New BMW M5 unveiled with all-wheel drive
Latest super-saloon gets 592bhp, hits 62mph in 3.4 seconds and can reach 189mph. Here’s what you need to know
BMW has unveiled the latest incarnation of its performance executive saloon, the M5.
The first M5 hit the roads in 1985 and has been afforded legendary status during much of its 32-year existence. BMW classifies the M5 as a four-door business saloon with a taste for the race track.
This sixth manifestation of the M5 starts off with a more aggressive look to set it apart from the standard 5-Series. It gets wider front wings and bumper which features deep aggressive air intakes.
It gets 19in light-alloy wheels in Orbit Grey, a rear diffuser and quad tailpipes protruding from the rear bumper.
To keep weight down, the bonnet is made from aluminium while the is roof constructed of lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced plastic.
Powering the latest M5 is a revised version of the current 4.4-litre V8 bi-turbo petrol engine. With newly developed turbochargers it now produces 592bhp (5,600-6,700) and 533lb ft of torque (1,800-5,600).
The gallop to 62mph takes just 3.4 seconds while 0-124mph takes 11.1 seconds. Top speed has been limited to 155mph, however, an optional M Driver’s Pack can remove the limiter and let the M5 roar onto 189mph.
The engine’s linked to an eight-speed M Steptronic gearbox that distributes power to all four corners of the car with M xDrive all-wheel drive.
It gets a Drivelogic sequential manual mode for gear changes using the gear lever or steering wheel mounted paddles.
A first for an M5, the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system uses a multi-plate clutch to split power between the front and rear axle as required. There’s a fully variable active M differential at the rear axle which can lock from 0-100%.
The M xDrive has five settings in combination with the DSC modes (DSC on, MDM, DSC off) and M xDrive modes (4WD, 4WD Sport, 2WD). Dynamic mode allows the M5 to drift while the 2WD setting sends all the power to the rear axle.
There are three settings for the ride; comfort, sport and sport plus. The M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel can store the driver’s specific combination of settings for the engine, transmission, suspension, M x-Drive, DSC and head-up display.
The M5 gets M compound brakes with blue-painted six-piston fixed callipers while M carbon ceramic alternative is available as a cost option.
In addition to the 19in alloys, the M5 is trimmed with Merino leather and gets electrically operated M seats.
Order books for the M5 open across mainland Europe in September 2017 and in February 2018 in the UK. Prices for UK models are yet to be announced while on the continent it'll cost €117,900. There’ll also be a limited run of 400 launch edition models costing an additional €19,500.
