Since 1984, the BMW M5 has been rightfully thought to be one of many best efficiency sedans on sale and Magnus Walker just lately had the chance to drive a very good instance.

The latest-generation M5 is an absolute beast because of its 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Nonetheless, it isn’t the present automobile that’s the topic of this overview however the E39 that was produced from 1998 to 2003.

To our eyes, the E39 has one of the timeless designs of any M5 and regardless of being greater than 20 years previous, its easy form and refined strains make its contemporaries really feel bloated and outsized.

Watch Additionally: Could The E39 Be Considered The Pinnacle Of BMW’s M5 Family?

The E39 M5 was the primary M5 to make use of a V8, however in contrast to the present automobile that depends on compelled induction, the E39’s engine is of course aspirated and keener to rev. It pumps out a good 392 hp at 6,600 rpm and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque at 3,800 rpm and is coupled to a six-speed Getrag guide gearbox that sends energy to the rear wheels by a limited-slip differential.

An argument may be made that modern-day efficiency automobiles just like the M5 have grow to be overly reliant on outright efficiency on the sacrifice of driving pleasure. By comparability, the E39 M5 locations the motive force on the heart of the expertise and, in response to Walker, it’s a actually pleasurable automobile to drive at its limits.