BMW M5 high-performance saloon

A high-performance sports car with four doors and five seats, the latest iteration represents a consistent development of the BMW M5 vehicle concept initiated in 1984. The newbie boasts significantly improved efficiency, long-distance comfort, and innovative driver assistance systems and infotainment functions.

BMW M5 under the bonnet

The release of the latest BMW M5 brings the world premiere of a newly developed BMW M high-performance engine - the most powerful ever fitted in a series-produced model from BMW M GmbH. It's a high-revving 4.4-litre V8 with M Twin Power Turbo package consisting of Twin Scroll Twin Turbo technology, cross-bank exhaust manifold, High Precision Injection petrol direct injection and VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control. The new powerplant delivers 412 kW/560 hp at 6000-7000 rpm and maximum torque of 680 Newton metres from 1500 rpm - with lag-free power delivery and typical M car thrust. The makers proclaim a significantly improved balance between performance and fuel consumption, thanks to extensive Efficient Dynamics technology, including Auto Start-Stop function and Brake Energy Regeneration, in conjunction with M Double Clutch Transmission Drivelogic.

The new BMW M5 makes the dash from 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and from 0-200 km/h in 13.0 seconds, topping out at 250 km/h (305 km/h with M Driver's Package); average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 9.9 litres/100 km). Engine output is up 10 percent on the previous model, maximum torque has increased by 30 percent, and fuel consumption has been cut by more than 30 percent. Power transfer is to the rear wheels via the standard seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission Drivelogic. Moves are gracefully made with traction-optimised automatic gear selection, Launch Control, Low Speed Assistance, automatically activated parking mode, M-specific gear selector, and M leather steering wheel with shift paddles. In order to channel the engine's imposing power development into inspiring performance characteristics, the new BMW M5 boasts chassis technology - including electronically controlled dampers, M-specific Servotronic steering, a stability control system with M Dynamic Mode and high-performance compound brakes - developed on the back of racing expertise and tuned to the output profile of the powerplant.

Handling is outstandingly agile thanks to innovative rear axle differential with Active M Differential. Electronically controlled multi-plate limited-slip differential enables fully variable distribution of drive between the rear wheels to optimise traction and stability in dynamic lane change manoeuvres and acceleration out of corners; degree of lock can be varied between 0 and 100 per cent according to the situation; fast, precise and pre-emptive responses are assured thanks to constant data cross-checking between the Active M Differential and DSC stability control system, and monitoring of the accelerator pedal position, wheel speed and yaw rate. Two individually configured set-ups for the car can be called up using the new M Drive buttons on the steering wheel. The range of programmable parameters is unique in the segment: accelerator responses, M Servotronic responses, Drivelogic shift program, DSC mode, Dynamic Damper Control and information in the Head-Up Display.

BMW M5 body design

Dynamic, stylish and authoritative, BMW M5 body design exhibits familiar M aesthetics, with specific design features contributing to the vehicle's performance characteristics. Carefully chosen and never gratuitous, modifications are geared to meet the technical demands of the car. There's a front apron with extremely large air intakes for the engine and brakes; athletically flared wheel arches to emphasise wide track; hallmark M "gills" with integrated indicator bars; aerodynamically optimised rear apron with diffuser between the right and left-hand pair of twin exhaust tailpipes; gurney-style rear spoiler on the boot lid; and 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in exclusive double-spoke design.

BMW M5 interior

Inside, the BMW M5 is a unique combination of sports car cockpit and luxurious ambience. There's an M-specific instrument cluster in black-panel technology; newly designed, leather-covered centre console; and M sports seats. Standard specification also includes Merino leather upholstery with extended features; exclusive Aluminium Trace interior trim strips; BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite; electrically operated steering column adjustment; four-zone automatic climate control; and ambient light. The range of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW Connected Drive is extensive: M-specific Head-Up Display (standard); Adaptive Headlights for standard xenon light; High-Beam Assistant; BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition; Lane Change Warning System; Lane Departure Warning System; Surround View; Speed Limit Info; internet usage; extended integration of smartphones and music players; real-time traffic information; and apps for receiving Web Radio and using Facebook and Twitter. Almost all BMW 5 Series Saloon equipment options are available, including Comfort Access, M multifunction seats, active seats, doors with Soft Close Automatic function, hands-free tailgate opening, electric glass roof, and trailer coupling.