At the turn of the millennium, the sports sedan reached an inflection point. Power was exploding, electronics were still restrained, and engineers were given an almost reckless level of freedom to chase performance without apology. The Mercedes‑Benz E55 AMG W211 and BMW M5 E39 emerged from this moment not as direct copies of one another, but as philosophical opposites chasing the same goal: to redefine how fast, usable, and charismatic a four‑door car could be.
AMG: Muscle, Torque, and Effortless Domination
AMG in the early 2000s was still deeply rooted in brute force engineering. The formula was simple and unapologetic: take a refined executive sedan, install a massive hand‑built V8, reinforce the drivetrain, and let torque do the talking. The E55 AMG W211 embodied this ethos perfectly, delivering its performance not through razor‑edged responses but through overwhelming thrust available at any speed.
This was a car designed to demolish autobahns and highways with minimal effort from the driver. The supercharged 5.4‑liter V8 wasn’t about chasing redlines or track records; it was about effortless acceleration, supreme stability, and the kind of real‑world speed that felt inexhaustible. AMG believed the ultimate sports sedan should feel indomitable rather than delicate.
BMW M: Precision, Balance, and Driver Engagement
BMW M approached the same problem from the opposite direction. The E39 M5 was engineered first and foremost as a driver’s car, prioritizing balance, feedback, and involvement over raw output. Its naturally aspirated 4.9‑liter V8 was tuned for response and character, rewarding drivers who worked the engine and chassis together.
This was a sedan built to feel alive on a mountain road, not just dominant in a straight line. Steering feel, throttle modulation, and a perfectly weighted manual transmission were central to the experience. BMW M believed a true sports sedan should challenge and engage its driver, not simply overwhelm physics through torque.
Two Philosophies, One Golden Era
What makes this rivalry legendary is that neither brand was wrong. The early‑2000s super sedan wasn’t defined by lap times alone, but by how effectively it blended luxury, performance, and daily usability. AMG chased supremacy through power and presence, while BMW M chased perfection through balance and mechanical intimacy.
The E55 AMG W211 and M5 E39 were products of a brief era before turbo downsizing, dual‑clutch dominance, and heavy electronic intervention. They represent two pure interpretations of what a fast sedan should be, setting the foundation for every modern performance four‑door that followed.
Design & Presence: W211 Muscle vs E39 Subtlety
Those opposing philosophies didn’t stop at the powertrain or chassis tuning; they were baked directly into how these cars looked and how they carried themselves on the road. One announces its intent through mass and menace, the other through restraint and proportion. Even at a standstill, the E55 AMG and E39 M5 tell you exactly how they plan to go fast.
Mercedes‑AMG E55 W211: Understated Brute Force
The W211 E‑Class is often described as conservative, but in E55 AMG form it gains a quiet aggression that grows on you. The deeper front bumper, flared side skirts, and quad exhaust tips sit low and wide without resorting to theatrics. This isn’t a car trying to look fast; it looks heavy, planted, and unmovable.
From certain angles, the E55 almost resembles a luxury sedan that has been physically compressed over its massive mechanicals. The swollen hood and thick C‑pillars give it a sense of density that matches its supercharged torque delivery. On the highway, it feels less like a sports sedan and more like a high‑speed freight train with leather seats.
AMG’s design approach mirrors the driving experience: confidence through mass. The car’s visual weight communicates stability at speed, and that presence is unmistakable in traffic. Even today, an E55 AMG carries the aura of a car built to dominate long distances without breaking a sweat.
BMW E39 M5: Timeless Athleticism
If the E55 projects power, the E39 M5 projects precision. Widely regarded as one of the best‑proportioned sedans ever made, the E39 body is a masterclass in balance and restraint. The M5’s subtle fender flares, shadowline trim, and quad exhaust tips are perfectly integrated rather than shouted.
Nothing about the E39 looks excessive, yet everything feels intentional. The long hood, short overhangs, and low beltline give it a classic rear‑drive stance that still looks right two decades later. It’s the kind of design that doesn’t age because it never chased trends to begin with.
On the road, the M5 blends in until it doesn’t. Enthusiasts recognize it immediately, but to everyone else it’s just a beautifully executed 5 Series. That stealth factor is part of its appeal, aligning perfectly with a car that rewards drivers rather than spectators.
Presence Through Philosophy
These visual differences reflect each brand’s definition of what a flagship performance sedan should be. The E55 AMG looks like it’s carrying serious hardware beneath the surface, because it is. Its presence is about authority, stability, and the promise of effortless speed.
The E39 M5, by contrast, wears its performance lightly. It suggests agility, control, and driver involvement before the engine ever fires. One car intimidates through mass and muscle, the other seduces through proportion and purity.
Design alone won’t decide which is the better sports sedan, but it sets expectations that are remarkably accurate once you’re behind the wheel. The E55 looks like it will overwhelm the road, while the M5 looks like it wants to work with it.
Powertrains Compared: Supercharged V8 Brutality vs Naturally Aspirated V8 Purity
The philosophical divide hinted at in the design becomes absolute once you turn the key. These cars chase speed through entirely different engineering doctrines, and nowhere is that clearer than under the hood. One prioritizes overwhelming torque and mechanical force, the other precision, response, and driver control.
Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG: Torque as a Weapon
At the heart of the W211 E55 AMG sits the M113K, a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 that defines early-2000s AMG excess. Rated at 469 horsepower and a staggering 516 lb-ft of torque, it was one of the most torque-rich sedans ever built at the time. Crucially, peak torque arrives just above idle, fundamentally shaping how the car accelerates.
Press the throttle at any speed and the E55 lunges forward with shocking immediacy. There’s no buildup, no crescendo, just an instant, forceful shove that feels closer to a muscle car than a traditional European sports sedan. The supercharger whine under load adds a mechanical edge that reinforces the car’s aggressive personality.
Power is routed through a reinforced 5-speed automatic, chosen for durability rather than shift speed. It’s not a gearbox that begs for manual control, but it suits the engine’s character perfectly. The E55 doesn’t want to be revved out; it wants to flatten horizons with minimal effort.
BMW E39 M5: High-Revving Precision
The E39 M5’s S62 4.9-liter naturally aspirated V8 takes the opposite approach. Producing 394 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, it gives up significant numbers on paper, but delivers them in a far more interactive way. This is a true motorsport-derived engine, with individual throttle bodies and a 7,000 rpm redline.
Throttle response is immediate and razor-sharp, especially once the VANOS system transitions into its aggressive cam profiles. The engine builds power progressively, rewarding drivers who work the rev range rather than surf torque. Every additional rpm feels earned, and the payoff is a spine-tingling induction sound that crescendos near redline.
Backing the S62 is a 6-speed manual, and it’s inseparable from the M5’s identity. The clutch is weighty, the shifter mechanical, and the entire drivetrain feels engineered around driver involvement. This is a powertrain that demands participation and repays it every time the road opens up.
Character, Delivery, and Real-World Speed
In straight-line performance, the E55 AMG is brutally effective. Its torque advantage makes overtakes effortless and highway acceleration almost comical, even by modern standards. In real-world conditions, it often feels faster than its numbers suggest because it rarely needs to downshift or rev out.
The M5, however, engages the driver far more deeply in the process of going fast. It may be slower in a drag race, but it feels alive at speed, constantly communicating through throttle, revs, and gearing. Where the E55 overwhelms the road, the M5 collaborates with it.
Engineering Intent and Tuning Headroom
AMG’s supercharged V8 is famously understressed, and that’s no accident. Built with durability in mind, it offers enormous tuning potential with relatively modest modifications, often unlocking supercar-level output. This reinforces the E55’s reputation as a performance sledgehammer with long legs.
BMW’s S62 is far more complex and finely balanced. It rewards meticulous maintenance and precision driving, but leaves less margin for cheap power gains. Its appeal isn’t about numbers, but about experiencing one of the last great naturally aspirated M engines at its peak.
These engines don’t just move their respective sedans; they define them. One is about dominance through torque and forced induction, the other about purity, response, and mechanical intimacy. The choice between them sets the tone for everything that follows behind the wheel.
Performance Metrics: Acceleration, Top Speed, and Real‑World Pace
With the powertrain personalities clearly defined, the hard numbers add critical context. On paper, these two sedans were shockingly close for their era, yet they arrive at their performance in fundamentally different ways. Understanding how they accelerate, how fast they’ll run, and how they deploy speed in the real world reveals where each car truly shines.
