2018 BMW M5 Review
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
byCalvin Kim
Vehicle Test Engineer
Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.Pros
- Sharper handling from revised suspension
- Boffo V8's prodigious thrust
- All-wheel drive increases performance capability
- Premium cabin packed with features
Cons
- Stiff on bumpy roads, even in Comfort mode
- Daunting number of powertrain and suspension settings
What’s new
The 2018 BMW M5 is a thoroughly pumped-up version of the 5 Series that debuted for the 2017 model year. It features a more powerful turbocharged V8 (600 hp, 553 lb-ft), an adjustable all-wheel-drive system, and a variety of changes that make it more engaging to drive than the previous M5.
Vehicle overview
With its combination of four doors, a powerful engine and capability to take on twisty back roads, racetracks and highways with equal aplomb, BMW's M5 has been a mainstay for sport sedan buyers since 1986. But some would say BMW hasn't been keeping up with the times. Recent M5 generations lacked the athleticism of the earlier cars, and the competition keeps getting better. For this redesigned model, though, BMW is aiming to put the 2018 M5 back on top as the definitive sport sedan.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 BMW M5 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
Not Available
M5 Base
vs
$207/mo
Avg. Large Car
For power, the M5 relies on a retuned version of the previous car's turbocharged V8. It now pumps out 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. More notably, that power is put through a standard eight-speed automatic transmission (replacing last year's dual-clutch automatic and optional manual transmission) and an adjustable all-wheel-drive system. While BMW has used all-wheel drive for its X5 M and X6 M SUVs, this is the first time it makes an appearance on an M division sedan.
It's the 2018 M5's handling that you'll be most interested in, though. The previous M5 lacked the hard edge that made M cars unique, but this one has it. BMW says the new M5 is lighter than before and more engaging to drive. This is still a big sedan, but the revised suspension and steering calibration have brought back some of that old-school M5 mojo.
Of course, the M5 is the same well-appointed luxury sedan as the regular 5 Series. But whether there's enough luxury might be a question. Although its power and handling are prodigious, you have to know how to manipulate the dizzying number of adjustable modes for the transmission, throttle, suspension, steering, and drivetrain settings to make the most out of the car. And even with the suspension in Comfort mode, some may find the ride too harsh and the cabin too noisy.
Nevertheless, ardent sport sedan aficionados will gladly make that compromise. The 2018 BMW M5 is a dynamic return to form.
Notably, we picked the 2018 BMW M5 as one of Edmunds' Best Sport Sedans for this year.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
M5 aficionados will notice the additional power from the recalibrated V8, but it's the stiffer suspension and chassis setup that re-establishes the 2018 BMW M5 as the definitive high-performance sport sedan.
Trim tested
Edmunds attended a First Drive event and sampled the car, but our time with it was limited, as was the scope of interaction. So the following is only our first take on what's significant and what you can expect. The ratings in this review are based on our First Drive of the 2018 BMW M5 (turbo 4.4L V8 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).
Driving
Even with the new all-wheel-drive system, the M5 still handles like a rear-wheel-drive car. Power is bountiful and catapults the car from zero to 60 mph in a claimed, and believable, 3.2 seconds. But if you don't set the modes just right, shifts can be slower than expected.
Comfort
The 20-way power seats are exemplary, as is the intuitive and easy-to-use climate control system. Interior noise from the tires and wind is noticeable. The ride may be choppy for some, even in its Comfort setting.
Interior
The primary controls are intuitive, and the driving position is very adjustable. Controls for transmission, engine, steering and suspension are complex, but configurations can be saved. The two steering-wheel-mounted M buttons that recall frequently used settings are easily accessible.
Utility
The M5's everyday usability is enhanced with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat. And while the door pockets and center console bin are only average size, they are ergonomically located and easy to reach.
Technology
The M5's iDrive system is complex and menu-driven, but using the controller is instinctive and responsive. The climate control and radio systems have enough hard keys, so you'll only need to dip into the menus on occasions. Apple CarPlay should just be standard.
Which M5 does Edmunds recommend?
There's only one version of the M5, so getting one largely comes down to picking the colors you want. Two packages are available: the Driving Assistance Plus and the Executive. Both are worth getting if you want to burnish your M5's luxury pedigree. Apple CarPlay is oddly optional, but it's an obvious need if you own an iPhone. The carbon-ceramic brakes aren't needed unless you're planning on doing high-performance track events with your M5.
2018 BMW M5 models
The 2018 BMW M5 is a four-door, five-seat sedan. It comes in only one primary configuration, and is equipped with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends the power to all four wheels.
