BMW E60
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The BMW E60 automobile platform is the basis of the 2004-onwards 5-Series automobile. It replaced the BMW E39 in 2004. Models available include the 520i, 525i, 525d, 530i, 530d, 535d, 545i, 550i and the M5. All models received an engine upgrade for 2006, with a 550 replacing the 545 in the autumn of 2005. The E60 is available in both saloon and touring (E61) platforms. The exterior of the design by Chris Bangle and Adrian van Hooydonk is controversial, especially the "Bangle-butt" rear. Its iDrive system has been simplified compared with that in the 7 series. It can be ordered with options such as Active Cruise Control (adaptive cruise control), Head-up display, Active Steering and for audiophiles - the Harman Kardon Logic7 stereo system.
The BMW M5 is the high performance version of the range, and is without question one of the best performance saloon cars on the market, it balances superb handling (like all BMW 'M' cars) with huge power, delivered by a naturally aspirated 5.0 L (40valve) V10 - that produces 373 kW (507 bhp (/PS)) - the same engine used in the M6 sports coupe. The car has impressive performance, with a 0-62 time of 4.5 sec's and a top speed on excess of 205 mph (when the electronic 155 mph limiter is removed). Few cars can compare with the M5, and realistically only the Mercedes-Benz - AMG and Audi RS cars provide competition.
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