BMW M5 generations drag race: which is quickest?

First up we have an E28 M5 from 1986. Under the bonnet is a 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated straight-six engine with 286hp and 340Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels only via a five-speed manual gearbox, and the oldest M5 weighs in at 1,430kg. When it was new, this car would’ve cost you £31,295.

The E34 BMW M5 comes next, and this example is from 1992. It has a 3.8-litre naturally-aspirated straight-six sending 340hp and 400Nm of torque to the rear wheels. Like the E28, it has a five-speed manual gearbox, but it’s quite a bit heavier at 1,650kg. When new, the E34 cost £52,480.

Next up is the E39. It’s packing a 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 with 400hp and 500Nm of torque. This is paired to a six-speed manual gearbox and it’s rear-wheel-drive. The E39 tips the scales at 1,695kg, and it cost £52,065 when it was new.

Then we have the iconic E60 M5. It has a thumping 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V10 engine, mated to a seven-speed robotised manual gearbox and putting out 507hp and 520Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels, and it weighs 1,755kg. The price of this V10 family saloon? £65,330.

The penultimate car in this lineup is the F10 M5. Its 4.4-litre V8 is the first here to come with a couple of turbochargers, giving it 600hp and 700Nm of torque. It’s also the last rear-wheel-drive M5, and it has a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The F10 tips the scales at 1,870kg, and it cost £91,890 when it was new.

Finally, let’s take a look at the F90 BMW M5. It’s the first car here with all-wheel-drive, helping it put down the 625hp and 750Nm of torque. That power comes courtesy of a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and the F90 weighs 1,865kg. You’ll have to splash out £111,220 for this car.

So which of these super-saloons will come out on top? You’ll have to watch the video to find out.

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