I remember the year 1999 really well. Not only because we were about to greet the new Millennium, face the apocalypse, the aliens, or even God, but because I saw a car.

No, I am sorry - I saw THE CAR.

It was the BMW 540i E39 - all black, low, with big wheels (probably 18 inches which was enormous back then,) tinted windows, and two exhausts. It had a commanding presence no other car I saw before had. I was captivated on so many levels that I pretty much devoted my working life to cars. To quote Morgan Freeman "It Was At This Moment He Knew He ****ed Up.” It was the BMW 540i E39 that made me a gearhead. Now, three generations later, I am still into the 5 Series. I am still in love with BMW but now I want to get behind the wheel of this one - the Manhart MH5 - a seriously well-executed tuneup of the current BMW M5 F90.

With The Power of the Unhinged

Numbers are quite stirring on this one. German tuner Manhart, well-known for its work on BMW cars, developed a software upgrade called the MH TronicBox. It is basically an ECU tuneup after which the 4.4-liter, Twin Turbocharged, V-8 gained more than 100 horsepower for a total power output of 713 horsepower and 642 pound-feet of torque. Yup, this is Lamborghini Aventador power in the shape and form of a large sedan. Considering the lack of any major changes or improvements to the engine, it seems that the BMW M V-8 powerhouse can offer even more. A lot more. Nevertheless, the sticker on the back of the car does say MH5 700. Now you know why that number is there.

Extremities of fierceness

With so much power on tap, the Manhart MH5 simply cannot look as dignified and as supple as the stock BMW M5. Manhart reinvented a number of styling cues to differentiate it from the rest of the M5 pack, but also link it with other Manhart tuned up Beemers. The exterior additions are comprehensive to say the least. It all starts with the bumper-wide front carbon lip. Designed to reduce lift, the lip fantastically fits the M5 adding a bit to its presence and complementing the even more aggressive look. At the back of the car, one can see a quite striking diffuser. It is an important piece as this car can surge past 186 mph like it’s a walk in the park. At those speeds, the fins on the diffuser dramatically improve straight line stability making it easier for the driver to control the car. As a final exterior touch, Manhart is developing a new carbon fiber hood. It is not yet available, but when it comes, it will complement all the exterior changes.

Now the decals… I usually hate them on most cars, but I find myself puzzled here. The decals are fantastically well executed and even supple, but since my love for Beemers is originally tied with the sheer simplicity and precision of the 5 Series design, I am quite sure I’d leave them out of the equation. Nevertheless, kudos to Manhart as they managed to include so many decals on the M5 without actually ruining the car. Even making it better in certain aspects, I am sure.

The final exterior touch comes in the shape of the carbon fiber exhaust tips. These are optional pieces, but with such a mean stance and presence, these should be included. The exterior kit is coupled with 21-inch Concave One aluminum wheels finished in Silk-Matte Black and 0.78 inches height drop, making the M5 even more striking in appearance. Really, dominant attitude comes natural to BMW. Something many struggle with.

Changes to the interior are basically nonexistent. True, apart from the Manhart badge on the steering wheel and Manhart name on the floor mats.

Performance Numbers Not Disclosed Yet

Manhart did not disclose very much about the car's performance apart from the fact that the MH5 700 will do 62 mph to 124 mph in 5.9 seconds. Let me drop some numbers about the 62-124 mph acceleration I found on the Internet (so it must be true, right?):

Now you have a better picture of the car I am describing here. Just don't forget that this is a freaking sedan which can accommodate five and all their luggage - in great comfort too.

What about the 0-62 mph time then? Although Manhart stayed silent on that topic, we do know that the quickest M5 Competition will do the job in 3.3 seconds. That one has 96 fewer horsepower compared to the MH5 700. I would not be a tiny bit surprised to see this car hitting it in 3 second’s time.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2018 BMW M5.

Read more BMW news.