One other factor which was very relevant for me: In the M5, I had no elbow room. My left elbow was firmly shoved in by the door panel, especially as my height makes me sit back almost at the B-pillar. I can sit comfortably with no such issue in the Panamera, making for more pleasant long cruises. That is likely an issue only for people who are tall (so have to have the seat back) and a bit wide in the shoulders and arms (so your arm hits), but you would have thought that issue would be a common one for Germans, so it surprises me that BMW didn't address that.

 

Someone has to be the odd man out, so I'll go. I'm getting the M5, I've got a deposit down and am number one at the dealer for msrp.

I've owned the last three versions of the M5, and have enjoyed them all. Part of my choice over the PM has to do with owning a CTT and having a new 911 coming in a few weeks. I also have a Turbo S for serious fun. I'm kind of over that interior and want something different. I also cannot warm up to the cosmetics of the PM no matter how hard I try. I also vastly prefer the M5 trunk and looks, and also prefer a car in this class that flies a little more under the radar. I'm trading my A8 for the M5.

I have been giving the PM serious consideration given the GTS, and can certainly understand someone preferring it to the M5.

 

The M5 certainly has it's advantages. More practical, more 'under the radar', way better user interface, a lot more power. It is no doubt a great car - it was a tough decision for me.

 

Two exceptional cars that appeal differently to different people. And that's a good thing, since no manufacturer has been able to build the 'perfect' car that will hold appeal for everyone. Can't go wrong, really, with either choice.

 

As a BMW guy I hated the Panamera when it was released but I must admit it has really really grown on me. The new M5 will be a monster though.

 

M5 official pricing announced, $90,695. Pretty attractive price.

http://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=671398

 

Any word on option pricing? The PGTS lists at $110k, but I can't imagine too many are sold that are under the $130k range, just based on what most folks here would consider "must have" options.

Still, a $20k delta between the two isn't as significant in this arena as it would be if one was $50k and one was $70k.

 

That's a high class problem to have!

I have a fundamental problem with the new M5 playing recorded engine sounds via the speakers to make up for the ultra-quiet cabin. Not sure how BMW can reconcile the Motorsports reference in the name with that little bit of techno-trickery.

By the way, I've driven at speed the outgoing model M5 and was very unimpressed. The M3 sedan, which I took out just afterwards, I found to be an excellent car!

 

I'm on the fence with regard to the M5 and the GTS. Might as well throw the soon to be S8 into the mix as well.

I just decided to buy my M3 sedan out of lease and wait about a year to make the decision on a larger car. The car is a real performer on the track; in particular how well the front end sticks compared to my old e46. However, the chassis is flexy and the doors rattle over certain bumps. It is not built as well as the older BMWs. If you consider the overall abilities of the car, though, it really is superior to everything else that compares.

 

As much as my devotion and loyalty lies in Porsche, the M5 is a true bargain if you ask me.

 

Any way you put it, the M5 is a 5-series with a strong engine and an incredible chassis. It just isnt compareble to the Panamera in many ways. If you are talking about power you are getting for smaller amounts of money, then the CTS-V is better value. If you are talking about tuning, isnt the 550i a better start as it has the same engine? It is a wonderful, superfast, cool sedan, but the Panamera is a sportscar. I like understatement, so the M5 would be perfect for me, but the lack of AWD kills it for me. However, as cars they couldnt be further apart. The M5 as a family hauler/sports sedan is a wonderful package, but you never get the same feeling you get driving a Panamera. It really goes like a Porsche sportscar.

 

This is a great way to look at the differences. The Panamera is a sports car that acts as a sedan. The M5 is a sedan that acts as a sports car.

Depends what you're looking for.

I couldn't feel better about making the choice for the GTS. And I haven't even had the throttle down yet. Just a few more days...