BMW 5 Series
BMW
Photo: Alexander-93 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
The executive sport sedan. The E39 is one of the best-handling large sedans ever, and the M5 versions are legends.
The BMW 5 Series is the mid-size executive sedan that balances luxury with genuine driver appeal. Since 1972 it has offered inline sixes and V8s in a larger, more refined package than the 3 Series, while keeping the rear-drive balance BMW is known for. The E39 (1995-2003) is widely regarded as one of the finest sport-luxury sedans ever built. Each generation has spawned a legendary M5: the E39 M5 with its S62 V8, the E60 M5 with a screaming V10, and the modern F90 M5 with a twin-turbo V8 and all-wheel drive. The 5 Series also pioneered technology that trickled down across the range. On WhipJury, 5 Series submissions favor the E39 540i and M5, E60 535i and 550i, and modern 540i builds, valued for their blend of comfort and pace.
5 Series highlights
E39 (1995-2003). The handling benchmark for large sedans. The 540i V8 and the S62-powered M5 are the icons.
E60 (2003-2010). Polarizing styling, but the V10 M5 is a motorsport-derived masterpiece.
F10 and G30 (2010-present). Turbo sixes and V8s, the 540i a smooth modern all-rounder.
5 Series on WhipJury
The E39 is the enthusiast favorite here. M5 examples across generations draw strong attention.