BMW 5 Series & M5: A Unique History of the Executive Icon and Its Super Sedan Alter Ego

​

Few cars have defined their segment as clearly—and as consistently—as the BMW 5 Series. Introduced in the early 1970s, this model has grown to become the gold standard for executive sedans. But alongside it, lurking in its tailored shadow, has always been something more ferocious: the BMW M5.

In this blog post, we're taking a unique look at the evolution of both—the practical 5 Series and its powerful M division sibling—tracing their rise from Autobahn cruisers to tech-packed monsters.

​

1972: The Birth of the 5 Series – Where It All Began

​

BMW launched the first 5 Series, known internally as the E12, in 1972. This wasn’t just a new car—it was a symbol of BMW’s future direction. Designed by Paul Bracq, the E12 introduced the world to a mid-size sedan that emphasized driver engagement, without sacrificing comfort or daily usability.

At the time, it was BMW’s most refined car—slotting perfectly between the sporty 3 Series and the luxurious 7 Series. It was, quite literally, the sweet spot.

​

1984: The First M5 – A Supercar in Disguise

​

BMW Motorsport had a wild idea in the mid-80s: what if you dropped the BMW M1's engine into a luxury sedan?

The result was the E28 M5, and it was nothing short of revolutionary. With a hand-built inline-six (286 hp) and a stealthy exterior, it looked like a regular executive car—but drove like a race-bred machine.

This was the birth of the super sedan. No wild spoilers. No crazy badging. Just power, precision, and German engineering in a suit and tie.

​

Late '80s to Early '90s: The E34 Era – Precision Refined

​

The next 5 Series, the E34, took everything the E28 did well and added a layer of modernity: better build quality, advanced suspension, and even optional all-wheel drive.

The E34 M5 pushed the limits further with up to 340 hp from a 3.8L straight-six and, for the first time ever, a Touring (wagon) version. Imagine hauling groceries at 170 mph. Yes, it was that kind of crazy.

​

1995: The E39 – BMW’s Masterpiece?

​

Ask any BMW enthusiast about their favourite 5 Series, and the E39 is likely to come up. Clean design. Balanced chassis. Precise steering. The E39 was peak BMW—before electronics took over everything.

But the real legend here is the E39 M5. Under the hood was the S62 4.9L V8, making 394 hp and paired only with a manual transmission. It was fast, smooth, and understated. A proper gentleman’s express.

Even today, this M5 is considered by many to be one of the best cars BMW ever built.

​​

2003–2010: E60 – A Radical, V10-Powered Shift

​​

The E60 5 Series, designed by Chris Bangle, introduced a controversial new look—but it brought with it ground breaking tech and performance.

The E60 M5 was unlike anything else at the time. It came with a 5.0L naturally aspirated V10 (S85), capable of 8,250 RPM and 500 hp. Paired with an SMG transmission, it was raw and unforgiving—but utterly thrilling.

This was BMW flirting with F1 DNA, and it showed.

​​

2010–2017: The F10 – Welcome to the Turbo Era

​

The next evolution, the F10, brought turbocharging into the M5 for the first time. The new 4.4L twin-turbo V8 produced 560 hp (or more, with performance packages), offering explosive torque and autobahn-destroying speed.

But the F10 also marked a shift—more refinement, less rawness. While it was faster than ever, some enthusiasts missed the naturally aspirated edge.

Still, it was a beast—and far more comfortable than M5s before it.

​​

2017–2023: F90 – AWD, But Make It Wild

​

The F90 M5 changed the game again—this time by introducing xDrive all-wheel drive. Don’t worry though—it came with a rear-wheel-drive mode for proper sideways fun.

With 600+ hp in the M5 Competition, it was faster than supercars from just a few years earlier. The regular 5 Series also matured, offering hybrid options, enhanced driver tech, and a sleeker design language.

The M5, once again, proved you could have your cake and lap the Nürburgring with it.

​

2023 Onward: G60/G90 – The Electrified Future

​

The current generation G60 5 Series and the upcoming G90 M5 represent BMW’s bold leap into electrification.

• The 5 Series is now available as a fully electric BMW i5, alongside hybrid and petrol versions.

• The new M5 (G90) will be a plug-in hybrid V8, expected to deliver over 700 hp. Think M5 CS meets XM.

This is uncharted territory, but BMW seems determined to prove that electric assistance doesn’t mean diluted excitement.

​

So, What’s the Legacy of the 5 Series and M5?

​

More than just models, the BMW 5 Series and M5 are philosophies. They represent the ongoing pursuit of balance—between performance and poise, luxury and liveliness.

Every generation tells a story of evolution:

• From carburetors to AI-assisted driving.

• From rear-wheel drive to electric motors.

• From pure analog to powerful digital integration.

And yet, through it all, the DNA remains: driver-first engineering, disguised in executive clothing.

​

Final Thoughts

 

If you're looking for a car that can drop the kids at school, crush the autobahn, and still look classy doing it—the 5 Series and M5 have been delivering that dream since the '70s.

​

And as we move into an electric and autonomous future, one thing’s clear: the spirit of the M5 will evolve—but it won’t die.

Because no matter how far BMW goes, it always comes back to the driver.

​