I haven't driven the new M5, but I had a '03 E55, so I'll give you my perspective on that car. The E55 has tremendous power (469 HP & 516 lb/ft of torque) and is scary fast in a straight line. I'd go so far as to say it has too much power for the car (suspension, tires, etc.) to handle. That's the good news. The bad news is the brakes (although they are huge Brembos) are horrible. The E55 uses the same brake-by-wire system as on the SLs, and the pedal feel is very unnatural and non-linear--almost like an on/off switch. I absolutely hated them. The steering is numb and the handling is terrible--even for a 4,200 lb sedan. I sold it after 4 months.

I enjoy driving my 545i so much more than the E55. And I don't get all those rice rockets wanting to race me at every stop light!

The E55 is really like an American car --> incredible torque and lots of horsepower, but little/no refinement in the handling, braking and other aspects of the driving experience. Thus, it drives and handles like the large and heavy barge that it is.

The M5 was designed and tuned for the driving experience, which BMW does better than anyone else (OK -- Porsche buffs may dispute this, but until Porsche designs and sells a 4 door sedan that outperforms the M5, it's just handwaving). Thus, BMW focused on a naturally aspirated engine (not forced induction) coupled to a well tuned SMG transmission. Further, the naturally aspirated engine was tuned for a relatively flat torque curve over a large power band (i.e., a very high revving engine), which the 7 speed SMG is optimized to provide the most useful torque and power to the wheels for most driving conditions.

With a supercharged engine, the E55 has an awesome amount of torque (516 lb-ft) and this torque helps it to accelerate just slightly faster than the M5. However, we don't always drive in a straight line, so this massive amount of torque is not useful in the twisties and around corners (e.g., an "absolute pig around corners") as the engine easily overpowers the suspension design. Thus, as noted in the Motor Trend article, the M5 provides a superior driving experience overall and this driving experience is immensely gratifying to most drivers.

You couldnt have said it any better "Guest". Its a damn chrysler with a peace sign on the front now. Its such a shame what theyve done to it. I loved the W210 E55 with Black/white REAL german interior. lol im such a hater, i should stop

I might drive a Benz some day............................................... When I'm 80.

I owned a '03 E55. I didn't like the driving experience at all, but the styling was beautiful. I thought the seats were among the best sport seats I've sat in (plus I had drive-dynamic seats, which inflated the side bolsters while cornering to keep you in place--very cool--I believe the M5 will offer as an option). The front & rear bumper detailing and side skirts were aggressive but tasteful, and the wheels were beautiful.

Anyone want to go for a ride?