BMW M5 E39 (1999 - 2003)

The E39 M5 is often treated as the benchmark modern sports sedan because it kept the shape and restraint of a business-class BMW while hiding a serious performance car underneath. Its S62 V8, six-speed manual gearbox and rear-drive chassis gave it a character that was forceful without being flashy.

Part of its appeal is that it arrived before large performance sedans became dominated by huge power figures, automatic transmissions and electronic theatre. The E39 M5 feels significant because it balanced comfort, steering feel, engine response and long-distance ability in a way that still influences how enthusiasts judge every M5 that followed.