2018 BMW M5

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Rating8.4

Ranked #8 in 

Midsize Sedan
Write Review
$102,600
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on June 10, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Powerful 600 hp engine

Outside noise does creep inside the cabin

All new model

Agile handling

Stiff riding dynamics

Excellent on track

Specs & Features

$102,600

price

600 hp @ 6000 rpm

horsepower

553 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm

torque

8-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

4.4L 8cyl AWD 8A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2018 BMW M5 makes a return yet again, but this time around with tons of character. There is an all-new generation of the revered M5 - and its all-wheel drive. BMW has been on the lookout to regain its fanbase after the dull response received from enthusiasts for the F10 M5. With a complete redesign, the 2018 BMW M5 price starts at $104,595 including the $995 destination fee and sees a price hike of $8,200 over the older generation model

Featuring a single-trim lineup of M5, the 2018 BMW M5 MSRP can be an expense of $104,595-$112,795 this season. Having said that, it simply translates to the fact that the range-leader 2018 BMW M5 will cost you $8,200 more than the base M5 for enhanced specs and assets. 

We Recommend

Available for sale in just a single trim, there is not much to choose from in the 2018 BMW M5.  That said, the options packages do tend to sweeten the deal with more added creature comforts. 

Come the year 2018, the BMW M5 sincerely stays true to the "The Ultimate Driving Machine" tagline, with a growling 600 hp 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine. Tuned to the extent of a bit more power compared to the last generation, the M5 2018 regains its long-lost legendary ride and handling dynamics, along with its splendid M5 0-60 MPH figures. While rivals like the Audi RS 7 are a whole lot of fun and pack in plenty of technology, it lacks outright performance. The Mercedes-AMG E 63 S and Porsche Panamera Turbo are both more luxurious but end up being expensive and also lose out in terms of acceleration timings. 

2018 BMW M5 for sale

The M5 2018 is available for sale with lease offers starting at $1,511/month for a period of 36 months and has an annual mileage limit of 10,000 miles. The M5 finance options begin at $1,976/month for a 60-month tenure at 3.99% APR and also require a $2,500 down payment.

For budget-oriented buyers, the used BMW M5 can be availed of with a base price of $13,500. Going for older model years like the 2016 BMW M5 could be a matter of $40,484 and BMW M5 2016 can cost as much as $89,900 along with a listing of up to 27 in total. 

Buying Advice

The M5 comes in only one trim. So there is no this or that. You get a big twin-turbo V8, all-wheel drive, and sports everything.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The updated 2018 BMW M5 has an appeal to it, which is seldom found in such agile-handling sports sedans. Having said that, compared to the previous iteration, the latest M5 gets an adaptive suspension and an Active M differential to take on anything and everything that is thrown in its way. The 600 hp V8 coupled to the 8-Speed AT and standard AWD setup in the 2018 M5, lets it put down some awe-inspiring 0-60 MPH times.

Apart from its engaging personality in terms of the performance front, the interior has also been set up in a bespoke manner, to provide its customer base with a luxurious setting along with the best-in-class tech found in no other rivals. The 2018 BMW M5 rivals the Audi RS7 and the Mercedes Benz AMG E63 S.

Features
8.0/10

The 2018 BMW M5 comes in only one single feature-packed trim, that delivers on each and every front, one would look for in a midsize sports sedan. Priced at an MSRP of $102,600, the M5 Sedan has just one 4.4L V8 engine configuration, powering it through. Also now standard, is the AWD setup. Apart from the standard feature list provided, the 2018 M5 also gets plenty of package options, to configure your M5 to the best of your abilities. Making the most out of that M badge, the 2018 M5 certainly delivers sheer value for the price tag.

Trims

BMW M5 Sedan

MSRP

$104,595

Features

19-inch bespoke alloys

 

Lightweight carbon fibre-reinforce-plastic (CFRP) roof 

  16-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system
  20-way power front seats
  Front and rear parking sensors
  M-specific Head-up Display 

We recommend:

Well, there is only one trim to recommend, and for sure it is the best that BMW could have come up with. As there are not many options to look for in the sports sedan category, BMW has brought back a rehauled legend, that is for sure here to stay, for ions to come.

