Here it is folks the one we have all been waiting for. We think is safe to say that the BMW M5 is the original high performance super saloon that started a trend. For more than 30 years, the M5 has been the epitome of the ultimate sports saloon. Launched in 1984, it was always a car that hid its amazing sporting capabilities behind a discreet yet powerful exterior. The latest model embodies that spirit and takes it yet further. Now an all-new sixth generation of the BMW M5 Saloon, will launch in February 2018 equipped with an enhanced V8 engine, a new M-specific, all-wheel drive system known as M xDrive and performance statistics that surpass all previous incarnations. Key to this new level of performance is the introduction of M xDrive and its adaptability thanks to a central control module and the variety of different dynamic modes that can be selected.
When first started, the car is in four-wheel-drive mode with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) switched on. But it comes with various driving dynamics modes, up to a track-friendly pure rear-wheel drive without DSC. If the driver switches to M Dynamic mode (MDM, 4WD Sport), the M5 becomes sharper and more agile. More torque is fed to the rear axle and the rear wheels give more wheel slippage. This allows controlled drifts and playful handling, but with controlled oversteer. The pure rear-wheel-drive 2WD mode is designed for track use by experienced drivers and is dedicated entirely to pure driving pleasure without restrictive control systems.
Power comes from the latest 4.4-litre V8 engine with BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology. BMW’s M engineers have developed new turbochargers and a higher injection pressure of up to 350bar. This allows shorter injection times and better fuel atomisation, making it both faster and more efficient. It delivers a maximum torque of 750Nm, accelerating the new M5 from zero to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds, making it the fastest M5 yet. Power is transferred to the road via a new eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. All of this performance is wrapped in a design that adheres to the form follows function mantra of all new BMWs.
The front design serves to splice the oncoming air in the most aerodynamic fashion while at the same time providing the breathing and cooling requirements for a 600hp engine and its braking system, and the downforce required of a high performance saloon. The M5 enjoys tremendous levels of standard equipment, all geared towards driving dynamics. The focal point is the driver’s seat, from which all switches and buttons can be operated in an ergonomically designed way. The car will be on sale from February 2018 and we can’t wait to drive it!
