Overview
The 2022 BMW M5 isn’t a subdued sedan. It’s an endless thrill ride on four wheels. Based on the regular BMW 5-series and amplified by the brand’s M division, this four-door phenom features a twin-turbo V-8 that makes up to 627 horsepower and pushes the M5 to achieve heroic acceleration numbers. Helping in the blitz are its excellent automatic transmission and tenacious all-wheel-drive system, which includes a rear-drive mode for hanging the tail out. While the big-bodied sedan feels less agile than smaller models in BMW’s portfolio of M cars, it has the athleticism and hardware to hold its own on a track. Plus, the 2022 M5’s richly appointed interior will make any trip—be it to the road course or the lake house—enjoyable.
What’s New for 2022?
For the 2022 model year, BMW adds the limited-production Competition Sport (CS) to the M5 lineup. Along with unique chassis tuning and a reworked version of the Bimmer’s twin-turbo V-8 (now making 627 horses), the CS benefits from a bevy of weight-reducing measures. BMW claims it’s 230 pounds lighter than the M5 Competition and that it’s the quickest and most powerful production car in the company’s history. Other notable features on the CS are its lightweight, heavily bolstered M carbon-fiber front seats and its two rear bucket seats. The CS rolls on bronze-colored 20-inch wheels, and shoppers can add a set of Pirelli P Zero Corsa performance tires at no cost.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The M5 CS’s exclusivity and enhanced performance will cost you about $30,000 more than the regular Competition. We’d settle for the Comp’s 617 horses and roster of track-capable components but upgrade our pick with the Executive package. It adds myriad driver-assistance and luxury features, including a 360-degree camera system, ventilated front-seat cushions with built-in massagers, heated front and rear seats, parking sensors at both ends, power-operated rear window shades, self-parking assist, and soft-close doors.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The M5 is mighty, boasting 600 horsepower from its twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 in base form. In the more track-focused Competition or CS variant, that figure increases to 617 or 627 horses, respectively. We’ve yet to climb behind the wheel of the CS, but we have strapped our testing gear to both the regular M5 as well as the Competition model. Both met our expectations with brutally quick acceleration, sports-car-like cornering grip, and amazing stopping power. Likewise, the Competition proved to be quicker than the regular M5 on Virginia International Raceway’s Grand Course at the 2019 Lightning Lap competition. The M5 faithful will lament the discontinued manual gearbox and unfamiliar all-wheel-drive system, but this Bimmer has a high-tech drivetrain that can send 100 percent of its torque to the rear wheels for tail-wagging fun. Driving enjoyment is maximized here with lively and direct steering and a well-controlled albeit stiff ride. That doesn’t mean the M5 can’t also do duty as a luxury sedan: In Comfort mode, it cruises placidly, and the cabin is whisper quiet.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The current M5 achieved an EPA rating of 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. Both figures are worse than those of the Mercedes-AMG E63 S sedan (16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway). We tested the M5 Comp on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. It exceeded its government rating by 3 mpg. For more information about the M5’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The M5 has an elegant leather interior with supportive sport seats. Unlike many of its rivals, BMW hasn’t gone the all-touchscreen route, so adjusting the air conditioning or radio (via physical controls) is easy to do while the vehicle is in motion. The M5 comes with a slew of desirable features such as customizable ambient interior lighting, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable steering column. BMW offers ventilated front seats with massage functionality, heated rear seats, and four-zone automatic climate control for more coin. As for storage space, the M5 has useful cubbies in the cabin, and its trunk held six carry-on suitcases in our testing. The CS model has a more race-inspired interior that features unique styling and badging as well as lightweight carbon-fiber front seats with substantial bolstering. It’s also the first M5 to feature only four seats, wherein two bucket seats take the place of the regular M5’s rear bench.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A 12.3-inch touchscreen sits atop the M5’s dash and runs BMW’s latest iDrive infotainment software. The driver uses a rotary knob in the center console to control it. The system includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and a Wi-Fi hotspot. There’s also a 16-speaker, 600-watt Harman/Kardon audio system and wireless device charging on all models. Those who want a fancier setup can opt for the rear-seat entertainment system and 16-speaker, 1400-watt Bowers & Wilkins sound system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The sports sedan does offer a wide variety of standard driver-assistance technology, such as automatic high-beams and blind-spot monitoring. For more information about the M5’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
BMW provides a limited warranty and powertrain protection that align with what rivals allot. The included scheduled maintenance period is shorter than what Jaguar offers, but BMW’s plan still ranks among the best.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
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