As you may have seen from our blog pages, the premium German car maker BMW has been introducing some great changes to their performance M-badged cars. This time it’s the turn of the M5; a car that has been with us through seven generations over a forty year period. This all-new, BMW M5 Saloon combines electrifying performance with an engaging and authentic M driving experience; for the first time with the ‘M-Hybrid’ electric system.
Now, the operating mode of the ‘M-Hybrid’ system can be adjusted as desired. The new ‘M-Hybrid’ button allows the driver to choose between various different modes for intelligently controlled interplay between the combustion engine and the electric motor to maximise either efficiency or performance, depending on the driving situation. This includes an ‘Electric’ setting, in which the combustion engine is only brought into play by accelerator kick-down or using the gear shift paddles.
On The Outside
The imposing power delivery and engaging performance experience served up by the new BMW M5 are accompanied by a new interpretation of the high-performance car design for which M is renowned. Demonstrating this, there are prominent wheel arch and side skirt extensions, a sculptural front apron and model-specific surfacing around the C-pillar, including an embossed “M5” logo for the proprietary and familiar ‘Hofmeister’ kink, give the car an athletic appearance that helps to differentiate it more clearly than ever from the standard 5 Series Saloon.
At the same time, an unusually high proportion of surfaces painted in body colour, create a sleek appearance with stylish references to the car’s superior dynamic abilities. The exterior design accentuates the multi-layered character of this new M5. Its sense of poise and assurance is fuelled by vast reserves of power that can be summoned at any time. Kept discreetly in reserve during relaxed, electric-only cruises, this performance comes to the fore as the BMW M5 reveals the ‘sport saloon’ side to its personality over longer distances and can be unleashed in full on a race track, if that’s your thing.
The sports exhaust system fitted in the new BMW M5 underscores the performance experience with a multi-faceted and enthralling engine note. It features electrically controlled, continuously adjustable flaps and the two pairs of dual tailpipes familiar from other M models, each with 100-millimetre trims in Black Chrome.
On The Inside
The modern sports car cockpit in the M5 features a newly designed, flat-bottomed M leather steering wheel with illuminated M buttons, M multifunction seats with extensive electric adjustment options, and of course the now expected BMW Curved Display, which, like the standard BMW Head-Up Display, includes M-specific content. The standard BMW ‘Live Cockpit Professional’ also brings the BMW Maps navigation system and the ‘Augmented View’ function on the control display.
An upgraded version of BMW iDrive features as standard in the new model. It is based on the BMW ‘Operating System 8.5’, designed with touch control and natural speech in mind. The digital tech now also covers the controls for the climate control functions with temperature selection, airflow intensity, seat heating and steering wheel heating now controlled by touch screen via permanent buttons in the lower section of the control display or by voice command.
Also playing their part in the exclusive interior ambience are the standard Merino leather trim, the BMW ‘Interaction Bar’, four-zone air conditioning, heated front seats, ambient lighting with M-specific interior lighting and a panoramic glass sunroof. Standard specification also includes ambient lighting, a Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System, a wireless charging tray, Comfort Access, an alarm system, automatic tailgate operation and the charging cable ‘Professional’ for charging during a journey.
On The Road
This is where it counts. The BMW M5 offers a significantly wider selection of standard and optional systems for automated driving and parking compared to its predecessor, increasing assurance and comfort in day-to-day driving. Standard specification for this seventh generation version brings features such as front collision warning, Lane Departure Warning including lane return with steering assistance, the Evasion Assistant, the Attentiveness Assistant (we are not told quite how this car makes you pay attention) and the Speed Limit Info system. The optional Driving Assistant Professional adds Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function together with tech including the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, traffic light detection, automatic Speed Limit Assist and Active Navigation.
The car is further equipped as standard with Parking Assistant ‘Professional’, which enables automated parking and manoeuvring over distances of up to 200 metres, controllable either from inside the car or remotely via smartphone.
The Hybrid
The M-hybrid drive system in the M5 brings a 4.4 litre V8 engine with classic high-revving character together with an electric motor, whose performance characteristics are tuned specifically for the M5 and which is integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission.
The combustion engine benefits from cutting-edge M TwinPower Turbo technology, a cross-bank exhaust manifold and optimised oil separation. It develops maximum output of 585bhp (593PS) and peak torque of 750 Nm. The electric motor delivers a maximum output of 197bhp (190PS) and a nominal torque of 280 Nm. However, thanks to a pre-gearing stage, the effective torque at the transmission input is boosted to 450 Nm.
In all-electric operating mode, the new BMW M5 can hit speeds of up to 87 mph, although this aspect of the system would be better suited to cruising around town. The high-voltage battery located low in the car’s underbody has 18.6 kWh of usable energy, enabling an electric range of 42 – 43 miles, which is unmatched by any rival, they say. The Combined Charging Unit allows AC charging at up to 7.4 kW, and from November 2024 production, the maximum charging rate will go up to 11 kW apparently.
The power generated by the combustion engine and electric motor is channelled to the road via the all-wheel-drive M xDrive system, with the rear-biased setup that is particularly pronounced in 4WD Sport mode. However, the driver can also select 2WD mode which sends power exclusively to the rear wheels with the ‘Dynamic Stability Control’ (DSC) system switched off, which will appeal to experienced drivers who prefer a pure-bred performance experience but remember, this will alter the handling characteristics to a more spirited level. This further developed iteration of M xDrive, like the electronically controlled Active M Differential at the rear axle, is tailored specially to the performance characteristics of the M-Hybrid drive system.
Standard-fit Adaptive M Suspension, Integral Active Steering, and M xDrive enhance handling and agility. The control panel on the centre console of the new BMW M5 houses 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 quickly using the M buttons on the steering wheel. The dramatic ‘Launch Control’ function is available in all the M Setup configurations, except for the M xDrive system’s 2WD mode.
Pressing the DSC button activates M Dynamic Mode, increasing the DSC intervention thresholds for brake inputs and engine power reduction. Alternatively, DSC can be switched off completely. Another button allows the driver to select M Mode. When they switch from the default ROAD setting to SPORT, interventions from the driver assistance systems are restricted to just the essential functions required for sporty driving, as is the content shown in the information display. The standard-fit M Drive Professional, also enables the use of TRACK mode, with other features including the M Lap-timer and the Boost Control function, which maximises longitudinal dynamics when executing mid-range sprints and overtaking manoeuvres, if you feel like testing this car to the outer limits.
Buying a BMW
For performance car aficionados, the BMW M series of cars have long proved to be among the finest power drives in the world. There are several models to choose from in the current range so interested clients should contact MHH International to discuss exporting your next BMW car (ask about VAT-free purchases too) to global locations like New Zealand, Ireland, Kenya and the caribbean. We’re here to ensure that your purchase of any currently available model from the BMW stable will be a smooth, trouble free purchase.
