The best BMW M5 is the 2022 M5 CS (F90): 627 hp, BMW's 0-60 mph claim of 2.9 seconds, 4,114 lbs, and $142,000 plus $995 destination. For a more practical new M5, the 2021-2023 Competition (617 hp, $111,100) is second, and the 2025 G90 M5 (717 hp, plug-in hybrid) is third. The M5 generations run E28, E34, E39, E60, F10, F90 and G90; the ten entries below rank every one on specs, price, EPA mpg and NHTSA records.
2021-2023: the facelift was unveiled in June 2020 for the 2021 model year with new headlamps and taillamps, a 12.3-inch screen and a new Track mode, on sale from August 2020
A fast, usable daily M5 with rear seats and the newer screen and driver aids
2014-2016: the Competition Package raised the F10 to 575 hp for 2014 and to 600 hp and 516 lb-ft in 2015, with revised springs, dampers and anti-roll bars
The last twin-turbo M5 before all-wheel drive, with 600 hp from 2015
2012-2013: unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the first turbocharged M5, with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a 6-speed manual in the US and Canada
1985-1988: shown at the Amsterdam Motor Show in February 1985 and the fastest production saloon in the world at launch; 2,241 were built
The original M5, the rarest regular M5
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2022 BMW M5 CS (F90)
Best daily driver
2021-2023 BMW M5 Competition (F90 LCI)
Most power
2025 BMW M5 (G90)
Best classic V8
2000-2003 BMW M5 (E39)
Original
1985-1988 BMW M5 (E28)
The ranking
1
2022 BMW M5 CS (F90)
Photo: Charles / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe best M5 model: fastest on paper, lightest of the modern cars.
Years: 2022 model year only: the first CS version of the M5 entered production in March 2021, and BMW says it is limited to one model yearPrice: $142,000 plus $995 destination (MSRP)Performance: 627 hp at 6,000 rpm and 553 lb-ft of torque; BMW claims 0-60 mph in 2.9 secondsCurb weight: 4,114 lbs, with a carbon fiber hood, front splitter, mirror caps and rear diffuserNHTSA: 2022 model year: 0 recalls and 1 complaint
The M5 CS entered production in March 2021 and was sold for the 2022 model year only. It makes 627 hp and 553 lb-ft, BMW claims 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds, and it weighs 4,114 lbs. The 2022 model year has 0 NHTSA recalls.
Go ifThe quickest, lightest and most powerful F90 M5, with a clean NHTSA record
Skip ifYou need a back seat: it has four bucket seats, and at $142,000 it is the priciest M5 here
Why #1 over #2: It is the lightest and quickest, ahead of the Competition on weight and speed.
2
2021-2023 BMW M5 Competition (F90 LCI)
Photo: MrWalkr / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe sweet spot of the F90 line.
Years: 2021-2023: the facelift was unveiled in June 2020 for the 2021 model year with new headlamps and taillamps, a 12.3-inch screen and a new Track mode, on sale from August 2020Price: 2021 M5 Competition: $111,100 (MSRP; $995 destination is extra)Performance: 617 hp at 6,000 rpm and 553 lb-ft of torque; BMW claims 0-60 mph in 3.1 secondsCurb weight: 4,345 lbsNHTSA: 2021 model year: 1 recall (a backover-prevention camera) and 3 complaints
The facelifted Competition makes 617 hp and 553 lb-ft, with a BMW 0-60 mph claim of 3.1 seconds, from $111,100. It adds a 12.3-inch screen and a Track mode, and the 2021 model year has 1 recall and 3 complaints.
Go ifA fast, usable daily M5 with rear seats and the newer screen and driver aids
Skip ifYou want the lightest M5: the CS is lighter
Why #2 over #3: Its price and record beat the G90, which weighs 5,390 lbs.
3
2025 BMW M5 (G90)
Photo: Alexander Migl / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictHuge power and torque, but the weight is the biggest knock.
Years: The G90 M5 is based on the G60 5 Series and is BMW M's first plug-in hybrid saloon; BMW released it in June 2024Price: $120,675 including a $1,175 destination chargePerformance: 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque from a twin-turbo V8 plus an electric motor; BMW quotes 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds and a 25-mile electric-only rangeCurb weight: 5,390 lbs in North American spec; Wikipedia says the extra weight over the F90 was criticised heavilyNHTSA: 2025 model year: 2 recalls (stability control and wiring) and 0 complaints
The G90 M5 is BMW M's first plug-in hybrid, making 717 hp and 738 lb-ft with a BMW 0-60 mph claim of 3.4 seconds, from $120,675. It weighs 5,390 lbs, and the 2025 model year has 2 recalls.
Go ifThe most powerful M5 ever, with a plug-in hybrid V8
Skip ifYou want the lightest M5: this is the heaviest
Why #3 over #4: Its power beats the 2018 F90, though its weight is the heaviest.
4
2018-2020 BMW M5 (F90)
Photo: LuvsMG481 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe original all-wheel-drive M5.
Years: 2018-2020: unveiled at Gamescom in August 2017, the first M5 with all-wheel drive (M xDrive) and an 8-speed ZF automaticPrice: 2018 M5: $102,600 plus $995 destination and handling (MSRP)Performance: 600 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque; BMW claims 0-60 mph in 3.2 secondsEPA fuel economy: 2018 M5: 17 mpg combined (15 city / 21 hwy)NHTSA: 2018 model year: 3 recalls and 4 complaints
The first F90 added all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic, with 600 hp, 553 lb-ft and a 3.2-second 0-60 mph claim from $102,600. The EPA rates it 17 mpg combined, and the 2018 model year has 3 recalls and 4 complaints.
Go ifA launch-spec F90 at a lower used price than the Competition
Skip ifYou want the facelift screen and the extra power of the Competition
Why #4 over #5: Its all-wheel drive and speed beat the Competition Package F10.
5
2014-2016 BMW M5 Competition Package (F10)
Photo: Liam Walker / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictStrong power, but a thin factual record.
Years: 2014-2016: the Competition Package raised the F10 to 575 hp for 2014 and to 600 hp and 516 lb-ft in 2015, with revised springs, dampers and anti-roll barsPrice: Not published in the sources usedPerformance: BMW lists the standard M5 at 560 hp and says the Competition Package shaves 0.1 seconds off the 0-62 mph sprint, which Wikipedia lists at 4.4 seconds for the standard carEPA fuel economy: 2015 M5 7-speed automatic: 16 mpg combined (14 city / 20 hwy)NHTSA: 2015 model year: 1 recall (driveshaft) and 3 complaints
The Competition Package raised the F10 to 575 hp for 2014 and 600 hp and 516 lb-ft in 2015, with firmer suspension. The EPA rates the 2015 M5 at 16 mpg combined, and the 2015 model year has 1 recall and 3 complaints.
Go ifThe last twin-turbo M5 before all-wheel drive, with 600 hp from 2015
Skip ifYou want a published new price: none is in the sources used
Why #5 over #6: Its 600 hp beats the original F10 at 560 hp.
6
2012-2013 BMW M5 (F10)
Photo: OWS Photography / CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictAll business, but heavy.
Years: 2012-2013: unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the first turbocharged M5, with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a 6-speed manual in the US and CanadaPrice: 2013 M5: $90,695 including destination and handling (BMW press release, 4 April 2012)Performance: 560 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque; MotorWeek timed 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds on a 2013 M5 priced at $92,095 with the gas guzzler taxCurb weight: 1,945 kg (4,288 lb); Wikipedia says reviewers criticised the engine sound, steering feel and the extra weightNHTSA: 2013 model year: 2 recalls (one for the engine) and 10 complaints
The F10 was the first turbocharged M5, with 560 hp and 500 lb-ft, from $90,695. MotorWeek timed 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds, and the 2013 model year has 2 recalls and 10 complaints.
Go ifA turbocharged M5 with a manual option for the US
Skip ifYou want a light car: this was heavier than the V10 before it
Why #6 over #7: Its turbo power beats the 394 hp E39, though it weighs 4,288 lb.
7
2000-2003 BMW M5 (E39)
Photo: MrWalkr / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cult favorite, but with older numbers.
Years: 2000-2003 in the US: introduced at the 1998 Geneva Motor Show as the first M5 with a V8, and 20,482 cars were built from 1999 to 2003Price: Not published in the sources usedPerformance: 394 hp at 6,600 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque from the S62 V8; official 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, and a Nurburgring lap of 8:20EPA fuel economy: 2000 M5 6-speed manual: 15 mpg combined (12 city / 19 hwy)NHTSA: 2000 model year: 2 recalls and 4 complaints
The E39 was the first V8 M5, with 394 hp, 369 lb-ft, a six-speed manual and an official 0-60 mph of 4.8 seconds. The 2000 model year has 2 recalls and 4 complaints, and the EPA rates it 15 mpg combined.
Go ifA naturally aspirated V8 and a six-speed manual, the classic pick
Skip ifYou want modern driver aids or a published new price
Why #7 over #8: Its low complaint count beats the E60 V10.
8
2006-2010 BMW M5 (E60)
Photo: MrWalkr / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictA great engine with a heavy complaint trail.
