X

2013 BMW M5: Uber-tech, uber-powerful (pictures)

The BMW M5 is one of the most capable and tech-heavy cars we have seen. An active differential and dampers aid handling, while a dual-clutch transmission allows lightning-fast gear changes.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
35438530_OVR.jpg
1 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
Cars such as the 2002 and 3-series may have contributed to BMW's legendary status, but the company's M performance cars bump that status to epic. The new M5 represents the latest example of a model in which BMW engineers went all out, using the latest technology to make it an untouchable track car.
35438530_FT.jpg
2 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
The 5-series sedan, on which the M5 is based, uses a somewhat conservative exterior design. The M5 version adds an aggressive air intake below the grille. M5 badges adorn side vents to distinguish the car, but in many respects, the M5 looks like a sleeper.
35438530_SS01.jpg
3 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
LEDs make up the signal lights next to the headlights.
35438530_SS02.jpg
4 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
The M5's engine is an automotive work of art. Using direct injection and two twin scroll turbochargers, it uses BMW's Vanos variable valve timing technology to deliver 560 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque from its 4.4 liters.
35438530_SD.jpg
5 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
In M5 form, the car loses none of its passenger carrying utility.
35438530_SS03.jpg
6 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
These optional 20-inch wheels come to a stop courtesy of drilled brake rotors with a diameter of 15.7 inches.
35438530_SS05.jpg
7 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
The M5 not only uses an adaptive suspension, but a variety of other road-holding technology, contributing to amazing handling.
35438530_SS06.jpg
8 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
Fully functional quad pipes stick out of the back of the M5.
35438530_SS08.jpg
9 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
The trunk is very roomy and would easily hold a couple's luggage for a long road trip.
35438530_SS09.jpg
10 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
The power adjustable front seats have sport bolsters, but they are not too prominent, making it easy to get in and out of the M5.
35438530_SS10.jpg
11 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
This car came equipped with the Executive package, which added rear-seat climate control.
35438530_INT.jpg
12 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
BMW's design philosophy tends toward simplicity, keeping the cabin controls minimal. However, the sport controls in the M5 add some clutter.
35438530_SS12.jpg
13 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
Drivers can change the steering wheel response at the push of a button.
35438530_SS13.jpg
14 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
This new M5 actually has two M buttons, programmable with different performance profiles.
35438530_SS14.jpg
15 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
The right side of the steering wheel holds the infotainment controls and the upshift paddle.
35438530_SS15.jpg
16 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
This screen in iDrive lets you program each M button for different driving profiles.
35438530_SS16.jpg
17 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
Despite additions here and there, BMW maintains simple analog gauges for speedometer and tachometer.
35438530_SS18.jpg
18 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) comes standard on the M5, although buyers can opt for a manual at no cost. But the DCT does the best job keeping up with the fast-revving engine.
35438530_SS22.jpg
19 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
A number of driver assistance systems are available; they can be switched on or off with these buttons. This M5 came with lane departure warning, a head-up display, and collision warning.
35438530_SS24.jpg
20 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
The head-up display is extremely useful, not only showing speed but also route guidance on the windshield.
35438530_SS26.jpg
21 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
The front split-view camera makes pulling out of blind alleys potentially safer.
35438530_SS27.jpg
22 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
This top-down camera view can aid parking in tight garages.
35438530_SS28.jpg
23 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
The rear-view camera shows distance and trajectory lines.
35438530_SS33.jpg
24 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
The maps in the navigation system show 3D-rendered buildings in some downtown areas.
35438530_SS31.jpg
25 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
Zoom the maps out to a 1-mile scale, and they change to satellite imagery.
35438530_SS34.jpg
26 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
Using the iDrive interface to enter addresses can be tedious; voice command works much better.
35438530_SS35.jpg
27 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
The Bluetooth phone system shows a paired phone's contact list, and includes a manual dialing interface. This system can also read incoming text messages from some phones.
35438530_SS36.jpg
28 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
The Browse Directory option makes selecting music much easier than in BMW's prior music library interface.
35438530_SS37.jpg
29 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
When playing music from a USB drive or iPod, the system will show cover art when it is available.
35438530_SS38.jpg
30 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
The Bluetooth streaming music interface shows information about the current track.
35438530_SS39.jpg
31 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
Satellite radio has a time-shift feature, which lets you pause playback so as not to miss a program during stops for gas or food.
35438530_SS40.jpg
32 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
The audio settings not only include simple bass and treble adjustments, but there is also a seven-band equalizer, which lets you fine-tune the sound.
35438530_SS42.jpg
33 of 33 Josh Miller/CNET
The Bang & Olufsen audio system is an expensive option at $3,700, but it is also one of the best-sounding audio systems available in a production car.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos