The 6th generation of the BMW M5 was just unveiled in South Africa today. The new BMW M5 represents a unique blend of compelling track potential and the everyday usability and comfort of a luxurious business sedan.
Design:
“The BMW M5 has always embodied the perfect blend of mature business sedan and high-performance components. So you can think of the BMW M5 as the world’s fastest-moving tailored suit.” These are the words chosen by Domagoj Dukec, Vice President of Design BMW i and BMW M, to sum up the brief for the new M5. Like all the models to come out of BMW M GmbH HQ in Garching, its design is M-specific and driven by function. For example, the newly designed front bumper trim, with its larger air intakes, has the task of keeping the cooling systems and brakes sufficiently supplied with cooling air – even in exacting use on the race track. The car has a wider track than its predecessor, and the front side panels (made from aluminium to save weight) bear the signature M gills.
Also hewn from aluminium is the bonnet, whose precise lines carve an eye-catching sculpture and extend visually into the shaping of the roof. In an M5 first, the roof itself is made from extremely lightweight, high-strength carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).
The rear diffuser has likewise been redesigned. Together with the side skirts, the M rear apron and M rear spoiler play their part in giving the M5 its powerfully sporting appearance, and the exterior mirrors have a dynamic, M-specific design. The hexagonal central air intake in the front end not only separates itself sculpturally from the side air intakes, in another example of form following function it also incorporates the oil cooler.
Interior
The interior focuses squarely on the driver; absolute control in all driving situations is the motto here. At the same time, the BMW M5 offers space for up to four passengers, a large boot and excellent ride comfort. As a high-performance sports car and business sedan in one, it blends the best of both worlds.
The new BMWM5 makes no compromises in terms of equipment. It comes as standard with leather upholstery and M seats for the driver and front passenger. The new M multifunction seats can be ordered as an option. Added to which, the M5 can also be specified optionally with all of the assistance systems available for the BMW 5 Series.
Engine and Performance
The M5 comes with a 4.4-litre V8 engine with MTwinPower Turbo technology develops 441 kW and peak torque of 750 Nm. It accelerates from 0 – 100 km/h in a lightning-fast 3.4 seconds and from 0 – 200 km/h in just 11.1 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h or – if desired – 305 km/h.
The new BMWM5 channels its engine power through the new eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. The result is exceptional performance both in day-to-day driving and on the race track.
Driving:
The new BMW M5 gives a debut to the newly developed M. This M-specific all-wheel-drive system brings together the outstanding agility and precision of the standard drivetrain configuration familiar from other M models with the supreme traction in all conditions offered by all-wheel drive.
The various MxDrive modes (4WD, 4WD Sport, 2WD) take the driving dynamics of the new BMW M5 to a whole new level. 2WD mode even switches the car to rear-wheel drive for the ultimate driving experience.
The suspension of the new BMWM5 features M-specific kinematic and elastokinematic elements as part of its commitment to dynamic excellence.
The front apron of the new BMW M5 has been completely newly designed. Large apertures ensure the engine, charge air cooling, transmission and brakes are even supplied with sufficient quantities of cooling air during track driving.
The new BMWM5 is fitted as standard with M compound brakes with blue painted six-piston brake callipers at the front and single-piston floating callipers at the rear. Even more effective M carbon ceramic brakes with callipers painted in a gold colour can be specified as an option and provide a 23-kilogram weight saving.
The new BMW M5 is fitted as standard with polished 19-inch five-double-spoke wheels in Orbit Grey.
The new BMW M5 can be specified exclusively with the paint shade Marina Bay Blue Metallic as part of a varied spectrum of colours including several matt finishes.
Pricing:
The new BMW M5 will go on sale in South Africa from 29 March at a basic price of R1,762,806 (includes 15% VAT and CO2 tax). The exclusively equipped First Edition costs R2,024,006.50 (includes 15% VAT and CO2 tax).
Info and photos provided by BMW SA