Years: 2006-2010 in the US: introduced in 2004 as the first production saloon with a V10, with 20,589 built and 8,800 of them sold in the USPrice: 2006 M5: $81,895 base and $94,165 as tested (MotorWeek)Performance: 500 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque; MotorWeek timed 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds at 4,012 lbsKnown issues: Wikipedia says the S85 V10 is well known for rod bearing failures and throttle actuator problemsNHTSA: 2006 model year: 1 recall (battery cable) and 124 complaints
The E60 was the first production saloon with a V10, making 500 hp. MotorWeek timed 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds from $81,895, but the 2006 model year has 124 NHTSA complaints and Wikipedia flags rod bearing failures.
Go ifA 500-hp V10 for collectors who will inspect the engine
Skip ifYou want a trouble-free engine: the 2006 model year has 124 NHTSA complaints
Why #8 over #9: Its 500 hp beats the 311 hp E34.
9
1988-1995 BMW M5 (E34)
Photo: Sugaki / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictA collector piece, slower on paper.
Years: 1988-1995: a hand-built S38 straight-six saloon, with a Touring added in 1992; 12,254 were built, and the US received only the 3.6 L (1991-1993)Price: Not published in the sources usedPerformance: 3.6 L: 311 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque with a factory 0-60 mph of 6.3 seconds; the 3.8 L (not sold in North America) made 335 hp and 5.9 secondsEPA fuel economy: 1991 M5 5-speed manual: 13 mpg combined (10 city / 19 hwy)NHTSA: 1991 model year: 3 recalls (hub, air bags and cooling system) and 0 complaints
The E34 was a hand-built straight-six: the US 3.6 L made 311 hp with a factory 0-60 mph of 6.3 seconds, while the 3.8 L made 335 hp in Europe. The 1991 model year has 3 recalls and 0 complaints.
Go ifA hand-built straight-six classic, with the 3.8 L for Europe
Skip ifYou want a fast car by modern standards
Why #9 over #10: Its 311 hp and cleaner record beat the 256 hp US E28.
10
1985-1988 BMW M5 (E28)
Photo: HLW / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe original, with a short record.
Years: 1985-1988: shown at the Amsterdam Motor Show in February 1985 and the fastest production saloon in the world at launch; 2,241 were builtPrice: Not published in the sources usedPerformance: Europe: the M88/3 straight-six made 286 hp; the US S38B35 made 256 hpUS build: North American production ran from November 1986 to November 1987, and a class action gave owners a $4,000 voucher in 1993NHTSA: 1987 model year: 0 recalls and 0 complaints
The E28 was the fastest production saloon in the world at its 1985 launch, with 286 hp in Europe and 256 hp in the US. 2,241 were built, and the 1987 model year has 0 recalls and 0 complaints.
Go ifThe original M5, the rarest regular M5
Skip ifYou want performance numbers a modern buyer expects
How we ranked these
We ranked each M5 version on BMW press figures and MotorWeek timings for 0-60 mph, horsepower and curb weight, launch price, EPA fuel economy from fueleconomy.gov and NHTSA recall and complaint counts for the model year named in each entry. Prices are before options. Where no price is published in the sources used, we say so. The chart shows peak horsepower. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What are the BMW M5 generations by year?
Wikipedia lists the E28 M5 (1984-1988), E34 (1988-1995), E39 (1998-2003), E60/E61 (2004-2010), F10 (2011-2016), F90 (2017-2023) and G90 (2024-present), which is seven generations.
What is the best BMW M5 model?
The 2022 M5 CS (F90) ranks first: 627 hp, 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds from BMW, 4,114 lbs, and 0 NHTSA recalls for the 2022 model year. It costs $142,000 plus $995 destination.
What is the fastest BMW M5?
BMW claims 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds for the 2022 M5 CS, 3.1 seconds for the 2021 M5 Competition and 3.4 seconds for the 2025 G90 M5.
Which BMW M5 has a V10?
The E60 M5 (2006-2010 in the US) has a V10 making 500 hp, and Wikipedia calls it the first production saloon with a V10.
Peak horsepower at a glance
1985-1988 BMW M5 (E28)256 hp
1988-1995 BMW M5 (E34)311 hp
2000-2003 BMW M5 (E39)394 hp
2006-2010 BMW M5 (E60)500 hp
2012-2013 BMW M5 (F10)560 hp
2018-2020 BMW M5 (F90)600 hp
2014-2016 BMW M5 Competition Package (F10)600 hp
2021-2023 BMW M5 Competition (F90 LCI)617 hp
2022 BMW M5 CS (F90)627 hp
2025 BMW M5 (G90)717 hp
Peak horsepower, as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.
