2020 BMW M5 Review

Name: 2020 BMW M5
Brand: BMW

Price Range: $54,590 - $71,995

Great

8.6

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The 2020 BMW M5 is one of the top high-performance sedans on sale. It takes everything we like about the standard 5 Series, such as powerful engines and balanced handling, and cranks them up several notches. The twin-turbocharged V8 engine packs a wallop with 600 horsepower. Big, sticky tires and all-wheel drive are also here to provide eye-popping levels of grip. This is a track star and a chauffeured luxury ride in one.

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Average price: $63,139

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Appraise My 2020 BMW M5

Pros

Turbocharged V8's prodigious thrust
All-wheel drive provides excellent stability to balance out the power
Supremely supportive and commanding cockpit
Smooth yet crisp-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission

Cons

Daunting number of powertrain and suspension configurations
Cabin isn't quite as luxurious as those of some competitors

What's new

BMW M5 Edition 35 Years package available in extremely limited numbers
Digital instrument cluster, wireless charger and connectivity package now standard equipment
No more CD player
Part of the sixth M5 generation introduced for 2018

Overview

Written by automotive expert Ryan ZumMallen

3/23/2020

The 2020 M5 is exactly what you'd expect from a BMW super sedan: stylish, comfortable and addictively fast. From the outside, it looks much like a standard 5 Series sedan with only a few badges to distinguish between the two. But under the skin, the M5 is a different beast.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

35 listings

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2020 BMW M5
Competition Sedan
$71,995
fair price
$188 above market
- 32,216 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use
- 15 City / 21 Hwy MPG
- High Quality Motors (6 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Sterling, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
17 Combined MPG (15 City/21 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBSJF0C01LCE59972
Stock: HQM1456
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-08-2026
2020 BMW M5
Base Sedan
$66,999
fair price
$1,288 below market
- 34,225 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 15 City / 21 Hwy MPG
- Flow Toyota of Charlottesville (86 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Charlottesville, VA
NAVIGATION / NAVI / GPS ** BACK UP CAMERA ** HEADS UP DISPLAY ** ALLOY WHEELS ** Black Leather 4-Zone Automatic Climate Control Active Park Distance C...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
17 Combined MPG (15 City/21 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBSJF0C04LCD25103
Stock: 36P1196
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-31-2025

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It is powered by a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine with 600 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. M5 Competition models are bumped to 617 hp. BMW also upgraded the suspension, transmission and all-wheel-drive system to help the M5 deliver outlandish levels of performance. The result is a ferociously athletic sedan that is just as sharp and balanced as it is fast. And it is fast.

Inside, the M5 is adorned with all of the latest technology BMW has to offer. It comes with Live Cockpit Professional, which features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch central touchscreen. The latest version of iDrive 7.0 operates menu functions, and we find it much easier to use than earlier generations. Wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone integration is standard, but Android Auto is still not available.

In all, the 2020 M5 offers gut-punching performance while maintaining the space and comfort you expect from a BMW sedan. It packs a lot of personality for the price and makes a worthy opponent to the equally lofty Mercedes-AMG E 63 S and Porsche Panamera Turbo S.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Great

8.6

out of 10

We drove the 2020 BMW M5 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

9/10

How does the M5 drive? The M5 combines all-around athleticism with truly "wow!" bursts of performance. In Edmunds' testing, we recorded a 0-60 mph time of just 3.2 seconds. Stopping from 60 mph took just 99 feet. These are astounding numbers for a 4,300-pound luxury sedan that can just as easily be a comfortable luxury cruiser. Around turns, the M5 provides a seemingly endless amount of grip.

What's more, the big M5 does it all yet remains easy to control. The brakes are smooth and predictable, and the steering is accurate and responsive. The transmission provides smooth and quick shifts, making the mighty engine easy to tame.

Comfort

8.5/10

How comfortable is the M5? The front seats are extremely comfortable thanks to the adjustable seatback bolsters. Our drivers weren't tired of them even after long drives. The seats are also aggressively shaped to hold you in place under cornering. The climate control system is effective and able to hold temperatures steady in the cabin provided you're not pushing the engine too hard.

On the road, it has a stiffer ride than a typical 5 Series. But it is not harsh, and Comfort mode delivers a compliant ride. Rolling the windows up keeps the cabin well-insulated from outside noise, unless you prefer to roll them down to experience the sonorous V8.

Interior

8.5/10

How’s the interior? Getting into the M5 is a breeze. The aggressive side seat bolsters up front aren't much of an impediment, nor is the sloping roofline for rear passengers. Once in, the driver's seat feels tight and snug. But the rest of the cabin is spacious. Most adults can easily find their ideal driving position, and rear passengers up to 6 feet tall will fit just fine.

One of the interior's strongest areas is visibility. The front roof pillars are thick but stay out of the way through left turns, and you have plenty of situational awareness around the car. A surround-view monitor helps in tight spots. The control layout is another positive. Buttons and knobs are clearly labeled and angled toward the driver.

Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? BMW deserves applause for its latest version of iDrive. It doesn't take much effort to operate the many available features, and there is a trace pad and touchscreen for optimal control. Wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone integration is standard, although Android Auto remains unavailable. The M5's voice recognition system works quite well for a factory system and understands a lot of natural speech.

The M5's driver safety aids are successful in adding a layer of safety without getting in the way. The adaptive cruise control transitions from braking to accelerating smoothly and maintains its set speed on steep grades. Lane keeping assist helps the car stay centered without forcing the wheel from your control.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? There aren't changes between the M5 and its more common 5 Series sibling. The trunk is quite large and provides more space than an E-Class. The rear seats fold down in a 40/20/40-split configuration to help with long or bulky items. Up front, there is a wireless charging pad for keeping your phone secure. Good thing, too, because there's not much space for holding other small items in bins or pockets.

In the back row, car seat anchors are readily available for installing child seats. But because the front seats are very thick, it could be difficult to fit a rear-facing seat.

Fuel Economy

7/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA says you can expect 17 mpg combined (15 city/21 highway). That's typical for a high-performance sedan but still pretty low as cars go. We managed a pretty respectable 22.7 mpg on our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route.

Value

8/10

Is the M5 a good value? The M5 provides typical airtight BMW build quality, and it lives up to the car's price tag. We had trouble finding fault with anything. The M5 is priced close to the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S. While the cost of entry for both is steep, they are worthy rivals.

BMW provides four-year/50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranties, which is typical for a luxury automaker. Free maintenance for three years/36,000 miles is a nice bonus.

Wildcard

10/10

The M5 is an exceptional entry in the super-sedan category. The power and performance are simply ridiculous, yet you feel perfectly confident and in control behind the wheel. You can even treat it as a docile, run-of-the-mill luxury car.

Yet this is a truly special vehicle. An unassuming exterior design features small accents that wink and nod at the athleticism that lies underneath. The M5 is a sport sedan for those in the know. And those in the know place it among the best of the best.

2020 BMW M5 trim level differences

Since it is a unique vehicle in itself, there aren't many trims from which to choose. The standard M5 comes with potent performance equipment, starting with the turbocharged V8 engine (600 hp, 553 lb-ft of torque). But if that's not enough, you can upgrade to the M5 Competition, which carries 17 extra horsepower. Both versions come with an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Compare the 2020 BMW M5 trim levels in-depth.

Which M5 trim does Edmunds recommend?

The long list of included features makes the standard M5 the one to get. Normally pricey options such as adaptive LED headlights, ambient interior lighting and a head-up display are only some of the upscale amenities that won't cost extra. Plus you have all the important performance bits, from the quick transmission to an adaptive suspension for sharper response in the corners.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$346/mo

$269/mo

Avg. Large Car

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Reliability

The 2020 BMW M5 has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 4 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 2 out of 5, ranks it #44 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

2 out of 5 stars2/5Below Average

#44 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$998/yr

vs. $729/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car

Frequency

2.12x/yr

vs. 1.74x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car

Severity

27.4%

vs. 14.7%
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car

Recalls

4 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 21V096000
Number of vehicles affected:: 13858
Defect Description:: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive Vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Corrective Action:: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall Number:: 20V598000
Number of vehicles affected:: 312
Defect Description:: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Corrective Action:: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall is expected to begin November 23, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall Number:: 19V883000
Manufactured from:: 2019-02-20 to 2019-10-30
Number of vehicles affected:: 3012
Defect Description:: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 M5 and 2020 M8 Gran Coupe, M8 Coupe, and M8 Convertible vehicles. The transmission wiring harness can become damaged, resulting in an electrical short circuit.
Defect Consequence:: An electrical short circuit can cause the transmission to shift to neutral resulting in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace any damaged transmission harnesses. All harnesses will be rerouted and secured. These repairs will be performed, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 3, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall Number:: 19V684000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: Toyota: 1
Manufactured from:: 2018-09-06 to 2019-08-28
Number of vehicles affected:: 257473
Defect Description:: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Defect Consequence:: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 12 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / unlimited miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles

BMW M5 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.9

19 reviews

5(89%)

4(11%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

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2020 M5 Features & Specs

Trim:

Base

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$102,700
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	17 MPG
Cost to Drive	$346/month
Seating	5 seats
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the M5 models:

Evasion Aid: Helps mitigate an accident by proactively swerving, if appropriate, to avoid a front collision.
Traffic Jam Assistant: Keeps the car centered in the lane and following the car in front in stop-and-go traffic.
Active Protection System: Proactively tensions seat belts, closes windows and sunroof, and activates the brakes when it detects an imminent accident.

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2020 BMW M5 Review

Price & Payment

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

For sale near Ashburn, VA

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

2020 BMW M5 trim level differences

Which M5 trim does Edmunds recommend?

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Recalls

Warranty

BMW M5 Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2020 M5 Features & Specs

Safety

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