The BMW M5 has acquired an aura of dominance over all its intended rivals; it is still the benchmark in every way and always will be despite the efforts of Mercedes-Benz and Audi, its two main rivals.   It was the first of its kind and today are much sought after.  BMW was not sure of the reaction to a quality high performance sedan, but they need not have worried, as it was the beginning of a huge success story and since then each new BMW M5 has been a much anticipated 'event'.  Other manufacturers have followed but it is still the car by which others are judged.