Test drove an '06 BMW M5 today...
 

My co-worker just picked up a 2006 BMW M5 and was nice enough to let me test drive it- since he knows what a car geek I am... kekeke :P

I have never in my life driven a more comfortably balanced, luxurious, high-tech, and all-around kick-ass of a car. The steptronic shifting definitely took some getting used to. But, for being such a heavy car, it really roars and makes you feel like you have a lot of muscle at your disposal. The racing mode engages a variety of really cool features. Even the driver's seat adjusts automatically during sharp turning to make sure the driver's body never gets thrown too far off to the side.

In many ways, this experience really made me appreciate my 8 even more, because I noticed that many of the the most appealing aspects of the M5's driving experience are very similar to the 8- all except the power, of course. Namely- you really feel "one" with the car and totally connected to the road. I do, however, like the sound of the rotary engine better than the BMW v10 though...

Anyhow. After the test drive when I got back into my 323i to drive home, it felt like I was driving a shopping cart... LOL. That was how NICE the M5 was. But, since I don't have $95,000, I think I'll be happily content with my 8... :)

"Shopping cart" as in low-slung handler? Or shopping cart as in lack-of-insulation, harsh riding vehicle?

Does the M5 have a cushy ride?

well, the m5 was so nice that after driving it and then switching to my 3, i almost couldn't believe both cars were made by the same manufacturer... the m5 was not cushy, but comfortably smooth.

I love the M series BMW's, very sharp cars. I just read about the new M6 the other day. Over 500 HP, almost made me cream my pants.

The M5 is as ugly as a hat full of arseholes.

IMHO..... :)

It is a great car, but man, its ugly. Can't believe how badly BMW messed up in the looks department.

I think it looks incredible.

The next M3 will be ugly, so ultimately there will be consistency across the whole range.

It'll have a V8 too, apparently. The coup de grâce coupe disgrace. Heresy if they kill the silky in-line M3 six.

^^ so get a Z4 M Coupe.

The original M3 was a 4 cylinder, I don't see any special heritage in the in-line 6, bring on the 8 I say!

And the 335 coupe will be a twin-turbo six, now that should be nice. I'd love an M5 but I'm short about 40-50k.