I test drove the new M5 last night at a local dealership and was not impressed with the performance. Straight line acceleration actually felt slower than the 997S. I know the numbers probably say otherwise, but the M5 felt heavy and did not have the breathtaking acceleration I expected.

When the "power" button is not activated(400 HP I think) it felt similar to the 545i in acceleration. With the "power" button on, the acceleration was only moderately improved. Was I missing something here? Perhaps there are additional controls that the salesperson did not know about?

Also, the paddle shifter is definitely slower than the F430(I was expecting it to be comparable since they both should be cutting edge technology) and, in my opinion, does not go well with the car. With 7 speeds, I thought it was a little too many gears to go up and down and totally unnecessary. A good 6 speed automatic would have been preferred.

I did not try the launch control but with a regular launch, it felt like the engine was being held back electronically.

JLee

 

Have you seen the Top Gear episode with the M5? Apparently setting the computer to give the full 500hp is like giving birth.

 

I find that incredible,I have replaced the 997S with a M6 and the straight line performace is in a different league.
The Porsche has better handling,and brakes,but in a straight line the difference is substantial,and as for your comments on the gearchanges ..Im not convinced about the gearbox at low speeds..but at high speeds its simply stunning,the change os so fast you pretty much don't notice it.
The porsche will beat it on a twisting road,but in a straight line it would stay with it until 50-60 mph then the m5 would walk away easily.

 

If your talking about the one where they compare the aston, m5 , and 997 cs.

Here is the link.

It would seem pretty annoying having to switch the power from 400hp to 500hp.

Its probably the down fall of the car. Oh Well

Its somewhere in the middle of the Episode.





M5, aston, 997 comparison

 

Did you use S6 and the sport mode?

 

You have to set the M5 at P500 "sport" + S6 than it will feel more open. We have try to run the 997CS with M5. At p400, 997 killed it, at p500 both were even and M5 walk away after 200km/h. At p500 sport I assume M5 can walk away from 997 from 2nd gear.

 

In the January 2006 issue of Motor Trend, the Porsche Carrera S (6-speed) sprints from 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds, while bmw claims 4.5 for the M5. I think Porsche is the winner in a straight line.

 

I am sure I did not have the most powerful setting last night. It just did not feel right.

How do you change the settings?

 

I tried to change the bhp setting on an m6, after half an hour i gave up. Its a pain in *** ........

 

All M5's before first service has 500hp program locked out. You can still select it, but you only get 400hp and less=than-maximum sport setting. Only after first service at 1500 miles (some owners cheat and get that service done sooner) will the service dept unlock the program and give you all 500hp and S6.

I have two friends that are already driving theirs and that's why i know.

0 to 60 will not be its strength when compared to a 911 because the rear weight bias helps the 911 avoid too much wheel spin and therefore can achieve a great launch. 1/4 mile will be more in favor of the m5, and in-gear acceleration I believe the M5 with P500 sport and S6 will be much faster than any current 997.

 

Doubt you would get to unleash it's potential from a dealer's test-drive.

 

997s faster than an m5? You have no idea what you are talking about. 0-60 does not mean anything when you have that much power and who the hell pays attention to manufacturer claims on acceleration times?

 

Here's my point of view on these cars:

My dad had an E39 M5, which I drove 150 miles to the Porsche dealer on the morning of the 997 launch. I immediately got into a 997 (non S) and was amazed with its speed and abilities. No shocker there.

When he recently got his E60 M5, on my first drive I was completely underwhelmed. I didn't think it was that fast or as enjoyable to drive as the E39. But, I wasn't looking at the speedometer. I think the new M5 is deceptive, even in P400, due to the difference in torque delivery b/w the V8 and V10. I have driven it many times since then, all during break in and not at full potential, and have completely reversed my opinion. I think it is a fascinating car, a worthy replacement to the E39 in every way, and can't wait to see what this thing is like after the service.

Bottom line, if I had to pick one for myself, it would be the 997 S, because straight line speed isn't everything.

 

there is no substitute for Porsche.
Even if the car is faster, more powerful. Overall the balance that the Porsche provides is unmatched. (except maybe Ferrari and Lambo, but then again they are in a different league when comparing the 997S).

 

It's interesting that BMW locks down the HP on a M5 when new. What's the purpose of that? Those not caring about break in will still redline. Unless this is for insurance reason during test drive, I think it's pretty stupid.

I also think the whole 400 vs 500 switch all together is pretty stupid. Does it deactivate cyclinders from 10 to 8 and save gas?

Everything I heard about M5 is its V10. To me, handling and braking are equally important. With active suspension, the M5 still corners like a boat. Handling and braking doesn't sells toBMW or sedan buyers I am sure. That's why I don't have either.