Fuel Economy
7.7/10

The 2018 BMW M5 is rated at 15 MPG in the city and 21 miles to the gallon out on the highway. Pair that with a 20.1-gallon fuel tank, and the 2018 M5 can stretch out to 480 miles on the run between fuel stops. Since the German marquee, BMW advertises the M5 as a sports sedan, despite its below-average economy in its class the M5 more than compensates for it in its power and handling sector.

Model

2018 BMW M5

2018 Audi RS7

2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 S

MPG (City)

15

14

15

MPG (Highway)

21

24

22

MPG (Combined)

17

17

18

Fuel Capacity 20.1 gallons 20.1 gallons 21.1 gallons

The 2018 BMW M5 is placed at the bottom of the barrel with the Audi RS7, whereas the Merc E63 S, more than makes up for its performance disparity with the fuel economy figures.

Interior
9.2/10

Of course, the M5 is the same well-appointed luxury sedan as the regualar 5 Series. But whether there's enough luxury might be a question - Edmunds

2018 BMW M5 Seating and Comfort:

The 2018 BMW M5 is a four-door sports sedan, which invokes the ultimate luxury setting inside. Rehashed minorly on the interior aesthetic front, the passengers seated inside the M5 are treated with extreme levels of comfort. The well-bolstered seats provide you with adequate support when you take on fastback corners. They also come with standard heating and ventilating functions.

The M DIvision sport seats have over 20-way automated adjustability functions for the front seats. With a good eagle-eye view of the surroundings, the only niggle in the otherwise perfect car is the road noise that creeps into the cabin at times. All seating positions in the M5 have an ample amount of room. The seats are further draped in the best in business leather upholstery.

Model

2018 BMW M5

2018 Audi RS7

2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 S

Passenger capacity

5

4

5

Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg)

(In.)

38.8/58.7/41.4

36.9/57.2/41.3

37.9/57.8/41.3

Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg)

(In.)

37.5/55.9/36.5

36.6/55.9/37

38.2/56.9/35.8

Some of the 2018 M5's interior features are:

  • Tracker system
  • Power door locks with an auto-lock system
  • Instrument panel covered bin
  • Systems monitor
  • Heads-up display
  • Cargo space lights
  • Trunk/hatch auto-latch

Other optional features include:

  • Navigation system
  • Advanced real-time traffic information
  • Smart device integration
  • Redundant digital speedometer
  • Outside temperature gauze
  • Air filtration
  • Front and rear map lights
  • Ambient light setting

2018 BMW M5 Infotainment:

The 218 BMW M5 comes with an impressive 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with in-built navigation. The system comes with both voice activation and gesture controls. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard in the M5. The system has an iDrive technology that is one of the most intuitive systems in the segment. The menu is quite straightforward and quick to respond to commands.

The standard infotainment system consists of:

  • 10.2-inch screen
  • USB port
  • Bluetooth
  • HD Radio
  • 16-speaker Harmon Kardon surround-sound system
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

The optional upgrades include:

  • Navigation
  • Wireless charging for enabled smartphones
  • Wi-Fi hotspot
  • Apple CarPlay
  • 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
  • Satellite radio
  • 8.8-inch infotainment display

2018 BMW M5 Cargo Capacity:

The 2018 BMW M5 has a cargo capacity of 18.7 cu. ft. This puts it right in the middle of the sports sedan segment. The space can be further increased by split-folding the rear seats in a 40/20/40 manner. The trunk has a low cargo floor, for ease of loading and unloading of big items. It is a decently practical sports car.

Model

2018 BMW M5

2018 Audi RS7

2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 S

Cargo Volume (ft cube)

18.7

24.5

13.1

Coming onto the cabin as well, the 2018 M5, has plenty of interior storage spaces, which is enough to store your personal belongings for that long weekend getaway. The cargo area also has enough lights for ease of loading. On the utility front, the Audi RS7, takes the win here, as it has a massive 24.5 cu-ft of cargo space.

