BMW M5 review

Only you can decide if spending a six-figure sum on a 600bhp fits in with your finances, but rivals such as the Audi RS6 and Mercedes-AMG E63 are similarly expensive, while the Porsche Panamera Turbo S is in an even higher price bracket. That said, the Panamera is predicted to hold onto much more of its value over three years of ownership than any of its competitors. 

And, despite BMW’s best efforts to reduce weight by using copious amounts of carbonfibre, aluminium and high-strength steel, the M5 Competition is still only capable of producing an average fuel economy figure of just 25.4mpg. You can expect more than half that number if you use the full might of the engine.

You’ll need deep pockets to run an M5 as a company car; a high list price and official CO2 emissions of 258g/km place the car in the top 37% band, meaning benefit-in-kind payments will be sizeable.

Use our True MPG calculator and see what your car really does to the gallon

Still, you do get plenty of kit for your money. As standard, it comes with 20in alloys, bespoke M bumpers and side skirts, a limited-slip differential and electronically adjustable heated M Sport front seats with lumbar support. And the list also includes adaptive LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and automatic lights and wipers.

In fact, Competition is so well equipped that you don’t really have to buy many options, but if you fancy taking your M5 on track (or onto an autobahn, for that matter) you might want to spec the optional carbon ceramic brakes and the M Driver’s package, which increases the top speed from 155mph to an eye-watering 189mph. Or, if you simply want all the goodies, you can just tick the box for the ‘Ultimate Pack’ that introduces a carbon engine cover, massaging seats, seat ventilation, a more powerful stereo, a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System and the ceramic brakes and top speed increase we mentioned earlier.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here