When it comes to Touring models built by the M division, there’s only one of them that stands out. As a matter of fact, there were only two such cars ever made, but only the E61 is still vivid in the collective memory of the BMW aficionado. The other Touring M5 was the E34, but it was such a long time ago and built in such limited numbers (891 units) that most people don’t even know it existed.
Getting back to the E61 M5, it is probably the best Sport Wagon/Estate/Touring car ever made. With a stunning 5-liter V10 under the bonnet, this thing could hardly be called a family car. Sure, it could carry you, your family and your luggage around easily but then it could also smoke cars on the drag strip and the track with the same perceived lack of effort.
Over the year, fans of the brand didn’t forget about it because it had that legendary S85 under the bonnet. It used to make 507 HP and 520 Nm (384 lb-ft) of torque, numbers that were dead serious in a time when forced induction was still a taboo subject.
Today we’re looking at a drag race between the old school and the new one if you will. This M5 is taking on the most powerful car BMW ever put on production, the brand new X5 M.
Under the SUV’s bonnet hides a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 making 575 HP and 750 Nm (554 lb-ft) of torque. Could that be enough to outpace the slightly lighter and more aerodynamic Touring M5?
As the title already told you, it wasn’t. We were stunned to see how big the difference between the two is when reaching into higher speeds (over 100 mph for example). This particular race is also favoring the M5 as it was done from a rolling start instead of a stand still. If that wouldn’t’ve been the case, we have a feeling the X5 M might’ve won it due to its all-wheel-drive system and 8-speed transmission.
Even so, we can't help but wonder if the M5 was stock or tuned. The guys from GTBoard are known for such tricks and they have happened in the past. According to their video description, the two should be absolutely stock but you never know these days.
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