The new 2012 BMW M5 was unveiled earlier this week. The super sporty luxury sedan will join the 5 Series family later this year. The new M5 also joins some tough competitors in the super sporty sedan segment, starting with the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, Audi RS6 and Cadillac CTS-V.

BMW has moved on with the new F10 M5 from naturally aspirated engines to a TwinPower turbocharged V8. The high-revving 4.4-liter (4395cc) turbocharged uses the BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology, twin-scroll turbochargers, high-precision direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and a cross-bank exhaust manifold that guarantees legendary BMW M-car thrust with seamless lag-free power delivery from just off idle.


The engine outputs 560 horsepower from 5,750-7,000 rpm and 680Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque from only 1500rpm. The high-rev unit should rocket the M5 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds and under 4 seconds using BMW’s new Launch Control.

BMW offers a 7-speed DCT and manual transmission in the new M5. The M5 is limited to a top speed of 155 mph, or 190 mph with the M Driver’s Package.

Overall weight is reported to be 4,122/4,286lb (DIN/EU).

The competitor, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, has recently swapped its 6.2-liter V-8 for a new twin-turbo 5.5-liter which makes 518 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque in standard form, or 550 hp and 590 lb-ft when equipped with the AMG Performance package (the extra power is mostly due to an increase in boost pressure from 14.5 to 18.8 psi).

AMG continues to use the E63’s seven-speed Speedshift MCT automatic, with a clutch pack instead of a torque converter. 0-to-62-mph time is reported to be 4.4 seconds in base trim and 4.3 seconds for Performance pack cars.

The car is limited to a top speed of 155 mph, or 186 mph with the Performance Pack.

Styling wise, each car has its own strengths and the choice can be quite subjective. The F10 BMW M5 builds atop the safer and more stylish design of the new 5 Series. The design language is easier on the eye than the previous E60 generation and the M5 enhances its aggressiveness to the M-specific levels.

The E63 AMG follows the recent design language from Mercedes with square design cues, double-headlamps and LEDs integrated in the front bumper. Just like the M5, the rear bumper sports the twin dual-exhausts, but shaped differently.

As always in the last few years, we are bringing you a photo comparison of the competing models.