Acceleration: Torque Versus Revs
The E55 AMG’s supercharged 5.4-liter V8 delivers a factory-rated 469 HP and a towering 516 lb-ft of torque, and it puts that muscle to work immediately. Period testing consistently recorded 0–60 mph runs between 4.3 and 4.5 seconds, with quarter-mile times in the low 12s at over 115 mph. The five-speed automatic may sound like a handicap, but the tidal wave of torque more than compensates.
The M5’s naturally aspirated 4.9-liter S62 V8 produces 394 HP and 369 lb-ft, and it needs revs to access its best performance. BMW claimed 0–60 mph in 4.8 seconds, though skilled drivers often matched or slightly bettered that figure. The six-speed manual adds variability, but when launched cleanly, the M5 feels every bit as quick as the numbers suggest, just more dependent on driver execution.
Top Speed: Governors and Potential
Both cars were electronically limited to 155 mph from the factory, a gentlemen’s agreement that masked their true capabilities. With the limiter removed, the E55 AMG will push past 190 mph, aided by its immense torque and long gearing. Aerodynamic drag becomes the main obstacle, not power.
The M5 is no slouch at the top end either, capable of roughly 186 to 190 mph unrestricted. It requires more road and more patience to get there, but the engine remains smooth and composed deep into triple-digit territory. The sensation is less brute force and more relentless, mechanical precision as the tachometer swings toward redline.
Real‑World Pace: Where Speed Actually Matters
In everyday performance scenarios, the E55 AMG often feels devastatingly quick. Rolling acceleration from 40 to 100 mph is where it dominates, requiring little more than a squeeze of throttle to surge forward. The instant torque and seamless automatic shifts make it brutally effective on highways and fast back roads.
The M5 counters with a different kind of pace. It rewards anticipation, downshifts, and commitment, building speed in a way that feels earned rather than imposed. While it may concede a car length or two in a straight-line pull, it keeps the driver deeply engaged, turning every acceleration run into an event rather than a mere result.
Consistency and Repeatability
One often-overlooked advantage of the E55 is how repeatable its performance is. Heat soak is well managed, launches are consistent, and the drivetrain shrugs off abuse with minimal drama. You can extract near-maximum acceleration again and again with little skill required.
The M5 demands more from its driver and gives more back in return. Nail the shift points and keep the S62 on boil, and the car feels electric; miss a beat, and the numbers slip away. It’s less forgiving, but for many enthusiasts, that challenge is exactly the point.
Driving Dynamics: Steering Feel, Chassis Balance, and Driver Engagement
Straight-line performance sets the tone, but it’s in the corners and through the steering wheel where these two sedans truly define themselves. This is where the philosophical divide between AMG muscle and BMW M precision becomes impossible to ignore. Both are fast, but they go about engaging the driver in fundamentally different ways.
Steering Feel and Feedback
The BMW M5’s hydraulic rack remains a benchmark for early-2000s sports sedans. Weight builds naturally off-center, feedback is rich, and you can feel the front tires loading and unloading as grip levels change. There’s a constant dialogue between the chassis and your hands, especially at higher speeds where small inputs translate into precise direction changes.
The E55 AMG’s steering is accurate but more isolated. Turn-in is decisive, yet the rack filters out much of the road texture that the M5 relays so clearly. It suits the car’s high-speed, torque-heavy personality, but enthusiastic drivers will notice a layer of separation that limits ultimate confidence when pushing hard.
Chassis Balance and Cornering Behavior
The M5’s aluminum-intensive front suspension and near-50/50 weight distribution give it a neutral, poised feel through corners. Mid-corner balance is excellent, and throttle adjustments subtly influence the car’s attitude without drama. It feels lighter than it is, shrinking around the driver as speeds rise.
The E55 carries more weight over the nose, and you feel it when transitioning quickly. Grip levels are high, but the chassis prefers smoother inputs and wide, flowing roads. Push too aggressively into a tight corner and mild understeer appears, reminding you that this is a car engineered to deploy torque efficiently, not dance on its toes.
Driver Engagement and Control
This is where the M5 cements its reputation. The six-speed manual, communicative pedals, and high-revving V8 demand full participation, making every corner and exit feel intentional. You’re not just managing speed; you’re actively shaping it, which creates a deeply rewarding feedback loop.