Exterior
9.2/10

The 2018 BMW M5 gets a minor revamp on the exterior front. The updated styling includes an even more aggressive front fascia, in comparison to the practical 5 Series sedan. It's sharper and edgier than before. The wider fender only adds to the character. The widely acclaimed nose grille connects both the updated LED headlights, to put up an immersive stance.

The rear end of the 2018 M5 also gets a couple of assertive tweaks, but in hindsight is not much different than the 5-Series sedan. There are enough chrome accents throughout the sports sedan. Although, what catches our attention the most, is the scintillating quad-exhaust layout with blacked-out exhaust tips. Coming onto the dimensions. the 2018 M5 is lighter now as compared to the previous iterations.

Model

2018 BMW M5

2018 Audi RS7

2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 S

Curb weight(lbs)

4387

4497

4515

Length(in)

195.5

197.3

196.4

Width(in)

74.9

75.2

75.1

Height(in)

58.0

55.8

57.5

Ground clearance(in)

5.2

4.3

5.0

Wheelbase(in)

117.4

114.8

115.7

Track width(in) F/R

64.0/62.8

64.3/64

64.9/62.8

Some of the exterior features include:

  • 19-inch M sport wheels
  • Body-colored front and rear bumpers
  • Black grille with chrome surround
  • LED brake lights
  • Fully automatic projector-beam LED lights
  • Clearcoat paint
  • Fixed rear window with defroster
  • Power open and close trunk rear cargo access
  • Power rear sunshade
  • Soft-close doors

Safety
7.0/10

Performance aspect aside, the 2018 BMW M5 is certainly a practical and safe sports sedan. BMW does not mess about with passenger safety. As the M5 has not been tested by crash-test agencies, the 5-Series sedan, upon whose platform the M5 is based upon, gets respectable safety scores, such as the "Top Safety Pick+" honor from the IIHS. BMW also includes a Driver Assistance Plus package, for all the latest and greatest driver-assistance features needed.

Some of the latest safety features on offer are-

  • Adaptive Brakelights
  • Programmable LED Daytime Running Lights
  • Front safety belts with automatic pretensioners
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Impact sensor that activates Battery Safety Terminal to disconnect of alternator, fuel pump and starter from battery; automatically unlocks doors, and turns on hazard and interior lights
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Pedestrian Protection
  • Active Blind Spot Detection and Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation
  • Anti-theft alarm system
  • Automatic Emergency braking

Competition
8.0/10

2018 BMW M5 vs 2018 Audi RS7:

These two German stalwarts have been going head-to-head for ages. The 2018 BMW M5 has a more powerful engine, and is faster than the RS7, by a few seconds. The AWD setup in the M5, also allows it to be a great handler. On the fuel efficiency front too, the M5 and the RS7 share the same spot on the podium.

Coming onto the interior front, the RS7, takes the cake here, with a practical yet sumptuous interior setup. Although the feature list is better in the M5. Moreover, the only other place where the RS7 beats out the M5 are on the exterior silhouette front.

2018 BMW M5 vs 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 S:

The BMW and Merc sports sedans have gone head to head too many times to count now. While the Merc might be the more powerful car out of the two, the M5 is the better performer in terms of acceleration times. The interior of the Merc is also a better place to be in, compared to the M5.

Whereas in terms of fuel efficiency, the Merc certainly stands out in this regard too. Having said all of this, the updated BMW M5 is also a bit better to look at, which makes it the best car out of the two.

Final Verdict

The 2018 BMW M5 is a total package if you are a petrolhead looking for a sports sedan with plenty of power and grunt to go about, a sumptuous interior to get you comfortable inside, and the looks that could make any enthusiast weak in his/ her knees. A capable car as a whole, the M5 is frugal too. While there may be a few negatives, the BMW M5 will surely surpass your expectations.

