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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 4.4L 8-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 15 / 21 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $4,800 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 518 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $92,752–$113,175 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.5/10, the 2020 BMW M5 earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 9.4/10, while Value at 6.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.4/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.7/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
The 9.4/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a sedan you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology scores 8.5/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $92,752–$113,175, 14 MPG, seating 5, the BMW M5 sits in the luxury tier of the sedan market. The value score of 6.0/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: Think of the 2020 BMW M5 as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in reliability and value are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2020 BMW M5 ranks #585 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 55% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $92,752 starting price is about 235% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2017 BMW M5 scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.5 — and starts roughly $9,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.7/10 | $108,562 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.7/10 | $108,562 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $105,400 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.5/10 | $102,238 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $99,076 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.5/10 | $95,914 | Read review → |
| 2020 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $92,752 | |
| 2019 | 7.4/10 | $89,590 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $86,428 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.3/10 | $83,266 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.2/10 | $80,104 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $76,942 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 30/09/2020 · 20V598000 | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of… |
|---|---|
| Power train / Automatic transmission 11/12/2019 · 19V883000 | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 M5 and 2020 M8 Gran Coupe, M8 Coupe, and M8 Convertible vehicles. The transmission wiring harness can become damaged, resulting in an electrical short circuit. |
| Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 27/09/2019 · 19V684000 | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li,… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of BMW models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.