The sixth-generation BMW M5 has been unveiled and dubbed the most powerful version of the performance super saloon yet.
On sale in February 2018 at prices expected to start from just under £90,000, the new M5 comes fitted with all-wheel-drive for the first time, allied to a significantly revised version of the 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 engine.
Higher pressure
New turbochargers and a higher injection pressure boost the M5’s power by 40hp to 600hp, alongside 750Nm of torque – 70Nm more than the previous M5 and on tap from 1800 to 5600rpm. The car reaches 62mph in 3.4 seconds and goes on to an electronically limited 155mph. Combined cycle fuel consumption is quoted at 26.9mpg with CO2 emissions of 241g/km.
An eight-speed M Steptronic auto/manual transmission is standard, matched to the M-specific xDrive all-wheel-drive system. This offers several drive modes, up to a track-specific setting with rear-wheel drive only and the Dynamic Stability Control disconnected.
The suspension and steering also boast Comfort, Sport and SportPlus drive modes, while both the front and rear axles have been redesigned to produce sharp, precise cornering performance while maintaining stability.
A new, more rigid but lighter architecture underpins the new M5 while other notable aspects aimed at saving weight and increasing performance include bespoke brakes – with ceramic versions as an option. The car makes extensive use of aluminium, the bonnet being composed entirely of the alloy, and for the first time in an M5, a carbon fibre reinforced plastic roof is fitted.