Trims

    Base
    $102,600 onwards
    • 10.2-Inch touchscreen-based navigation system
    • 16-Speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system
    • 20-Way power front seats
    • Adaptive LED headlights
    • Ambient interior lighting
    • Head-Up display
    • Heated steering wheel & front seats
    • Rear parking sensors

Compare to similar cars

Price

$102,600

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8.45

Horsepower

600 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

553 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$113,900- $132,675

Gasoline

8.18

560 hp @ 5700 rpm

516 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm

4

Read Review

$71,900- $74,400

Gasoline

8.29

450 hp

406 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm

5

Read Review

$66,500- $98,250

Gasoline

8

425 hp @ 5500 rpm

406 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

5

Read Review

$46,295- $71,095

Gasoline

7.8

268 hp @ 5600 rpm

295 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

5

Read Review

$86,295

Gasoline

6.85

640 hp @ 6400 rpm

630 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm

5

Read Review

$73,050- $86,750

Gasoline

7.83

345 hp @ 5500 rpm

369 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm

5

Read Review

$85,000- $160,000

Gasoline

8.18

330 hp @ 5400 rpm

331 lb.-ft. @ 1340 rpm

4

Read Review

$71,600

Gasoline

8.14

396 hp @ 6100 rpm

384 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

5

Read Review

$104,400- $106,950

Gasoline

8.37

603 hp @ 5750 rpm

627 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

5

Read Review

2018 BMW M5 vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    2018 BMW M5

    Ranked #1

    3 sec11.3 sec162 mph
    3.7 sec11.7 sec-
    3.7 sec12.0 sec174 mph
    3.8 sec--
    3.89 sec--
    2018 BMW M3

    Ranked #5

    4.1 sec12.3 sec155 mph

    2018 BMW M5 vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      2018 BMW M5

      Ranked #7

      15 mpg21 mpg17 mpg20.1 gal.350.4/481.8 mi.
      22 mpg30 mpg25 mpg19 gal.418/570 mi.
      21 mpg28 mpg24 mpg23.7 gal.497.7/663.6 mi.
      19 mpg25 mpg21 mpg21.1 gal.400.9/527.5 mi.
      18 mpg26 mpg21 mpg21.1 gal.379.8/548.6 mi.
      2018 BMW M3

      Ranked #4

      17 mpg25 mpg20 mpg15.9 gal.268.6/395 mi.

      2018 BMW M5 vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        2018 BMW M5

        Ranked #7

        195.5 in.74.9 in.58 in.5.2 in.117.4 in.
        198.8 in.76.3 in.56 in.6 in.116.1 in.
        197.6 in.72.2 in.57.2 in.5 in.114.6 in.
        197.3 in.75.2 in.55.8 in.4 in.114.8 in.
        196.7 in.81.7 in.55.4 in.5 in.113.2 in.
        196.6 in.75.1 in.57.5 in.5 in.115.7 in.

        2018 BMW M5 vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          2018 BMW M5

          Ranked #4

          14 cu.ft.98.8 cu.ft.73.3 cu.ft.
          47.2 cu.ft.98.8 cu.ft.89.7 cu.ft.
          13.7 cu.ft.97 cu.ft.13.7 cu.ft.
          11 cu.ft.104.3 cu.ft.11 cu.ft.
          2018 BMW M3

          Ranked #5

          12 cu.ft.102.1 cu.ft.63 cu.ft.
          2018 Audi S6

          Ranked #6

          14.1 cu.ft.63 cu.ft.57.5 cu.ft.

          2018 BMW M5 vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            2018 BMW M5

            Ranked #1

            73.3 cu.ft.14 cu.ft.73.3 cu.ft.-
            -13.1 cu.ft.--
            -13.1 cu.ft.--
            2018 Audi S6

            Ranked #4

            57.5 cu.ft.14.1 cu.ft.57.5 cu.ft.76 ft.
            -17.7 cu.ft.--
            46 cu.ft.17.4 cu.ft.46 cu.ft.-

            2018 BMW M5 vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2018 BMW M5

              Ranked #1

              925 lbs.4370 lbs.
              1153 lbs.3652 lbs.
              1268 lbs.4001 lbs.
              1129 lbs.4141 lbs.
              -4515 lbs.
              893 lbs.4372 lbs.

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