BMW Uncovered: The E39 M5 — Defining the Sports Sedan

The BMW E39 M5 is the halfway point in M5 evolution—and it’s also a fan favorite.

The E39 M5 proved that a luxury sedan could be a supercar-beater. Passengers might have no idea they were in a performance machine…until the driver unleashed the naturally aspirated 4.9L V8. With its sublime handling and manual transmission, the E39 demanded active engagement. You weren’t just riding, you were driving. Intricate design elements, purposeful interior, comfortable leather seats, early steering wheel controls. Everything was crafted to balance luxury, comfort, and supercar-caliber performance.

For BMW, BMW North America, and BMW M, the E39 M5 is historically monumental. Competitors use it as the benchmark for high-end sedans. It’s the car that proved you don’t have to choose between luxury and performance. This is the best of both worlds.

Join Tom Plucinsky and Steve Saxty as they break down this iconic model.

BMW Uncovered goes beyond the spec sheet for an inside look at the classic BMW models that shaped driving as we know it. With BMW veteran and product authority Tom Plucinsky alongside automotive designer and BMW historian Steve Saxty, each episode blends firsthand experience with deep design and heritage knowledge.

Watch the full series here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzgoLd4TRmNoP6sRk3kOWZ6F77CroYoxq&si=SPWIoZwyAjQK275R

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