- A + A print
Home > Motoring > Motoring News > 2011 News >  

New BMW M5 Unleashed


New BMW M5 Unleashed

Author: Isaac BoberDate: 17 June 2011
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6

After months of speculation BMW has come clean on the new, fifth-generation M5.

Gone is the V10 engine, replaced with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 producing 412kW at 6000-7000rpm, and 680Nm from just off idle at 1500rpm.

Despite all of this power (10 per cent more than the outgoing model) and torque (a 30 per cent increase) and the fact that BMW says the M5 will get to 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds, its fuel consumption is only 9.9L/100km (a reduction of 30 per cent). to get fuel use down, BMW has made extensive use of its EfficientDynamics suite with auto stop-start and brake energy regeneration.

Mated to the thumping V8 is a seven-speed M double clutch transmission which also features launch control, low speed assistance, an M-specific gear selector, and an M leather steering wheel and steering wheel mounted paddles.

Its outstandingly agile handling is thanks to innovative rear axle differential with Active M Differential. Its electronically controlled multi-plate limited-slip differential enables fully variable distribution of drive between the left and right rear wheels to optimise traction and stability in dynamic lane change manoeuvres and acceleration out of corners.

The M5's degree of lock can be varied between 0 and 100 per cent according to the situation; fast, precise and pre-emptive responses are due 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.

Gone are the over-the-top Bangle designs of the previous 5 Series, replaced with a more conservative design. That said, the design works the best on the M5 which features a deep front apron with 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; and 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design.

Inside, there’s an M-specific instrument cluster which includes a 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.

In addition, there’s a range of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive.

These include 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, wait for it, for receiving Web Radio and using Facebook and Twitter.

The new M5 carries on the forward-thinking tradition of M5s past and pushes it even further with more power, better fuel consumption and safety/driver assistance systems than ever before. We’ll let you know what it’s like to drive when we get behind the wheel.

Keep up with the latest from the world of motoring at www.facebook.com/NRMAdriverseat, or via Twitter @NRMAdriverseat.

 

Car Reviews

Make
Model
Year
Review type

Join thousands of others following NRMA

  • rss

    RSS

  • rss

    Twitter