Didn't know you could order one in the US yet.

 

That SMG trans was sure tough in the M5 and M6 - I tried so hard to like them but they were tough daily drivers

 

Absolutely. The SMG III was basically the last of a breed for BMW, and it was completely unacceptable for a luxury sedan. I've driven it for 120,00 miles.

The PDK is the ultimate double clutch tranny. That is certainly one of the reasons I'm still considering the Panamera. I'm waiting to see what the roadtest reviews are for the M5. I'm sure they'll compare it to the Panamera, and if the consensus is that the handling is as good or better, then I'll get the M5. If it isn't, even if it blows the Panny Turbo away in a straightline, I'll go for the Panny.

 

i doubt that the M5`s additional HP will be enough to beat the PDK-PTT in a str8 line or on the track. The PTT is simply a sportscar with 4-doors. it was created as such from the beginning. the M5 will always feel like / be a pimped 5-series. The PTT has beaten a Balboni and SLS round the track. no other sedan will be able to do that in the near future:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbQE1e7iFdc

 

I'm not sure where you're getting your facts, but the M5 has already beaten the PTT in one test, if you believe the 'ring results. But that's not the most important thing. The Nissan GTR blows both away, but basically it's a drive-by-wire no-feel rattle-your-teeth-out pig of a car. I wouldn't even consider it.

Handling is way more than a track time. It's how the car responds to you. Right now, the Panny is the gold standard - nothing compares. But, like I said, if the M5 is equivalent or better, that's my choice. If not, it's the Panny.

 

the GT-R is not worth mentioning.
it´s a fast car but the Ring times Nissan claims could have never been really verified by independent testers and i doubt they ever will.
The M5`s Ring time is still unofficial, where the Pana`s time is official (and verified).

 

I've tracked my Panny a couple of times and at the end of every session someone comes up to me and say's how surprised they are by the cars power and its ability to corner. I have never tracked in sport plus mode just not comfortable enough.

We all know these Ring times can be manipulated to give the manufacturer bragging rights for a short amount of time.

In the real world, the only car that gave me pause at the track was a ZR-1. The other Vette's at the event were good in a straight line but I ate them up in the Esses. Several GT-R's got around the track very well at the end of the day I think the driver is the most important factor.

 

I'd hardly put the M5 and the PTT in the same league- Totally different vehicles and the PTT is around $20K more. With that $20K I GUARANTEE you I could make me an M5 that would chew up the PTT and spit it out its quad exhaust. Hint...add lightness.

 

A second here a second there..
Buy the vehicle you like.

I would be torn choosing one of these. Pros and cons with each.

But for the money I would probably lean M. Waiting for some true observations come next spring/early summer here in the US.

Now about those tail pipes. IMO .

Pimped out 5 series? uhh.

 

That blue is killer...

 

nothing a Panamera can`t handle

 

Those Michelin super sports appear to be wickedly fast rubber. I can't wait to get a set. I am sure there will be 700hp M5s running around in no time. Of course they will have a very hard time dealing with AWD PDK Launch control, thus the relatively slow quarter mile times.

 

I think you may have a point on the Michelins. Maybe the PT with the Michelin Super Sports would be quicker. But, if they're not offering them as OEM tires, that's unfortunate.

No doubt the Panny will be quicker from a stop. The launch with AWD and PDK is just unreal, and the M5 won't be able to catch up for a while. Once on the hwy/autobahn though, the M5 will probably be the king.

Stoplight drags on the street are ridiculous (yes, I'm as guilty as anyone), and in terms of a purchasing decision I really don't care about that aspect of things. Being 'king' of the highway is nice - my M5 was that for a brief period, but again - who needs to race somebody from 80 - 140 mph on public roads?

For me, it's all about how the car feels. Ok, I care about the looks as well.

 

The big winner for me will be if BMW brings back the 6spd tranny. I like my sedans to have manual transmissions, this will guarantee a buy from me. I have been begging my Porsche dealer to convince the corporate guys to bring a manual very of the Panni; "no, no, no". I don't understand how the heck you can order a Cayenne V6 in 6speed but not a Panamera. How on earth does it make more sense to sell an manual SUV then a sedan - especially if you are Porsche?@!?!!

Anyhow I have a feeling my mind will change 10 times and back - the Cayenne has yet to arrive and there over a year a bit left on the Targa lease.

P.S. SMGIII on the M5 was so bad it turned me off BMW completely (sold the car after 1 year; never going back to paddles) - the new M5 has my attention again so we will see.

 

The 7:36 that Sportauto ran in the GT-R is certainly worth mentioning:
http://www.germancarforum.com/nissan...ssan-gt-r.html

As far as the M5 goes, I think it's an outstanding car for the price. It's nice to see BMW finally release a North American production car that can lap the 'ring in under 8:00.