5 lighter (and cheaper!) alternatives to the NEW BMW M5
As someone who has spent years behind the wheel of various luxury cars, I can confidently say that the Audi SQ5 is a surprising standout. With its powerful 3-liter V6 diesel engine and agile handling, this SUV offers a driving experience that belies its size and weight. I’ve been impressed by how nimble it feels on the road, and the fact that it boasts more boot space than any other car in my garage is an added bonus for someone who frequently travels with family or golf equipment.
Over the past week, I’ve been excitedly following BMW’s news, and the unveiling of their latest creation, the all-new G90 M5, has truly caught my attention. And let me tell you, this beauty is no lightweight! To put it into perspective, this new BMW M5 tips the scales at a massive 2510kg. That’s an astounding 2.5 tonnes, which is equivalent to the weight of a small town. Simply incredible!
However if you’re anything like me and you don’t want to drive the citadel of 5 series, there are other options past and present that both weigh and cost less, these are my top 5:
5. Audi S8 (2006-2010)- Avg. Used Price: $17,000
As a long-time car enthusiast and someone who has had the privilege of experiencing the raw power and aggression of a Lamborghini Gallardo V10 firsthand, I can only express my thoughts in three simple words about the newest BMW M5: it needs a Lamborghini V8.
You weren’t just blessed with an angelic melody reminiscent of heavenly choirs, but also gained 443 powerful horses and a swift 0-60 time of merely 4.9 seconds. This car is no ordinary vehicle, it’s a luxurious ride boasting plush seats akin to first-class airline cabins. Heating functionality adds an extra touch of comfort, with memory settings for personalized convenience. And at its heart lies a V10 engine, making this car more than just a spacious luggage compartment on wheels.
4. W212 Mercedes- Benz E63 AMG- Avg. Used Price: $23,500
The W212 E63 AMG saloon from the 2010s had two fewer cylinders than the S8, yet boasted an impressive 106 more horses under its hood. This powerhouse vehicle outperformed the F10 M5 and even surpassed the capabilities of the latest G90 M5.
The new model won’t feature all the same advanced technology, touchscreens, and high-performance specs as the latest BMW M5. Instead, it boasts a lighter weight (1920kg vs 2510kg), a more robust engine note with a 6.2-liter V8 compared to BMW’s smaller 4.4-liter twin-turbo powertrain and electric motor, and only manages a 0.5 second difference in acceleration time (3.5 vs 4 seconds) for an additional 178 horsepower from BMW’s engine.
3. Audi SQ5 (2012)- Avg. Used Price- $20,000
Based on my personal driving experiences and preferences, I must admit that the Audi SQ5 is indeed a diesel SUV, and yes, it may not be as quick as some of its gasoline-powered counterparts. However, having driven various cars throughout my life, I can confidently say that the SQ5 stands out among other SUVs with its exceptional driving dynamics and refined interior.
You may be curious as to why I’ve ranked the SQ5 above esteemed sedans like the E63 and S8, and I’ll explain the reasoning behind it. Despite its size, weight, and bulkiness, I was taken aback when I discovered that the new SQ5 is lighter than BMW’s latest M5.
The SQ5’s high ranking also stems from several logical reasons. Firstly, it offers the largest cargo space among its peers, perfect for accommodating golf clubs or other bulky items if you’re considering a swift family vehicle. Secondly, the 3-liter V6 diesel engine delivers reasonable fuel economy, with AutoCar.com reporting around 33 MPG on average.
2. E60 BMW M5- Avg. Used Price- $30,000
Based on my experience as a long-time car enthusiast and someone who has dealt with unreliable cars before, I have to disagree with your suggestion of buying an old V10 engine for $30,000. While it may seem like a bargain at first glance, the reality is that such an engine would likely come with a host of problems.
Based on my personal experience and observations over the past two decades, I believe that most of the problematic M5 models from the late 1990s and early 2000s have likely been taken off the road by now. As someone who has been an avid BMW enthusiast since the late ’90s, I’ve seen my fair share of these cars, some with issues that made them unreliable or uneconomical to keep running. But as we approach 20 years since the introduction of the M5 model in question, it’s safe to assume that many have either been replaced or scrapped.
Regarding your area of interest, the E60 M5 boasts a powerful 5-liter V10 engine under its hood, delivering an impressive 500 horsepower. In just under 5 seconds, this vehicle will accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour. Additionally, the V10 engine produces a captivating sound, reminiscent of a violin, as you experience this thrilling acceleration. It’s also worth mentioning that the E60 M5 weighs approximately 1830kg, contrasting with the G90’s heavier build at 2510kg.
1. E34 BMW M5- Avg. Used Price- $40,000
As someone who has had the privilege of driving and owning various cars throughout my life, I can confidently say that the BMW E34 M5 stands out as the ultimate family car and the epitome of automotive excellence for me. Its perfection is not easily encapsulated in numbers or specifications, but rather lies in its seamless blend of power, comfort, and practicality. The E34 M5 has been a constant companion on countless road trips with my loved ones, providing us with unforgettable experiences and memories that I will cherish forever.
The super sedan, with its inline 6 engine, generates approximately 335 horsepower. While this may seem relatively low compared to today’s high-performance cars boasting over 700 horsepower, keep in mind that during that era, it was comparable to the Ferrari Testarossa. Regarding acceleration, achieving a 0-60 mph in just 5.9 seconds is still an impressive feat for this full-sized, luxury saloon. To put things into perspective, this high-performance sedan can match the same speed as the iconic Testarossa from a standstill.
Enter within, where you’ll be enveloped in a luxurious ambiance reminiscent of affluence. Up front, captain’s chairs invite you for a regal experience, while the rear seats are fit for nobility. And if that isn’t enough, you have the choice to include a car phone. This opulence comes with a modest weight of just 1600kg. If you’re considering an M5, choose this one.
Read More
- TOMI PREDICTION. TOMI cryptocurrency
- CANTO PREDICTION. CANTO cryptocurrency
- SHI PREDICTION. SHI cryptocurrency
- MDT PREDICTION. MDT cryptocurrency
- EUR HUF PREDICTION
- OMI PREDICTION. OMI cryptocurrency
- ALPHA PREDICTION. ALPHA cryptocurrency
- CLV PREDICTION. CLV cryptocurrency
- VITE PREDICTION. VITE cryptocurrency
- RTM PREDICTION. RTM cryptocurrency
2024-07-19 14:59