BMW F10 M5 makes global debut

The covers are off BMW M’s all-new performance flagship, the M5, based on the current F10 5 Series sedan. With a history that stretches back to 1984, the M5 nameplate is now affixed to its fifth generation model, having began life as a subtle-looking sports sedan hiding enough firepower to obliterate a Porsche 911.

Today’s M5 is no longer a subtle-looking machine, but its supercar-level handling and performance have remained. From the outside, the M5 can be identified by the gaping air intakes at the front bumper, flared wheel arches, special M rims that show off the six-piston callipers and cross-drilled disc brakes, and not forgetting of course, the M gills on the front fender.

At the back, reprofiled rear bumpers have its pair of rear reflectors moved to waist level just below the taillights, and like the preceding E60 M5, an aggressive looking diffuser flanked by its quartet of tailpipes.

Under the hood, engine size has been scaled down from the previous 5.0-litre V10 to a new 4.4-litre V8 to allow the M5 to comply with increasingly tight Euro emission regs. To offset the reduction in capacity, BMW dropped in a pair of twin-scroll turbos sitting between the cylinder banks, force-feeding the cylinders with 1.5 bar of boost.

An uprated version of the S63B44 powerplant used in the X5 M and X6 M, the 4,395cc motor comes further equipped with direct injection, Valvetronic and Double VANOS. So, as you would expect, outputs are raised in comparison to the E60 M5. Unlike the high-revving S85 V10 that powered the predecessor, action in the new M5 starts a lot earlier, with a full 680Nm twisted out from 1,500rpm all the way to 5,750rpm. Then, at 6,000rpm, the full output of 560hp is unleashed, and that does not relent until 7,000rpm. A rev limiter stops your journey up the tacho at 7,200rpm.

The switch from natural aspiration to forced induction have angered some die-hard M fans, but this is a necessary compromise the face of tightening European requirements for emissions and fuel consumption, a senario which explains the recent progress of turbocharged direct injection engines amongst European manufacturers. The challenge for BMW M this time is not only to create an M5 that is faster than the predecessor to please fans, but also to create one that is cleaner and more economical, so that it will actually be allowed to go on sale!

This need for economy then explains the presence of BMW EfficientDynamics features such as Auto Start-Stop and Brake Energy Regeneration. They help the M5 record 9.9 l/100km under the EU fuel consumption test cycle and emit 232g of CO₂ per km while simultaneously carry the ability to demolish the century sprint in 4.4 seconds, and hit the double ton from rest in 13.0 seconds. Without the 250kph restrictor, a V-max of 305kph is possible.

The F10 M5 has a 7-speed transmission like its predecessor, but the new gearbox is no carry over item. The E60’s SMG-III single-clutch automated manual transmission is now replaced with the new M-DCT dual clutch transmission with three auto and three manual shift programmes, selectable by the driver using a rocker switch placed behind the shift lever. The most aggressive setting includes a Launch Control function for the quickest and most brutal take off acceleration.

Following tradition, the M5 continues to be rear wheel drive, and is equipped with what BMW calls the Active M Differential, an electronically controlled multi-plate LSD. Driving electronics of the M5 are adjustable by the three-mode Dynamic Damper Control, which adjusts suspension stiffness and steering assist. Unlike the standard 5 Series models which use electric power assist, the M5’s rack is hydraulically operated with Servotronic speed-sensitive assist. Yay for the enthusiasts.

The all-new F10 M5 will make its first public appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show scheduled to be held September this year. It will go on sale in November.

KON

Pictures: Official BMW release.

See also:
– BMW M5 – Muscle Car of the New Millennium
– BMW to debut F10 M5 and 6 Series Coupe in Shanghai