The BMW E39 M5 has gained an almost iconic status over the years and this video reminds us why.

Matt Farrah has a go in an almost stock example on a beautiful canyon road reminding us why we love the E39 so much. This is considered one of the last analog BMW M models, before the SMG gearboxes and the weird Bangle-era styling.

With a naturally aspirated 400hp 4.9-liter V8 under the bonnet sending its power through a manual six-speed transmission, the E39 M5 is an honest, brutal five-seater sedan that offers unfiltered fun to its driver.

Keep in mind that this used to be perhaps the best super-sedan of its era and wears a BMW M badge, so it’s pretty much doomed to be considered a future classic, with prices in the used market already climbing.

It even looks good after all these years, something you can’t really say that will happen with the newer models…

VIDEO