The BMW M5 is not only a luxurious premium sedan but also a high-performance vehicle. The 4.4-litre, turbocharged V8 petrol motor produces a staggering 460 kW and 750 Nm of torque and will propel the sedan to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 305 km/h. As a result, the M5 with its smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system not just competes with other performance sedans but sports- and supercars as well.
Nevertheless, if you have a valid driver's license and have operated a vehicle with an automatic transmission, why shouldn't you be able to consider a model like the BMW M5 Competition as your first car? Let us take a look at a few key areas for new drivers to consider before purchasing this menacing model.
Related: Everything you need to know about the BMW M5 Competition
Size
One of the benefits of owning an M5 Competition over a sportscar is the five seats and large 530-litre boot. This means that not only can you take your friends or family along, but their luggage too. However, having such a generous cabin room and luggage compartment means that the premium sedan is quite large.
To be exact, the M5 competition measures 4 983mm long, 1 469mm tall and 2 126mm wide, including the mirrors. This means that in tight parking spaces a new driver might find it challenging to manoeuvre the land-yacht, however, it is made easier with some technology. In standard specification, the BMW M5 is fitted with front and rear parking sensors, a reverse camera with surround view capability and a park assist or self-parking system to make navigating into a small parking bay a bit easier.
Safety
As can be expected from a top-tier product from the Bavarian automaker, the M5 Competition is specified to the brim with standard safety technologies and systems to keep the occupants safe and in control of the car. New drivers can expect the usual systems such as ABS brakes with Emergency Brake Assist, traction control and stability control to feature as standard.
Furthermore, the M5 includes a hill-start assist system and a more reliable electro-mechanical parking brake. Keeping the occupants safe in a collision are six airbags, front and side airbags for the front occupants and curtain airbags for the rear passengers.
Related: Find new or used BMW M5 models on AutoTrader here
Performance
As seen earlier in this article, the BMW M5 Competition packs a powerful engine and drivetrain combination. While BMW has incorporated a variety of driving modes that will adjust the engine characteristics and suspension characteristics to the driver's needs, even in its most subdued setting the M5 remains a very fast car indeed.
As such, for new drivers, we would recommend attending a BMW Driving Experience course which will allow them to get more familiarized with their car in a safe environment and with an experienced instructor giving guidance. Not only will this course provide new drivers with the tools to become better and safer participants on the road, but also let them understand just what their new or used BMW M5 Competition is capable of.
Verdict
The BMW M5 Competition is a powerful car that also offers a lot of safety and practicality. It is with this information that it makes sense for anyone to seriously want to consider it as their next vehicle, even new drivers. But as we saw by looking at some important consideration points, the biggest hurdle really for anyone to own a new or used BMW M5 Competition is the price.
Thus, it is in our opinion, that if they can afford to own a BMW M5 Competition, the model would suit anyone, including new drivers.
