2014 BMW M5

BMW's mid-size super-sedan is unchanged for 2014. It continues with a twin-turbo 4.4L V8 making 560 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. There is a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The M5 is rated at 16.2 L/100 km city and 10.9 highway with the manual, and 17.3/11.5 with the dual-clutch box.

Standard features include power and leather everything, including 16-way power adjustable heated leather front sport seats. There is a 16-speaker Harman Kardon stereo with USB and navigation. You also get a sunroof, and power tilt and telescoping steering wheel. There is adjustable dynamically controlled damping and adaptive headlights as well.

A driver assistance package comes with lane departure and blind spot warnings, forward collision avoidance, and side and top view cameras. The executive package gains massaging and ventilated seats along with power door and trunk lid closure. Stand-alone options include a choice of wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes.

An available competition package boosts power to 575 hp, adds a black chrome exhaust, and lowers the suspension by 10 mm (with firmer springs and revised dynamic damper control) along with faster steering.

The M5 competes in a surprisingly crowded, stratified field, with the Audi RS7, Jaguar XFR-S, Mercedes E63 AMG and Porsche Panamera. The M5 is the original, and it maintains the performance, handling, and luxury that it used to create the formula back in 1986.