STILL KING; Latest M5 conquers all, regardless of BMW's gizmo overload.(News)

Byline: MAC MORRISON We first drove BMW's new E60 M5 a year ago in Germany and described it as "the ultimate machine.'' But the title was more question than compliment. Had Munich shifted the M5's emphasis too much away from driving? Consider this from BMW's press material: "3 power settings x 10 SMG programs (excluding for the moment S6) x 3 EDC modes x 3 DSC choices = 270 combinations of settings.

Then, transmission program S6: Because it can be selected only with DSC deactivated, 3 power settings x 3 EDC modes = 9. Add these to 270 and you get the full 279 modes.'' ...

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