BEHOLD, THE SIXTH generation BMW M5 in all its muscular super saloon glory. The M5 is the sporty, performance version of the regular 5 Series four-door saloon.
This new model is faster, lighter and more powerful than ever before and now comes with xDrive all-wheel drive as standard.
The adaptable M xDrive has a variety of dynamic modes. When you first start the super saloon up the car is in four-wheel drive mode with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) turned on but you have the option of rear-wheel drive with the DSC turned off for fun on the track.
Power comes from the same 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine found in the previous M5 but it has been tinkered with and has new oil and cooling systems and new BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology. The engine is now more powerful than ever and it delivers a maximum 600hp between 5,600 and 6,700rpm and 750Nm of torque from 1,800rpm to 5,600rpm – a 70Nm increase over the previous M5.
Power is transferred to the road via a new eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. It features three selectable calibrations separate to fully automatic or manual gear selection.
The new M5 can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds – an impressive one second faster than its predecessor. That’s the same speed as the Lamborghini Reventon and quicker than the Audi R8 V10 (3.5 seconds).
The chassis features a huge number of upgrades over a regular 5 Series, including M-specific Variable Damper Control, M Servotronic steering and an upgraded Active M Differential on the rear axle.
The tyres were developed especially for the M5 too, with 275/435 R20s at the front and 285/30 R20s at the rear. They are mounted on light-metal cast double-spoke bicolour wheels. These wheels are also optionally available in jet black.
To make it stand out from the regular 5 Series, the M5 sports a redesigned front bumper with enlarged air intakes and has a rear spoiler and quad exhausts. The bonnet and front wings are made from aluminium for weight reduction and the roof consists of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP).
The cabin gets the same large digital display from the regular 5 Series but it has been reconfigured specifically for the M version – informing the driver about dynamic modes, the all-wheel drive system and Drivelogic setting. This system also features gesture control.
The cabin also gets a M-Sport multi-function steering wheel, sport red start/stop button and a head-up display.
M multifunctional seats are standard, upholstered in fine grain Merino leather and feature an illuminated M5 logo.
The BMW M5 gets its public world debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show and goes on sale in Ireland in February 2018 with an expected price tag of €163,800.
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