The BMW M5 in all its generations was a rocket on wheels. We’re really not sure about our favorite generation of performance vehicles, but we know for sure the E61 family is one of the best vehicles ever made. We love seeing it in action and today we’re excited to share a new video with the mighty M5 E61.
Produced between 2004 and 2010, the E61 generation of the M5 was the first production sedan to get a V10 engine. It was also sold as a Touring model in Europe, which was the fastest station wagon on the continent at the time. A coupe and a mechanically linked M6 convertible were also sold, based on a shortened version of the M5 chassis and using a large number of mechanical components.
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Powering the M5 E61 is a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 BMW engine with a peak output of 500 horsepower (373 kilowatts). That power reaches the rear wheels via a seven-speed SMG transmission, which is basically an automatic manual gearbox. The box isn’t very much liked by BMW fans and we see a trade-off with a manual gearbox. However, the vehicle from this video appears to be in factory form.
The five-minute clip takes us to Germany where the team AutoTopNL wanted to see what top speed the M5 Touring E61 could reach. For this purpose, drivers go to the unrestricted section of the Autobahn where fast trains easily reach 205 miles per hour (330 kilometers per hour). Interestingly, during one of the high-speed runs, one looked like an Opel Insignia cruising comfortably at around 155 mph (250 kph).
Earlier this year, it became clear that BMW might be cooking up a third-generation M5 to replace the E61 Touring. According to available information, the model codenamed G99 will be powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain version of the XM with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. Most likely, it will be mated to an all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