The E55 approaches engagement differently. The automatic transmission and massive torque allow you to focus on line and throttle rather than constant gear selection. It’s devastatingly effective, but the car does more of the work for you, reducing the sense of mechanical involvement even as the pace remains ferocious.
Confidence at the Limit
At high speeds, the E55 feels unshakable. The chassis is stable, the suspension absorbs imperfect surfaces with ease, and the car inspires confidence through sheer composure. It excels on fast autobahn-style roads where stability and predictability matter most.
The M5, by contrast, invites you closer to its limits. It communicates earlier, moves around more, and rewards skilled inputs with fluid, controlled motion. For drivers who value interaction over isolation, it feels alive in a way few modern sedans ever have.
Ultimately, these differences in dynamics don’t point to a clear winner so much as a clear preference. One prioritizes effortless speed and stability, the other celebrates precision and involvement. The question isn’t which one corners harder on paper, but which one makes you want to take the long way home.
Interior Quality & Technology: Luxury Execution and Daily Usability
After exploring how these cars behave at speed, it’s worth stepping inside, because this is where you live with them every day. Both were sold as executive sedans first and performance machines second, and their interiors reflect very different interpretations of luxury. The contrast isn’t just about materials or features, but about how each brand thought a driver should interact with the car mile after mile.
Design Philosophy and Build Quality
The E55’s cabin is unmistakably Mercedes-Benz of the early 2000s: formal, solid, and built to feel indestructible. Thick leather, real wood trim, and heavy switchgear give it a bank-vault impression, and many examples still feel tight after two decades. The seats are plush yet supportive, prioritizing long-distance comfort over aggressive lateral bolstering.
The M5 takes a more driver-focused approach. The design is cleaner, darker, and more purposeful, with less ornamentation and a stronger emphasis on ergonomics. Materials are excellent, though not as overbuilt as the Mercedes, and the sport seats offer superior support when you’re pressing on. It feels like a cockpit rather than a lounge, reinforcing the car’s performance-first mindset.
Technology and Driver Interface
Technology highlights the philosophical gap even more. The E55 arrived with COMAND infotainment, navigation, and a wide array of electronic conveniences that were cutting-edge at the time. Today, the interface feels dated and slow, but core functions remain usable, and features like automatic climate control and power everything enhance daily comfort.
The M5’s tech suite is more restrained. BMW’s navigation and display are simpler, and in some markets less comprehensive, but the layout is intuitive and distraction-free. There’s less menu-diving and fewer gimmicks, which aligns with the car’s analog driving experience. What you lose in features, you gain in clarity and ease of use.
Daily Usability and Long-Term Comfort
As a daily driver, the E55 is exceptionally easy to live with. The automatic transmission, compliant ride, and quieter cabin make traffic and long commutes effortless. It excels as a high-speed cruiser that never asks much of its driver unless you demand it.
The M5 requires more commitment. The clutch is heavier, the ride firmer, and road noise more present, especially on rough surfaces. But for drivers who value engagement even on mundane drives, those traits become part of the appeal. It turns routine errands into small events, something few sedans can claim.
Aging Gracefully: Ownership Reality
Time has been kinder to the E55’s interior hardware. Switches, climate controls, and seat mechanisms generally hold up well, reflecting Mercedes’ focus on durability. However, aging electronics and air suspension components can introduce complexity as these cars get older.
The M5’s interior ages more honestly. Fewer electronic systems mean fewer potential failures, but wear on seat bolsters and trim is common, especially on enthusiast-driven cars. What remains intact is the sense of purpose; even with some patina, the cabin still feels aligned with the car’s character.
Interior quality and technology don’t declare an outright winner here. Instead, they reinforce the same divide seen on the road. The E55 prioritizes comfort, convenience, and effortless usability, while the M5 centers everything around the driver. Your ideal sports sedan depends on whether you want to be cosseted on the way to triple-digit speeds, or fully engaged every time you turn the key.
Reliability & Ownership Reality: Known Issues, Maintenance, and Running Costs
The romance of early-2000s super sedans fades quickly if you underestimate the ownership reality. Both the E55 AMG W211 and BMW M5 E39 were engineered to dominate autobahns, not to be cheap or simple two decades later. Understanding their mechanical weak points and cost profiles is essential, because reliability here isn’t about if something will fail, but when and how prepared you are.
Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG W211: Brutal Torque, Predictable Problems
The E55’s supercharged 5.4-liter M113K V8 is one of AMG’s most durable modern engines. Forged internals, conservative redline, and robust cooling mean high-mileage examples are common, even when driven hard. Regular oil changes and belt inspections go a long way, and outright engine failures are rare.
Where ownership becomes complicated is everything attached to that drivetrain. The Airmatic suspension is the biggest wildcard, with air struts and compressors eventually failing and turning ride quality into a warning light festival. Many owners convert to coilovers for peace of mind, but purists may see that as sacrilege.
Transmission reliability is a strong point. The five-speed automatic is stout and well-matched to the engine’s torque curve, but fluid changes are critical despite Mercedes’ original “sealed for life” claims. Neglect here leads to harsh shifts and premature wear, not catastrophic failure, but repairs aren’t cheap.
BMW M5 E39: Mechanical Purity, Mechanical Demands
The M5’s 4.9-liter S62 V8 is a masterpiece, but it is not forgiving. Throttle actuators, VANOS solenoids, and timing chain guides are known failure points, and none are inexpensive to address. When properly maintained, the engine is strong and reliable, but deferred maintenance quickly becomes punishing.
Cooling system components demand attention. Radiators, expansion tanks, and water pumps are consumables on this car, not lifetime parts. Ignore them and the consequences escalate quickly, especially given the S62’s sensitivity to overheating.
The manual transmission itself is robust, but clutches are a wear item that reflects how the car has been driven. Many M5s have lived hard lives, and a tired clutch or differential is often a sign of enthusiastic ownership rather than abuse. The upside is that once refreshed, the drivetrain delivers long-term reliability with minimal electronic interference.
Electronics, Sensors, and Aging Complexity
Electronics age differently in these two cars. The E55 carries more systems, more modules, and more opportunities for faults as wiring and sensors age. Most issues are manageable individually, but diagnosis can be time-consuming and labor-heavy.
The M5 benefits from relative simplicity, but it is not immune. Pixel failures, ABS modules, and aging sensors are common, though generally easier to address. The difference lies in scope rather than frequency; BMW problems tend to be mechanical and isolated, Mercedes issues often systemic.
Maintenance Costs and Real-World Running Expenses
Neither car qualifies as affordable to maintain by mainstream standards. Expect premium fuel, frequent oil changes, and performance tires that disappear quickly under enthusiastic driving. Annual maintenance budgets vary wildly by condition, but four-figure service bills are normal for both.
The E55 often costs less to keep running once sorted, especially if suspension issues have been addressed. Parts availability is strong, and the engine’s durability helps stabilize long-term costs. The M5, while more demanding, rewards attentive owners with fewer cascading failures once known weak points are proactively handled.
Insurance and depreciation now favor both cars as modern classics, but deferred maintenance examples remain financial traps. A well-documented service history matters more here than mileage, badge, or modification count. These are not cars you buy cheaply; they are cars you buy correctly.
Character & Emotional Appeal: Sound, Drama, and Sense of Occasion
After the spreadsheets, service records, and mechanical realities are accounted for, what ultimately separates these two cars is how they make you feel every time you press the starter button. Both deliver towering performance, but they communicate it through very different emotional languages. One is all about raw, unfiltered muscle; the other thrives on precision, crescendo, and driver involvement.
Engine Sound and Personality
The E55 AMG announces itself with a deep, thunderous V8 idle that immediately sets the tone. The supercharged 5.4-liter V8 doesn’t sing so much as it growls, layering mechanical whine over a basso exhaust note that swells with torque rather than revs. Every throttle input feels consequential, as if the drivetrain is physically leaning into the pavement.
By contrast, the BMW M5’s naturally aspirated 4.9-liter S62 is an engine that rewards commitment. Below 4,000 rpm it’s refined and restrained, but past that point it hardens, sharpens, and pulls with increasing urgency all the way to its 7,000 rpm redline. The sound transitions from a metallic snarl to a full-bodied motorsport howl, making each gear change feel like part of a performance rather than a means to an end.
Drama in Everyday Driving
What makes the E55 special is how little effort it requires to feel outrageous. You don’t need to chase revs or downshift aggressively; torque is always there, ready to overwhelm the rear tires at a moment’s notice. Even mundane commutes carry an undercurrent of menace, amplified by the supercharger’s faint whine and the car’s relentless forward shove.
