The Evolution of the BMW M5: A Look at Six Generations in a Drag Race

The BMW M5 has long been hailed as the epitome of luxury sports sedans. With a rich history spanning 39 years, the M5 has undergone significant transformations and advancements. Carwow, a popular automotive channel, recently conducted a drag race featuring one M5 from each of the six generations. This thrilling competition allowed viewers to witness the evolution of this iconic vehicle.

The lineup consisted of the E28, E34, E39, E60, F10, and F90 generations, with power outputs ranging from 282 horsepower to a staggering 617 horsepower. All models, except for the F90, were rear-wheel drive. To maintain brevity and excitement, Carwow adopted a knockout-style bracket format, pitting two cars against each other in each round.

The first race showcased the E28 against the E34. The E34 surged ahead right from the start and maintained its lead until the end, leaving the E28 several car lengths behind. This impressive performance highlighted the significant advancements made in just one generation. The roll race yielded similar results, solidifying the E34’s dominance.

Moving on to the next round, the victorious E34 faced off against the E39. While the launch was more closely contested, the E39’s additional 60 horsepower allowed it to effortlessly pull ahead and secure victory. The E39 triumphed once again in a second drag race, but the roll race proved to be a nail-biting affair, with both cars neck-and-neck until the finish line. Ultimately, the E39 crossed the line a few car lengths ahead of its predecessor.

The subsequent matchup featured the E39 against the E60. With two extra cylinders and 100 additional horsepower, it was no surprise that the E60 outperformed its predecessor in every race. The E60 left the E39 in its dust, showcasing the significant advancements made in power and performance.

A more closely contested battle ensued when the E60 went head-to-head with the F10. Despite the F10 boasting an additional 100 horsepower on paper, the E60 surprisingly had the upper hand from start to finish. With a superior launch, the E60 emerged victorious in the first race. However, a broken driveshaft on the F10 led to a reversal of fortunes in the second race. A tiebreaking third drag race saw the E60 emerge as the winner.

The final showdown featured the E60 and the F90. With a power deficit of 125 horsepower and lacking all-wheel drive, the E60 stood no chance against its more modern counterpart. As expected, the F90 surged ahead, leaving the E60 in its wake. The F90 maintained its dominance in subsequent races, even when operating in rear-wheel drive mode.

This captivating drag race showcased the remarkable evolution of the BMW M5 over six generations. From the early E28 to the cutting-edge F90, each iteration demonstrated significant advancements in power, performance, and technology. The M5’s journey from a powerful luxury sedan to a true sports car is a testament to BMW’s commitment to innovation and engineering excellence.

To witness these thrilling races firsthand, be sure to watch Carwow’s video. It provides an exhilarating visual representation of the M5’s evolution and serves as a reminder of why this iconic vehicle continues to captivate automotive enthusiasts worldwide.

In conclusion, the BMW M5 has come a long way since its inception. With each generation pushing boundaries and raising the bar for luxury sports sedans, the M5 remains a symbol of automotive excellence. Whether it’s the raw power of the E28 or the technological prowess of the F90, each iteration has left an indelible mark on automotive history. The drag race organized by Carwow serves as a fitting tribute to this legendary vehicle and its enduring legacy.