BMW have unveiled the seventh generation of their M5, the brands legendary high-performance sedan. The BMW M5 now features an electrified drive system for the first time with the M Hybrid contributing to an overall power output of 535kW and 1000Nm.
The combination of a high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor, plus power transfer courtesy of an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M Xdrive all-wheel drive enables acceleration to 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds.
A drive system developed by motorsport
The M Hybrid system in the new BMW M5 pairs a 4.4-litre V8 engine with classical high revving characteristics together with and electric motor whose performance characteristics have been tuned specifically for the BMW M5, the two systems integrated via the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. The combustion engine benefits from cutting-edge M TwinPower Turbo technology which includes a cross-bank exhaust manifold and optimised oil separation to develop 430kW and 750Nm. The maximum output of the electric motor is 145kW.
BMW have utilised their experience with the BMW M Hybrid V8 endurance machine in the way the power is delivered. The ability of the electric motor to generate its power instantly and the intelligently controlled interplay with the combustion engine ensures that the M Hybrid system responds without delay to every movement of the accelerator resulting in the linear power delivery typical of BMW M models offered in a very compelling manner. Top speed is limited to 250km/h but can be raised to 305km/h if the optional M Driver’s Package is specified.
The sports exhaust system underscores the performance with a multi-faceted and emotionally enthralling engine note and exits via two pairs of dual tailpipes each measuring 100mm. Providing an adequate sound track to the electric motor is BMW IconicSounds Electric which ensures authentic responses when operating in all-electric mode and also generates an engaging sound track to highlight the arrival of extra power on top of the output from the V8 engine.
Power is transferred to all four wheels via M Xdrive, which offers a rear-biased setup that is particularly pronounced in 4WD Sport mode. The driver is also able to select 2WD mode which sends drive exclusively to the rear wheels with the Dynamic Stability Control System switched off and which will appeal to experienced drivers who prefer a pure performance experience.
An imposing design
The imposing power delivery and emotionally engaging performance are accompanied by a fresh interpretation of the high-performance design for which M is renowned. Prominent wheel arch and side skirt extensions, the sculptural front apron and model specific surfacing around the C-pillar which includes an embossed M5 logo on the Hofmeister kink, give the car an athletic appearance which also helps to differentiate it from the regular BMW 5 Series Sedan.
The exterior design, which is enhanced with M-specific features, accentuates the multi layered character of the new BMW M5.
Sophisticated chassis tuning
The chassis layout comprises a double-wishbone front axle and five-link rear axle with bespoke kinematics and elastokinematics, in addition to a host of other specially tuned components. The electrically assisted rack and pinion steering with M Servotronic and variable steering ratio is rigidly connected to the front axle subframe for optimal feedback from the road. In conjunction with the wide track and rigid body and chassis this combination produces the handling attributes for which BMW M models are renowned.
Both the standard M Compound brakes and optional M Carbon ceramic brakes combine with an integrated braking system that offers the driver two pedal feel settings. M light alloy wheels measuring 20-inches upfront and 21-inches at the rear, are fitted as standard with high performance tyres.
The latest technology comes standard
A much wider selection of standard and optional systems for automated driving and parking have been included and take assurance and comfort in day-to-day driving to a new level. Standard equipment includes front collision warning, lane departure warning including lane return with steering assistance, the Evasion Assistant, the Attentiveness Assistant and the Speed Limit Info system.
The control panel on the centre console of the new BMW is home to a model-specific composition of buttons which can be used to tailor the driving experience to individual preferences in a variety of ways. The setup button provides direct access to the configuration of the drive system, drivelogic, chassis, steering, braking system and M xDrive as well as the intensity of brake energy recuperation. Two overall vehicle setups can be stored and selected using the M buttons on the steering wheel. The operating mode of the M Hybrid system can also be adjusted depending on whether the driver would like to prioritise efficiency or performance.
Progressive sports car cockpit
The progressive sports car cockpit of the new BMW M5 also contains a newly designed, flat bottomed M leather steering wheel with illuminated M buttons, M multifunction seats, a wide range of electric adjustment and the BMW Curved Display, which like the standard BMW Head-Up Display includes M-specific content.
An upgraded version of BMW iDrive features as standard in the new BMW M5. It is based on the BMW Operating System 8.5 and designed squarely for use via touch control and natural speech.
Adding to the sporty interior is standard Merino leather trim, BMW Interaction Bar, four-zone air conditioning, heated front seats, ambient lighting with M-specific interior lighting and a panoramic glass sunroof.
Pricing
The new BMW M5 went on sale in South Africa in November 2024, with a price tag of R2 690 000.