream Car!

russjo, 08/29/2006
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have been wanting this car since I first saw it in Monte Carlo in Sep 2005 while I was on a cruise. This vehicle is unbelievably awesome. The sounds, the looks, the power - it is next to impossible to put it into words. Everything about it is as close to perfect as possible. If you can afford it then definitely go for it! This car swallows gas... but I can't complain because the performance more than makes up for the stops at the fuel stations!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Ultimate revving machine

jas, 09/03/2006
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car absolutly owns. You will not find anyone that can put up much a race with you on the streets very often. Yet if you are talking about the comfort levels of this car, you can have 4 people soundly sleeping next to you while reaching 140 mph without feeling anything. However, still will take awhile before I get used to the smg and can fully manipulate this monster to its finest capacity.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Mighty M5

pgrantsr, 03/23/2007
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've only had my M5 for a month but in that time I have come to appreciate the beauty of this car. Sport car performance in a four door sedan. Engine that sings a beautiful song and has performance to match. Handling almost as good as my S2000 but without the harshness. Interior amenities to match any other manufacturer. The only downside is the poor gas mileage, but that is not the reason I bought this car.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Such a fun beast to be in

TK, 05/02/2007
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Took delivery in Germany (ED program - look into it!) and received it back in the US one month later. What a fabulous car. Whether driving at sane speeds (50-80 mph) or Autobahn speeds (150+ mph) the car is very predictable and gives excellent feedback. Doesn't feel like a 4000+ lb car through the twisties. SMG is a great system, once you get used to it.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

BMW M5 - World Class Fun

Jordan Lamm, 05/22/2007
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned 4 BMWs and several other cars. The 2006 M5 is the most fun, practical car on the market. The SMG transmission is a blast - very versatile, fun to shift, useful but not great in auto mode. I get comments all the time about what a great car it is. And I love the iDrive. Yes, I would do some things differently, but overall it is very easy to use. Only complaint about the car is that I would like to see the dashboard more driver oriented like the E39 was.

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4 out of 5 stars

Now yesterday's technology, but what an engine.

kieran mahoney, 07/26/2017
2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Pricey repairs will give back some of the bang for the buck, as will gas mileage, but there is no better way to grab a stout 500HP V10 than this car.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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