Packed with electronic features to enhance handling
Making its debut at the Shanghai Motor Show was a concept of the M5, BMW’s new super saloon.
Calling the M5 radical is as pointless as the torque curve of its twin turbo V8. The engine is the first of many big changes of the fifth generation M5; it has two lesser cylinders than its predecessors and is the first to use forced induction.
The M5 brings the twin turbocharged 4.4 litre V8 from the X5 M and X 6 M. The direct injection, 32-valve V8 delivers 560PS and 691Nm, which is a lot more than the 507PS and 519Nm figures of the outgoing V10 engine. But that’s just the start. While the M5 will generate more power than the V 10 powered car, it will consume 30 per cent less fuel. It can also do 0-100kmph in around 4.5 seconds. The top speed is 250kmph, but if one removes the ‘limiter’ it could touch 290 kmph.
While the 5501 comes with the eight-speed ZF, automatic transmission, the M5 gets a beefed up version of the M3’s seven speed dual clutch Gertrag gearbox. The driver will be able to operate it via large shift paddles. All 5 series switch to electric power steering and losing the hydraulic part saves weight and fuel. The adaptive aerodynamics – which reduce drag and boost down force – are even cleverer. BMW has worked hard in the wind tunnel on an ‘air curtain’, measures to smoothen the passage of air around the car footprint, reducing fuel consumption by around 2.5 per cent.
Naturally the M5 is packed with with electronic features to enhance handling. Damper settings, shift speeds, throttle response, steering feel, you can select and programme your favourite set-up using the M button on the steering wheel.
The M5 has also lined up LED headlights with blacked-out surrounds and M5-specific daytime running lights. The LED lamps consume less energy then previous generation bi-xenons, and they offer a variety of light patterns which adjust to weather, driving conditions and even road layout. It’s rounded by with a set of 20-inch rims, active steering and special sports seat. In short, the F10 M5 looks to have the firepower, the technology and the focus to take it right back to the top of the class.
