BMW M5

On the occasion of the launch of the new generation 5 Series,

These evolutions are presented as an updated engine from the previous generation, and the novelty that it is  the first BMW M to equip Xdrive all-wheel drive. This latest change could well be considered sacrilege, but the brand claims that the traction has a specification that sends most of the power to the rear wheels, including a special mode that sends 100% of the power to the rear axle, while on the other side of the scale, the same system is set up for a 50-50 split in extreme situations.

Design

Aesthetically, the BMW M5 looks much more aggressive than a normal 5 Series, with widened wheel arches to accommodate an updated running gear and larger wheels. The front for its part shows a new bumper with a lot of aerodynamic work  and large functional air intakes for optimal cooling of the powerful engine.

The side has a small opening due to the pressure of the front wheel arch, an increasingly widespread element, as well as more aerodynamic design mirrors. The rear, for its part, is dominated by a large diffuser with four exhaust outlets and a small spoiler on the boot lid. In addition to all this, the hood is now much more aerodynamically worked and the roof is made of carbon fiber.

The interior for its part adds new carbon fiber inserts, a more sporty design steering wheel, and more sporty and molded leather seats to perfectly gather the body and limit its movement in demanding driving.

Although the official price of the M5 is not yet known, the price of the “First Edition” version limited to 400 units has been published  and which adds various aesthetic modifications, while the mechanics remain intact. For € 158,845 we can buy a saloon that differs from other M5s by the use of an exclusive paint called Frozen Dark Red Metallic,  decorative appliques that usually go in chrome now go in glossy black, like the rims, and some upholstered seats in white with red contrast stitching.

Mechanics

Mechanically the new M5 is not a revolution. It maintains the same turbocharged V8 engine as up to now, but boosted up to 600hp (the 30th anniversary edition of the previous M5 already marked this figure), while replacing the 7-speed automatic transmission with an 8-speed one. Consumption has increased slightly and announces a consumption slightly higher than 10 l / 100km, while emissions have not yet been communicated.

In 2018 the new M5 Competition was introduced , with which the firm offers a sedan with 625 hp and 750 Nm of torque. These changes are added lower and stiffer suspensions, better braking equipment and reinforced stabilizer bars.

What if it is a deep renovation and perhaps a major change for the future of the BMW M is the running gear. Until now, all sports BMWs used rear-wheel drive, while the M5 debuts a new xDrive all-wheel drive system, which although it has a mode that delivers 100% of the power to the rear axle, under normal conditions it helps to coexist more safely with the 600hp of its engine.

Data BMW M5

• 4 doors
• 5 seats
• Trunk: 530 liters
• Turbocharged V8 engine with a power of 600hp
• 8-speed automatic gearbox
• XDrive all-wheel drive
• Consumption and emissions: 10.5 l / 100km. Emissions have not been published
• Price: From € 136,600