The M5 builds drama through participation. It demands attention, precise throttle inputs, and a willingness to work the gearbox. The reward is a sense of progression, where speed accumulates through driver skill rather than brute force, making every fast drive feel earned.
Sense of Occasion Behind the Wheel
Slip into the E55 and the experience feels unapologetically dominant. The steering wheel is thick, the car feels wide and planted, and there’s a constant impression that you’re piloting something far more powerful than it looks. It delivers intimidation as part of its character, a reminder that this was once one of the quickest sedans in the world.
The M5’s sense of occasion is more ceremonial. The heavy clutch, notchy shifter, and rising mechanical intensity as revs climb create a ritual every time you drive it hard. It feels special not because it overpowers you, but because it invites you into the process.
Emotional Longevity and Ownership Connection
Over long-term ownership, the E55 tends to impress consistently rather than evolve. Its appeal lies in its unchanging nature: effortless speed, dominant torque, and an engine that never stops feeling excessive. For many owners, that never gets old.
The M5, however, often deepens with time. As familiarity grows, so does appreciation for its balance, responsiveness, and engine character. It’s the kind of car that reveals new layers the harder and more skillfully it’s driven, forging a stronger emotional bond with those willing to meet it on its terms.
Verdict: Which Delivers the Ultimate Sports Sedan Experience Today?
Stepping back from the emotional nuances, the decision between the E55 AMG and the E39 M5 ultimately hinges on what you believe defines a great sports sedan in 2026. Both were engineering peaks of their era, but they deliver excellence through fundamentally different philosophies. One overwhelms with force and ease, the other rewards commitment and precision.
If Performance Is the Priority
Measured purely by accessible performance, the E55 AMG still feels outrageous today. Its supercharged V8 delivers instant, tire-shredding torque that modern turbo engines struggle to replicate for drama and immediacy. In real-world driving, especially on the street, it often feels quicker than the M5 because it never asks you to work for its speed.
The M5 is no slouch, but its performance is conditional. To extract its best, you must chase revs, manage weight transfer, and commit to the process. When driven hard, it’s electrifying, but the E55 delivers its thrills on demand, regardless of road or effort.
Driving Dynamics and Engagement
This is where the M5 strikes back decisively. Its steering feel, chassis balance, and manual transmission create a level of engagement the E55 simply doesn’t attempt to match. The BMW feels lighter on its feet, more communicative, and more adjustable when pushed, especially on technical roads.
The E55 prioritizes stability and dominance over delicacy. It’s immensely capable, but it prefers to flatten roads rather than dance across them. As a driver’s car, the M5 remains the sharper instrument.
Interior, Build Quality, and Daily Usability
Both cabins have aged remarkably well, but they project different values. The Mercedes feels overengineered, solid, and luxuriously industrial, with seats and switchgear built to endure decades of use. It excels as a high-speed daily, especially for buyers who value comfort alongside performance.
The BMW’s interior is more driver-focused and purposeful, though less opulent. Its ergonomics and visibility remain excellent, but as a daily driver, the heavy clutch and manual-only setup can become tiring in traffic-heavy environments.
Reliability and Long-Term Ownership Reality
Neither car is cheap to own, but their risks differ. The E55’s drivetrain is famously robust, with the supercharged M113K V8 proving more durable than its output suggests. The main concerns lie in suspension components and electronics rather than the engine itself.
The M5’s S62 V8 is a masterpiece, but it demands respect and meticulous maintenance. VANOS issues, rod bearings, and cooling system weaknesses mean ownership is best suited to enthusiasts prepared for proactive care. When sorted, it’s sublime, but neglect is costly.
The Final Call
If your definition of the ultimate sports sedan is effortless speed, daily usability, and muscle-car aggression wrapped in a luxury shell, the E55 AMG is the better choice today. It delivers supercar-rivaling thrust with minimal effort and retains a unique, almost intimidating character that still feels special decades later.
If, however, you value driver engagement, mechanical purity, and a deeper emotional connection that grows with skill and time, the E39 M5 remains the benchmark. It is the purist’s super sedan, a car that asks more but gives more in return.
In the end, the E55 is the dominant force, while the M5 is the enduring icon. The ultimate sports sedan experience depends not on which is objectively better, but on whether you want to be impressed every time you press the throttle, or fulfilled every time you drive well.
