In 2000 if you were a serious driver and you wanted/needed a sedan, the E39 M5 was the obvious choice. It was the only real sedan (M3 sedan too small) that truly offered feedback and rewarded driving skill in the same manner as a sports car. Ownership was a statement - "I'm a driving purist"

Fast Forward 14 years, which car is the spiritual successor to that moniker?

The M5 itself is too ponderous, heavy and overpowered to boot. There are too many offerings in the segment to mention. The Panny GTS, is an enthusiast's car IMHO for sure. But at $130k for a decently optioned car its as much a statement of prosperity as it is driving obsession.

So which car is the M5 of 2014? (I posted a poll somewhere?)

 

A majority of cars in that segment have turned into overweight, big cars filled with intrusive technology and creature comforts. That is one of my main problems with the F10 M5: after driving an E39, an E60, and an F10, the F10 simply isn't as hardcore are previous M models.

That said, it's easy to fall for the F10's charm. It's a hybrid car that allows you to enjoy your daily commute, yet blows your mind away during spirited drives and highway blasts (note that I'm not including canyon carving here). Even though I despise and have previously written about BMW's Active Sound Design feature, it does make the car sound amazing when you're actually driving.

Since hardcore sedans like the magical E39 really don't exist anymore, I'd suggest the next best thing: forcing oneself (for now) to accept the reality of turbo, heavier, quieter sedans, option them the way you'd like, and enjoy it.

A list of current "sport" sedans to consider:

E63 AMG
F10 M5 (6-speed if you'd like to keep the E39 roots intact)
RS6/RS7
Panamera GTS
CTS-V
Quattroporte

 

How about the 650i GC?

 

I'd say the new F80 M3 Sedan is the 'new M5'.

 

Rs 7

 

I've never been a fan of Mercedes design but their new offerings are amazing.
E63>CTSV>RS7>M5 (Panamera is in higher category).

 

That car wallows like a boat. It can't corner.

Best cars in this segment are the Panny Turbo S and the M5 Competition Package. Read this month's Road and Track.

However the modern car closest to the E39 M5 is without doubt the F80 M3.

 

That's probably true, including about the same size and weight.

 

For now E63 AMG but I agree with the guys in the thread that the F80 M3 should be more of what BMW used to be. I don't want to hijack the thread but what's going on with those guys? Aside from Porsche it was my next favorite brand?

 

I haven't compared dimensions, but I would guess the new F80 M3 is very similar in size (but much lighter) than the E39 M5. That's going to replace my S4 as my family mobile.

 

Best deal is the Chevrolet SS :-)

 

First I am not sure that the E39 M5 was anything more than an eyeopener to building large vehicles with excessive performance . I was one of the first in Miami to buy it (a 2000 model) paying 15K over MSRP (which I will never do again BTW) . I kept the car only two months . It was a fantastic sedan but at the age of (then) 39 I just wasn't ready for a family sedan . Back then I felt it was the car built for the family guy who really wanted a sports car . I was divorced and happily single at that age and for me it was the wrong car .

Fast forward a bit - I don't know what it is about BMW cars that leave me wanting Porsche . I have owned many BMW cars . They were mostly second vehicles including my last two (08 M3 and 11 M3) . They are great cars but they just lack some of the driving refinements of porsche . For example the clutch in my M3 aws sloppy , he dash layout was dull , the i drive was ok but not spectacular .

The newest cars have adjusted some things . the newest 3 series is an amazing step forward in interior upgrades . They offer an M sport package even in a 328 . But that's part of the problem . I see the M4 much like a cousin vehicle to the regular 4 series . I feel the same about the M5 . I also feel that an M5 ought to be AWD carrying the size, weight , and HP .

The M5 is a lot better looking than a Panamera in my opinion . The Pany is probly the ugliest car that i happen to adore but I won't buy one because the day that porsche finally figures out how to tame that awful rear end styling might just plummet resale values (on what already is an overpriced car) .

So to answer your question -- there is not an ideal iconic sedan without flaws. (That includes MB , Tesla, Maser, Aston) No matter what one decides on there will always be some blemish aspect shy of perfection .

 

I agree, but an even closer match would be the just-discontinued E90 M3 sedan. Similar size/weight as the E39 M5, and fantastic NA V8, just like the E39 M5. I just turned mine in at lease end, and I miss it already. That car saw 30+ track days, where it held its own in Advanced, it took me to work every day, it hauled the kids around, it made trips to Home Depot, and it served as my winter mobile with Blizzaks.

 

I had an F10 M5 prior to the 991. I thought it was a fantastic all around car. You get the performance, luxury and styling all in one. I felt the dct shifted just as fast as the pdk. It's not meant to be a track car but it held its own. I've just never been a fan of the panny's bubble butt. I haven't driven the new e63 or rs7, but they both look better than the panny IMO.

 

Probably an E63 amg. New M3 is too small to compete with a full size sedan of today.