Originally launched in the United States in 1986, the first M5 paired the handsome but relatively understated E28 5-Series with ... M5 sold in the U.S., the M5 Touring is now available in the ...

Available as a saloon or ‘Touring’ estate, this one packs a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with hybrid tech. It has two-and-a-half times the power of the E28, but is also a tonne heavier. Progress?

Things always look better when you don't (or can't) have them. As the former owner of an E28 BMW 535is, I always assumed this was the case with the M5. Of course, I could never afford an M5 ...