The result is a 400-bhp engine with 500 Nm of torque.  This, coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission results in acceleration of 0-60 in 5.3 seconds--that's faster than the Mercedes E55!  M also tinkered around with the 5-series' already capable chassis and excellent steering.  This resulted in a car that feels light yet firm and more agile through the corners. 

The M5 exterior lacks visible aerodynamic aids.  With such a powerful engine, the use of airdams, sideskirts and spoilers should have been necessary to keep this thing on the ground.  Not so says BMW M.  Much like the McLaren F1, BMW has devised a way to let the air be sucked in under car to create a vacuum, which is also known as the Venturi effect, which keeps the car on the ground at high speeds. 

The interior however tells of another story.  BMW M did not tackle the issue of an overly cluttered interior due to the numerous buttons and switches.  There are two packages available: an executive package with fills the leather interior with wood accents (very out of place and tacky looking, if you ask me) or a sports package which places aluminum in place of wood (much better). 

Now comes the tough question: which is better?  In any case, the engineering offered by these two German makers are superb.  Both the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG and the BMW M5 are incredible in their own rights.  But which like everything else, there must be a winner. 

BMW launched the new M5 to the awe of the motoring world, as well as sending Mercedes worrying about a direct comparison.
Much like the Mercedes, only small tell-tale signs can tell you that this is a M5.  For instance, bigger wheels and 4 (four) chromed exhaust pipes.