Is the 2020 BMW M5 a good car?

The 2020 BMW M5 stands out as a high-performance luxury sedan that blends serious speed with everyday usability. It uses BMW’s twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the M-specific xDrive all-wheel-drive system, so you get the kind of traction and pace that make it feel far more focused than a typical executive sedan.

BMW also tuned the system for a rear-wheel power bias, and by turning off the dynamic stability control, the car can be driven as a rear-driver. For 2020, it also gained digital instrumentation and standard wireless smartphone charging, which helped modernize the cabin without changing the car’s core mission. With 600 hp, 553 lb-ft of torque, and a 0-to-60-mph time of about 3.3 seconds, it remains one of the quickest sedans of its era, and the available all-wheel drive broadens its appeal if you want speed you can use in more conditions.

For shoppers who want a sedan that combines brutal acceleration, modern tech, and the ability to handle rain or snow, the 2020 BMW M5 is distinctive because it delivers supercar-like performance without giving up the practicality of four doors. Market availability is still reasonably favorable, with 27.1% of listings showing up as good or great deals.

Is the 2020 BMW M5 reliable?

The 2020 BMW M5 is described as relatively new, with no major reported problem areas or concerns. It also benefits from a modern sixth-generation setup that pairs the twin-turbo V8 with xDrive all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, which supports the car’s everyday usability as well as its performance.

That said, high-performance ownership still calls for careful maintenance and a clean history. For used buyers, the long-term risk is less about a known widespread defect and more about the cost and consequences of neglected service, hard use, or poor prior ownership.

What should I look for when buying a used 2020 BMW M5?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on signs of hard use, incomplete maintenance, or modifications, since performance cars can hide expensive issues behind a clean appearance. It also makes sense to compare service records carefully and pay close attention to overall condition, because a well-kept example is especially important on a car like this.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2020 BMW M5?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently and still find worthwhile listings if you know what to prioritize.

• Deal availability: 27.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 118 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 76.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $60,172.48, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Should I buy a 2020 BMW M5 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2020 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2020 if:

• 27.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.

The bottom line: The 2020 BMW M5 is the right choice if you want the core M5 formula with strong performance, modernized cabin tech, and usable all-weather capability. If you’re more price-sensitive, you may want to compare nearby years and focus on the cleanest, best-documented example rather than chasing the newest badge alone.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.