New M5 Gets Show Debut In Shanghai
It's called a concept, but this is near-as-dammit BMW's new M super-saloon
BMW has finally given its fifth-generation M5 its first public unveiling at the Shanghai motor show.
Although still officially a concept, what you see here is effectively the production version of the new M car, even though that won't make a public appearance until the Frankfurt motor show in September.
Sadly, the high-revving naturally aspirated V10 has gone, replaced by a twin-turbo, 4.4-litre V8 (as seen in the X5 M and X6 M.
The new M5 makes 552bhp and 510lb ft from its 4395cc turbocharged V8. That's 52bhp up and 126lb ft better than the old V10, which should be some compensation for fans of natural aspiration. The 'S63' motor has also undergone some tweakery to its induction and exhausts for more top-end power and a sharper response than the X5 M and X6 M provide.
Power is driven to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, although word is that an all-wheel-drive version is currently being mulled-over by BMW.
The new M5 should, says BMW, improve fuel economy by 25 per cent over the previous model, thanks in large part to regenerative braking tech and a stop-start function, while the use of carbon fibre and aluminium should help to keep the weight of the new F10 model roughly on a par with the old E60 version, despite the new car being larger
Visually, the M5 is as subtle as you'd expect (wheels notwithstanding), although the mildly pumped wheel arches are actually a departure for M cars, which don't usually feature reprofiled bodywork. At the rear are a small lip spoiler and an underbody diffuser, both of which help to increase downforce at speed.
Really?
I do like the look of this M5, always been a big M5 fan. E39 or maybe the one before it (E34?)
1998 - M5 400bhp
2000 - E55 AMG 470bhp
2002 - RS6 440bhp
2005 - M5 500bhp
2007 - RS6 570bhp
2009 - E63 AMG 525bhp
2011 - M5 552bhp
For the first time BMW and Merc have both released their fastest executive saloon with LESS power than the existing Audi.
The E60 is 6 inches wider, and 2 incher longer than the E28. How much more girth will the new one add?
And just as well roads in blighty are being widened 0h wait a minute, this M5 is probably targeted at the people who can afford to run them i.e the Arabs, the Chinese
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff