With almost every new BMW model, the anticipation builds for the M version. Completely refreshed for 2011 model year, the BMW 5 Series was the German auto giant’s leading example of modernized sophistication and technology. The BMW 5 Series sedan also represents the basis for what is the flagship for the German factory tuner, the M5 sedan. A benchmark super sports sedan, the BMW M5 resides in the gun sights of other premium luxury car producers. Competing in the top dollar category against the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG and the Cadillac CTS-V, engineers in the BMW M department were given the tough task of advancing the M5 sedan while adhering to tight environmental concerns. Rising to the challenge on the road just like the BMW M team does on the race track, the all-new BMW M5 is now revealed.
The highest notch on the BMW 5 Series pillar of success, the BMW M5 graces the road with its longer, wider stance thanks to the performance detailing. Compared to the 550i sedan, the BMW M5 measures 11 millimeters longer from front fascia to rear bumper and 31 millimeters (1.22 inches) wider. Consisting of a special lower front air dam design, chrome M gills on each front fender, striking side skirts and a rear apron tastefully advertises this super sedan as something special in the BMW line-up. On the wheels, 19-inch M light-alloy wheels are specially fitted for the new BMW M5 model. Buyers of the M5 will also have an option of lightweight forged 20-inch wheels. The BMW M5 20-inch wheels are indicated as the ideal choice to accentuate the powerful four-wheel, six-piston disc brake calipers. The whole new BMW M5 rides on a M-specific front and rear suspension setup augmented for a sport-tuned ride.
The interior is exclusively decorated for the BMW M5 featuring a M specific instrument cluster, Aluminum Trace trim, BMW Individual Anthracite roof liner and Merino leather upholstery. Greeting the driver, the cabin of the BMW M5 four-door is well proportioned to delight up to four additional passengers. Inside, a four-zone climate control system governs the temperature of almost every individual passenger. A multi-function, leather-wrapped steering wheel provides the motorist of the BMW M5 with access to two M Drive Buttons. Configurable by the driver, buttons ‘M1’ and ‘M2’ can be aligned for comfort or sport handling. Standard on all BMW M5 models, a multi-colour head-up display keeps all relevant driving information on the windshield. Optional driving aids offered on the new M5 presents rear view camera, Speed Limit info, Lane Departure Warning system and BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition.
Advanced electronics are not just reserved for driver safety aids on the BMW M5. On all models, BMW’s iDrive control allows comfort and convenience settings to be accessible. A centrally located, 10.2-inch LCD screen gives an iDrive user a clear understanding of specified changes inside of the M5 sedan. Beyond the BMW M5’s standard BMW Professional 6-speaker stereo with CD player, an array of optional entertainment and information technology can be added to the premium sedan. Internet access, Realtime weather, Bluetooth Audio Streaming and BMW Teleservices are available on the BMW M5 sedan.
Powered by the sweet sound of a European-built V-8 engine, the BMW M5 is the first application of their new high-performance, high technology powerplant. The first M5 to be turbocharged, double twin scroll units assures robust launches with low-end torque and a high-revving power band furnishing peak horsepower at up to 8,000 RPM. After nearly a year of speculation, the revelation of the new BMW M5’s horsepower comes with 560 beating out of this lovely super sports sedan. Representing a 60 horsepower improvement over the previous M5, this 560-horsepower engine is also infused by a thundering 502 pounds-feet of torque (an astonishing 119 pounds-feet more than the 5-liter V-10 engine). BMW’s Valvetronic and gasoline direct injection technology is formatted to the twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V-8 for the most precise engine efficiency possible.
A BMW M 7-speed double clutch transmission will be the sole gearbox found on the new M5. This transmission on the BMW M5 can be shifted manually through steering wheel paddles in ‘S’ mode or automatically in the double clutch gearbox’s ’D’ mode. Programming called Drivelogic furnishes traction-optimized shifting of the double clutch transmission as well as a range of electronic aids including launch control, low-speed assistance and automatic activated parking mode. Converting up to 560 horsepower, the double-clutch transmission transmits energy to the rear wheels with the utmost control. Complementing the Dynamic stability control system, the rear axle power has the added regulation of the Active M Differential. An electronically controlled, multi-plate system, the Active M Differential can completely lock or unlock a wheel to preserve rear traction.
Curving a failing of the previous M5 (if it could be called a failing), the reduction to a smaller, more advanced engine and the dual-clutch transmission is considerably more fuel efficient than the last generation BMW M5. Said to feature a 30 percent upgrade in fuel economy, the BMW M5 consumes 9.9 liters per every 100 kilometers according to European Union measurement standards (Fuel economy for the United States market is not yet available).
With the twin-turbocharged V-8 powerplant, acceleration is immediate in the BMW M5 sprinting from 0 to 60 miles per hour in only 4.4 seconds. In standard form, the BMW M5 zips to a maximum, electronically limited top speed of 155 miles per hour. An optional M Driver’s Package unleashes the full effect of the BMW sedan’s 4.4 liter V-8 engine for runs up to 190 miles per hour.
Pricing and release details on the M5 sedan is not yet announced by BMW Group.
Information and photo source: BMW Group
