BMW M5

First introduced at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1984, the first incarnation of the M5 was hand-built utilising the 535i chassis and a modified BMW M1 engine, being the fastest production saloon/sedan in the world at the time of its introduction. Subsequent iterations of the M5 have been made from various 5-Series generations throughout the years, including the E28, E34, E39 and most recently the E60 and E61.

Due to the longevity of its nameplate and undisputed position at the top of BMW's midsize lineup, the M5 remains one of the best known sport sedans, despite competition from Mercedes-AMG and Audi quattro GmbH. Mercedes-Benz's E55 AMG fell short of the E60 M5's performance, so they eventually replaced it with the E63 AMG. The top-of-the-line Audi RS6 (C6), is only offered in Europe. The M5 outperforms the Audi S6, the marque's highest performing prestige car in North America.