BMW reveals 592bhp M5 supersaloon 22 | 08 | 2017
BMW HAS UNVEILED ITS new 592bhp supersaloon, the sixth-generation M5. Powered by a revised a 4.4-litre V8 bi-turbo engine, the all-wheel drive stunner will enter Scottish showrooms in February next year with prices starting at £89,640. (Related: BMW Concept Z4 previews Roadster)
Though the new M5 retains the engine from previous model, it has been updated considerably. In addition to two new turbochargers — which work alongside revised exhaust manifolds to further boost exhaust gas energy — there’s also new cooling and lubrication systems. The 2018 M5 also benefits from a new track-spec variable oil pump.
The combined result of all these new goodies is an extra 40bhp, upping the output to 592bhp. In terms of performance, the new M5 will hit 62mph from standstill in 3.4secs. Top speed is electronically restricted to 155mph.
That performance is further aided by the fact BMW engineers have shaved as much weight from the car as possible. Not only are some of the car’s panels made from aluminium, the roof is carbon fibre reinforced plastic.
Inside, the cabin — as you would expect — gets the ‘M’ treatment. That means new sports seats, a tweaked M-Sport steering wheel boasting two red buttons for altering the car’s settings, M digital dials, and exclusive trim.
Externally, the aggressive-looking M division bodykit hides harder stabilisers and lower, stiffer anti-roll bars. Meanwhile, the addition of an additional cross strut and aluminium cross brace over the rear axle improve rigidity.
Power to all four wheels is delivered via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, with paddles for sequential shifts and customisable settings through BMW’s Drivelogic system. The system optimist efficiency for comfort in Mode 1; Mode 2 delivers faster, livelier driving, while Mode 3 has been developed specifically for track driving only.
And don’t think the fact the new M5 is fitted with four-wheel drive means the car has lost any of its ‘entertainment’ value.
Designed specifically for the M5, the all-wheel drive system — badged M xDrive — is heavily rear-axle biased, sending power to the front wheels only when the rears begin to struggle. That means, for the bulk of the time, the M5 will behave like a rear-wheel-drive car.
The electronic gizmos also work together to allow the driver to set the car up the way he, or she, prefers, depending on the conditions.
Using the selectable driving modes through the through M-specific control system, in M Dynamic mode the driver can send more torque to the rear axle, plus it ensures there’s a greater threshold of slippage before the front axle kicks in. If that’s not enough, you can also select a pure rear-wheel-drive mode.
Variable damper control and customisable M Servotronic steering can also be tweaked, and both settings include three modes; Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus.
The car will make its first public appearance in the metal at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
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Jim McGill