Finally, the wraps are off (even though much of the photos were leaked online) and the new F90 BMW M5 is out in the open and revealed for the masses. Still, it is amazing how since 1984 when the first BMW M5 appeared, BMW has managed to stay mainstream by providing the best luxurious four-door business sedan car in the market with the BMW M5.
The car is no slouch, powered by a 4.4L V8 bi-turbo engine producing 600hp and an insane 750Nm of torque. The engine is mated with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. Century sprint is achieved in just 3.4 seconds and 0-200 kmh is done in 11.1 seconds. Top speed is limited to a slow 250 kmh but if you add-on the M Driver’s Package, you can hit up to 305 kmh.
To stop all of that power, the BMW M5 is fitted with the BMW M compound brakes which are lighter than the average brakes. It is a 6-pot (6 pistons) fixed calliper at the front and a single-piston floating callipers at the rear. To support it are perforated and inner-vented brake discs on all sides. As an option, customers can choose to equip their M5 with M carbon ceramic brakes which are 23 kg lighter overall and it comes in a unique gold colour.
Also for the first time since 1984, the BMW M5 now comes with an M xDrive mode which allows drivers to select whether they want to play around in a 4WD set up or a 2WD set up for purists. The system was developed by BMW M GmbH and it is the first fitted on an M car. The M xDrive works with a central transfer case with a multi-plate clutch and distributes drive fully variably between the front and rear axle, as required. Another ingredient in the car’s supreme traction in all road and weather conditions is the Active M Differential at the rear axle, which also works fully variable and has a locking effect between 0 and 100 per cent.
The character of M xDrive can be adjusted as desired. The driver has five different configurations to choose from based on combinations of the DSC modes (DSC on, MDM, DSC off) and M xDrive modes (4WD, 4WD Sport, 2WD). In the basic setting with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) activated and 4WD, the system permits slight slip through the rear wheels when accelerating out of corners – and therefore plays its part in giving the new BMW M5 its sporting agility. In M Dynamic mode (MDM, 4WD Sport) M xDrive allows easily controlled drifts. The three M xDrive modes with DSC switched off have been conceived to sate the appetites of keen drivers and primarily for use on the track. Here, the driver can choose from three configurations up to and including pure rear-wheel drive (2WD). This mode allows the driver to pick their own drift angle and treats connoisseurs to driving dynamics in their purest form.
In the handling department, the BMW M5 is equipped with the Variable Damper Control system activated suspension. Drivers can choose from between Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. Of course, these have been tuned to an M-specific setup as well. Others include the M Servotronic steering and also the engine where the driver can choose Efficient, Sport and Sport Plus modes up to their liking. The two M1 and M2 buttons on the M leather steering wheel can be used to store two set-ups combining the driver’s preference of engine, transmission, suspension and M xDrive modes, the DSC mode and Head-Up-Display settings. For example, M1 can be set in a 4WD mode while M2 can be set in a 2WD mode.
In the looks department, you can see a similar look and feel to the BMW G30 5-series but of course, for M cars, you gotta make it look rather loud. The bonnet is made from aluminium to save weight and you get the standard carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof which comes with most M cars. With that, you get a wider stance with broad side panels and a larger bumper trim which includes large holes for air to cool the brakes. At the rear, the exhaust plays a symphony of echoes which can be regulated by a flap control system. Drivers can adjust the sound as much as they like with a button.
The new BMW M5 can be ordered in Europe from September onwards.
Check out the gallery of the BMW M5 First Edition below.
Check out the insane gallery here of the BMW M5
