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TEST DRIVE
'06 BMW M5 packs luxury
Technology shines in iDrive system, rich 500-hp engine
There is a lot of stuff to take in on the 2006 BMW M5. Stuff like luxury, technology and speed --- joyous, invigorating speed.
Undoubtedly much thought was put behind all the engineering features this luxury sedan offers.
As a motorist, you too will get to think a lot about how you can best use those features.
BMW's famous iDrive system offers a complex, technologically enhanced aspect to the M5's driving experience.
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2006 BMW M5
(click on photo to enlarge)
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The pioneering driver information-entertainment system has taken its share of hits from critics over the past few years, and you can probably see why in your initial encounters with the system if you're unfamiliar with it.
But it has been improved as of late.
For driving, a central control manipulates stability and traction, engine power, gear shift speed and suspension stiffness. You can also let the computer take over if you prefer not to make all those decisions.
Then, you can control the radio settings, whether you prefer AM, FM or satellite radio, which was present but not activated on the test drive model.
You can operate numerous other settings with the system, if you choose.
Or you can just kind of sit back and relish the driving or riding experience.
The steering is finely tuned and the suspension is stiff and powerful in the M5.
The 5.0-liter, dual overhead cam, 10-cylinder engine explodes with 500 horsepower.
The M5 has a smoothness that's to be admired at higher speeds.
However, getting there is a little rougher than you might expect.
The seven-speed sequential manual gearbox offers 11 shift modes that are unique. In paddle-shifting mode, low gear shifting is clunky and a bit awkward. But if you are displeased with that, you can just switch over to full automatic mode.
After those lower gear blues, in the higher gears you're rewarded with a pleasant kind of speed high.
And maybe those blues will be erased when BMW introduces a six-speed manual transmission model this fall.
The M5 displays dazzling braking and handling. Both driving aspects are quite responsive and provide another example of BMW's superior engineering.
When it comes to fuel economy, though, it's time to pay the piper for that monster of an engine you get under the hood. The M5's EPA mileage figures are 12 mpg city and 18 highway.
BMW hangs its hat on delivering luxury and performance. The M5 has plenty of both, and a price tag to reflect that. The test drive model went for $87,190, which included a $3,700 gas guzzler tax.
You might be taken aback by that price. But you'll find plenty else to take in and enjoy in this machine, too.
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