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If the auto mode is crap the M5 feels like a compromise against your original criteria - lots of space, lots of grunt and automatic.
I'm 6 months into swapping my manual rs4 for a new auto s5 and I'm wholly unconvinced. I end up driving it in 'manual' mode on the paddles 95% of the time (including in commuting mode along the A3/M25).
If I was after something I was going to drive in auto 95% of the time I think I'd be after something more lazy than an m5.
golgol
Drove the M5 - very well made, very handsome car, all the toys.
It’s not a slow car - although I only drove it in 400bhp mode - but it feels slower than the Volvo.
I guess that’s because the BMW at 400bhp vs the Volvo at whatever it is - lets say 360 - it’s not the power figures telling the story but rather the power to weight, and the Volvo wins that.
If I’d switched to the 507bhp map then things would have been different I imagine.
It’s quiet - I’d expected more drama from a five litre V10.
Gearbox - this was much more convincing as a clutch less, sequential manual than it was as an automatic, but it’s not great. However, it’s the only available option so it is what it is.
Car is on for 23,450 - chap said he’d get it serviced (just past due) at BMW (to preserve the full history) and put two new Michelin Pilot Sports on the front for a sales price of 22,450. It’s had a new clutch and brakes all round in the last 30k.
I like the car, I’d prefer it if it had the removable tow hook but it doesn’t.