HIGH FIVE

While the name 5 Series has become synonymous with BMW’S executive saloon, the number “5” has appeared in other models by the marque as well. The first model to use it other than the original 5 Series was the BMW X5 (left) in 1999, which was the marque’s first attempt at making an SUV that it insisted was an SAV or Sports Activity Vehicle. Going further back in time to 1985, the first M5, a motorsport derivative of the 5 Series introduced BMW’S best known sub-brand. It bore the body of a normal 5 Series, but was fitted with a racing engine and sports suspension. The wide range of models under this M franchise— 1M, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6—is testament of its success. Attempting to find a niche between the 5 and 7 Series, BMW hedged its bets on a four-door coupe called the 6 Series Gran Coupe as well as a 5 GT crossover. The latter uses the floor plan of the 7 Series and attempts to adapt it for life as a 5 Series fastback. But the curiously styled car obviously has fans as its newest version is set to launch later this year.