I like Winding Road’s POV test drives, because they offer the closest thing to actually driving various car, with no chit-chat in the background, no personal opinions and no bias. It’s just a car being driven on an assortment of roads, and you can really get a sense of what it’s like far more than in some other (narrated) reviews.
The latest cars they managed to get their hands on is a 2013 BMW M5. However, it’s not the mainstream version with the eight-cog self-shifting transmission – this one has the six-speed manual.
I don’t really know if it adds to or detracts from the driving experience, but one thing is for sure: you use your right arm and left leg to operate it so it’s definitely more engaging than letting it shift on its own or using the paddles.
However, this manual gearbox doesn’t make me like this new M5 more than the old one because of the dull engine noise – hugely important for me in an M-car – won’t give examples, but there are many. It sounds very flat and uninspiring in stock form, and even if you spend time and money to fit a custom exhaust, it won’t make it any better, just louder.
Nevertheless, it’s a hugely powerful and capable machine, and my own personal preference should do nothing to detract from the video drive, which is entertaining and posted after the virtual jump.
By Andrei Nedelea
VIDEO