2012 BMW M5 skill competition: Win BMW M5 + £10,000

The daddy of performance saloons is back. BMW have learnt a valuable lesson with this latest M5. The previous model was far too laden with technology and it took a lot away from what is the essence of an M5. There were too many gearbox maps, too many suspension settings, and frankly too much to go wrong with the highly strung 5.0 V10 engine. With this new model, everything is simpler, and one thing radically different. The suspension and gearbox work together with only a couple of options including the obligatory ‘M’ button settings.

Win 2012 BMW M5 + 10,000

Under the bonnet is the biggest change though, and one which has upset many diehard M-Gmbh fans. The M5 is back to having a V8 – but this time it has two turbos attached. This, says BMW, is so that they can meet emissions and economy targets, whilst still delivering lots of power and torque. This new V8 pumps out a staggering 560bhp, in a nice subtle 4 door saloon car. Perfectly able to cruise around town one minute, then tear your local twisty road to pieces the next, the M5 has a breadth of abilities wider than most sportscars. The ultimate under-the-radar car has returned…

Win 2012 BMW M5 + 10,000