The 2020 BMW M5 Edition 35 Years Is a Subtle Tribute

When the BMW M5 first came to the US in 1986, you could only have it in black. A subtle treatment for one of the fastest four-doors the world had yet seen, and a car that established a legend. To celebrate 35 years of M5—Europeans first got this model in 1984—BMW has created the M5 Edition 35 Years, with subtle looks that seem to pay tribute to the E28s the company brought to America.

Only one shade is available for this car—Frozen Dark Grey II, a matte paint. The wheels are painted graphite gray, while the kidney grilles, brake calipers and tailpipes are black. And around back, you’ll find no M5 badge. Those who not in the know will just think this is a grey sedan; not the monster it is in reality.

Inside is where things get lavish. There’s gold anodized aluminum trim grained to look like carbon fiber, and full leather interior with stitching to match the trim. The center console is engraved with “M5 Edition 35 Jahre” to let passengers know just how special this car is.

The M5 Edition 35 Years is based on the M5 Competition, which packs a 617-hp 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 with an eight-speed automatic and a clever all-wheel drive system. It comes standard with the M Driver’s Package, which bumps top speed from 155 to 189 mph, and all the luxury and safety goodies you get with the M5’s otherwise-optional Executive Package.

BMW will make 350 examples of the M5 Edition 35 Years, and 35 of those will come to the US. The price is set at $129,000 including destination and the M5’s mandatory Gas-Guzzler tax. A similarly equipped M5 Competition would set you back $122,000, and you could always take the badge off the back. You won’t get the gold trim, though.