BMW M5 Review: Top Gear Performance and Driving Precision

Editorial Team Mar 08, 2026

The BMW M5 stands as a benchmark in the high-performance luxury sedan category, and its top gear performance defines the pinnacle of speed and refinement—this review breaks down how top gear delivers exhilarating control and precision on every drive.

BMW M5 Competition review: 616bhp super-saloon driven Reviews 2025 ...
BMW M5 Competition review: 616bhp super-saloon driven Reviews 2025 ... Source: www.topgear.com

Top Gear Dynamics: Power Meets Precision

In top gear, the BMW M5 transforms effort into raw power, delivering seamless acceleration that balances responsiveness with control. The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 produces 617 horsepower, and when paired with the 8-speed automatic, top gear enables blistering speeds with minimal pedal effort. The gear ratio setups ensure smooth transitions even at highway velocities, reducing driver fatigue while maintaining dynamic responsiveness.

BMW M5 - long-term review 2026 | Top Gear
BMW M5 - long-term review 2026 | Top Gear Source: www.topgear.com

Handling Excellence at High Speeds

Beyond raw power, the M5’s top gear excels in handling stability. The adaptive air suspension and advanced electronic steering assist fine-tune the ride, making top gear not just fast but finely balanced. Cornering grip remains sharp, and the car maintains composure during aggressive maneuvers—evidence of BMW’s commitment to both performance and refinement.

BMW M5 - long-term review - Report No:7 2025 | Top Gear
BMW M5 - long-term review - Report No:7 2025 | Top Gear Source: www.topgear.com

Real-World Performance and Value

Driving the M5 through urban streets and open roads in top gear reveals its versatility. Whether merging onto a busy highway or navigating twisty mountain roads, top gear delivers consistent power delivery and impeccable drivability. While premium, its blend of performance, comfort, and technological innovation justifies its position as a leader in the M5 lineup.

BMW M5 CS review: the most powerful M car ever built Reviews 2025 | Top ...
BMW M5 CS review: the most powerful M car ever built Reviews 2025 | Top ... Source: www.topgear.com

The BMW M5’s top gear performance sets a high standard—combining raw power, precision handling, and real-world usability. For driving enthusiasts and luxury drivers alike, mastering top gear means experiencing the full potential of M Performance engineering. Discover the M5 today and embrace the thrill of top-speed mastery.

BMW M5 Review 2025 | Top Gear
BMW M5 Review 2025 | Top Gear Source: www.topgear.com

The most powerful M5 ever. And the least exciting. Hybrid powertrain robs this hefty bruiser of natural delicacy.

BMW M5 - long-term review - Report No:8 2025 | Top Gear
BMW M5 - long-term review - Report No:8 2025 | Top Gear Source: www.topgear.com

But, but, but this is also an all-new BMW M5! It's the stuff of legend, with a long legacy of always being top dog over and above rivals from Audi and Mercedes. The BMW M5 is a high-performance version of the BMW 5-Series automobile made by BMW Motorsport. First introduced at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1984, the M5 has been made from various 5-Series versions throughout the years, including the E28, E34, E39, E60, F10 and most recently the F90.

BMW M5 Review 2026 | Top Gear
BMW M5 Review 2026 | Top Gear Source: www.topgear.com

Originally, the M5 was hand. The 2025 BMW M5 (G90) fuses V8 fury with hybrid sense-717bhp, 1,000Nm, and everyday usability. But has it lost its raw edge? Find out in our full review.

Top Gear gets to try out the 2025 BMW M5 Touring before its official launch with a drive of the prototype. Review, price, specs, and features inside. BMW M5 Touring, Porsche Panamera Turbo S or Audi RS6 Avant: which is the best hyper-wagon? 24 Sep 2025 Report 6 Long.

In their newest video, Top Gear takes two German high-performance cars to the track: the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and the BMW M5, to see which one truly deserves the super saloon crown. The new BMW M5 packs 727 horsepower from its twin. Read our 2026 BMW M5 review for information on ratings, pricing, specs, and features, and see how this sedan performed in our testing.

The M5 and its brand new plug-in hybrid powertrain tips the the scales at a decidedly hefty 5,390 lbs, making it heavier than a not-insignificant number of trucks and SUVs. For more about the driving dynamics of the new BMW M5, check out this video from Top Gear where they test the capabilities of the latest iteration of this iconic super saloon. 2025 BMW M5 Wagon Tested: Weight, Weight, Don't Tell Me The M5 Touring is fast, but when the road turns curvy, it's the elephant in the room.