BMW’s M5 is the quintessential performance sedan, with a lineage that stretches back to the mid-1980s. Be it an enthusiast or a casual driver, the M5 has always stirred excitement. With each generation pushing the envelope in power, handling, and luxury, ranking them is a daunting task but one that fans often delight in. Here’s how every M5 generation stacks up from worst to best.

7.E34 (1989–1995): Revered for its purity and balance, the second-generation M5 introduced a more refined inline-six engine, but it falls to the bottom of this list not due to inadequacy but because the others were simply better.

6.F90 (2017–present): The latest M5 introduced all-wheel drive and colossal power output. However, its sophistication and weight make it less engaging for some purists who reminisce about simpler times in M5 history.

5.F10 (2011–2016): The F10 was another leap forward with its turbocharged V8 engine delivering mind-blowing performance. Yet some argue it lost a bit of the M division’s driving soul with its size and heavy reliance on technology.

4.E39 (1998–2003): Often cited as the perfect blend of new-world tech and old-school BMW ethos, the E39 struck an exquisite balance between comfort and raw performance thanks to its naturally aspirated V8 engine.

3.E60 (2005–2010): A controversial beast; while some disdain its “Bangle Butt” design and complex iDrive system, others worship at the altar of its Formula 1 inspired V10 engine—unique among production sedans of that time or since.

2.E28 (1984–1988): The original M5 is beloved both for its trailblazing inception and for laying down the template of what a sports sedan could be—with handling, speed, and subtlety unmatched at that time.

1.E34 (1991-1992): In terms of pedigree and desirability, none can surpass the E34 M5s fitted with the 3.8-liter engine debuting in 1991.. This particular setup delivered exceptional performance along with limited production numbers, making it highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors.

While this ranking is subjective and open to debate among BMW aficionados, each generation of the M5 has made its unique mark in automotive history, providing thrills on both road and track with quintessentially German precision engineering.