The E60 M5 was introduced in 2004. It has a highly advanced naturally aspirated 5.0 L BMW V10 S85 engine redlining at 8250 RPM and developing a peak output of 507 PS (373 kW, 500 SAE hp). Other key features include a stiffened aluminum chassis and a 7-speed SMG III manual transmission. The car weighed the same as the E39 of 1800 kg.

Precisely 20 years have already passed since the BMW M5 established a new segment, which has in the meantime also been discovered by other car manufacturers. And that car ? the original - is still by far the most successful player in the high performance sedan segment. Spread over three generations of production, more than 35,000 units were built - initially manually at the BMW M plant in Munich and later at the 5 Series assembly line in Dingolfing. These units were then sold worldwide.

The secret of the BMW M5's popularity has always been the successful synthesis of unobtrusive yet powerful appearance, combined with a high-performance power unit - a sports car featuring Formula 1 technology and at the same time a sedan offering premium comfort.

In terms of driving dynamics, the BMW M5 had always set standards in its segment. It not only excelled due to its high performance, but due to the way in which M power was produced and developed. It appeared as if this first-rate car's inexhaustible power reserves had created a totally new dimension in effortlessness.

Features

Such impressive levels of performance are made possible by specially modified Bi-VANOS camshaft timing, individual throttle butterflies and engine electronics derived from the BMW Williams F1 car. These are linked to an enhanced DSC traction control system, a variable limited slip differential and adapted brakes to ensure that the Concept M5 offers an exhilarating, yet safe, driving experience.

Alongside the engine developments, Formula 1 technology is carried over to the gearbox. The Concept M5 is equipped with a seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox - another first for BMW.The BMW M5, along with the new M6, were designed from the ground up to use the new SMG III electrohydraulic manual transmission. Therefore, they will initially only be offered with this new transmission. There was a relative uproar amongst the fans and buyer-base when this was announced-however, BMW announced the eventual availability of a manual transmission in North American markets.

Under the skin, the BMW M5 is based on the 5 Series saloon launched in 2003, both cars benefiting from an aluminium chassis and lightweight aluminium front body panels. Visually, the BMW Concept M5 stands apart from its 'standard' 5 Series brethren by the addition of modified front and rear air dams, side sills, side air vents and four exhaust tailpipes. Additionally, it has M alloy wheels of an exclusive design measuring 8.5J x 19 on the front and 9.5J x 19 on the rear, with 255 / 40 ZR 19 and 285 / 35 ZR 19 tyres respectively.