Tuesday 13th September 2011

Frankfurt: BMW M5 Gets Public Debut

Wraps are finally and officially off new F10-gen BMW super-saloon in Frankfurt

---

The public debut of the new M5 could have been akin to an oil spill in an ecological paradise, had the monstrous CO2 output of the old one been carried over. No such fear. This is, after all, modern, EfficientDynamics-obsessed BMW.

So while the F10 M5 gains 10hp for a Mercedes E63 AMG-clobbering 560hp peak power figure it also becomes 30 per cent more fuel-efficient. Perhaps as a riposte to those who criticised the previous V10 car's peaky delivery there's also 30 per cent more torque, available from just 1500rpm.

Thank the new 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. Yes, say the engineers, it's based on that in the X5M. But don't sigh, for it's been extensively re-engineered and, as the 1-series M proves, BMW has clearly nailed how to make turbo engines worthy of the M badge.

The front vents appear big enough for show-weary hacks to curl up and have a snooze in. But they are the most OTT part of an otherwise discreet super-saloon and simply supply roomfuls of air to an engine that gorges on it. How can just 232g/km CO2 come out the other end then?

It's bafflingly eco. And, with an Active M differential and M5-first EDC suspension adding to the handling promise too, this may well turn out be the most extreme example of EfficientDynamics yet seen.

[X5TUU]

i can understand BMW looking to make it understated, but it is just to bland for me and it will no doubt catch many off guard as a bit of a street sleeper

[kambites]

It certainly lacks the visual impact of the last version, but all in all I think that's a good thing.

[MintyChris]

Looks quite sleek. Almost looks a little 5 door monaro like? Or perhaps its just a little early and I should go back to bed.

[Aizle]

X5TUU said:

i can understand BMW looking to make it understated, but it is just to bland for me and it will no doubt catch many off guard as a bit of a street sleeper

I think that's the point.

I would love to be able to afford one of these.

Still trying to justify my dream of an E39 M5.

[boolay]

That CO2 figure is staggering for an engine of that capacity!

Looks great

[Agoogy]

Good to see BMW showing some restraint.

[thewheelman]

Impressive engine as expected by BMW & no doubt one hell of a drive, i just wish their styling wasn't so bland. Obviously the M5 has always been a subtle looker, but it just does nothing for me. The Audi RS6, AMG E-Class & even the Insignia VXR look more appealing.

[thewheelman]

Agoogy said:

Good to see BMW showing some restraint.

.....or lack of flair & imagination on the styling front.

[DazBock]

I completely understand why they have tried to make it more environmental but am I the only one that thinks this is just so bleeding boring?

After the unveiling of the 1 Series M Coupe which is I think a stunning looking car this just looks and sounds so dull.

[Neil G60]

Love it. So understated yet so fast. A perfect combination. If you want to show off buy an RS Audi or something!

That CO2 is staggeringly low

[Mini1275]

Hmmm, that just doesn't stand out enough from the normal 5-series for me. It's quite a bland design for a high end sports saloon.

[Agoogy]

thewheelman said:

Agoogy said:

Good to see BMW showing some restraint.

.....or lack of flair & imagination on the styling front.

#

Not sure BMW could be accused of that... like it or loathe it (and I loathe it more often than not at the moment) BMW create designs that get talked about. The basic 5 series is a very well proportioned and detailed car IMO. The big M adds power, but it doesn't have to to come with useless bits of chrome hanging off eevry edge or crease.

[NicePlaceToBe]

This had its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed!

[Neil G60]

The F10 looks a lot better in the flesh IMO - the quality of finish and design really shines through better than on paper (or screen)

[Nors]

Yup, looks very bland to me also. Sure, it'll be hoot to drive though.

Does anyone know if it comes with a manual gearbox?

[davidcharles]

a little underwhelming...M cars should have a bit more "oomph" i think...

anyway, will more than likely be awesome to drive and possibly look better in a different colour

[g3org3y]

Looks brilliant imo. Delightfully subtle with a super sledgehammer (biturbo) punch.

[thewheelman]

Again, the Jaguar would turn my head with its XFR. It just look right.

(minus the chrome around the windows, not a fan of chrome on cars)

[E21_Ross]

how a super saloon should look IMO. it's got absolutely nothing to prove. it's funny, if they made it more glitzy people would moan saying it's too showy and they'd prefer it understated. seems they've picked up from where the E39 left off. the E39 wasn't too shouty yet is regarded as one of BMWs best ever designs. the F10 is just a much, much better rounded off design than the E60 IMO and the Msport versions do look far better in the flesh than in piccies for some reason. i saw a 550i the other day!!!! can't imagine there being many of those around!!!

either way, you just know it'll be fantastic to drive.

[Big E 118]

M cars have always been defined (design wise) by having a slightly wider track/flared arches, a deeper front splitter and (more recently) 4 exhausts. This M5 continues the same design logic.

Making the M cars not too dissimilar from the base models also works on another front. Someone buying a 520 (which a huge volume of their sales are) is buying a car which doesn't look too different from a flagship M model.

I say leave the added chrome and extra bling to Mercedes. I like the understated look.

I park my M3 next to a 320i (both E46) every day at work and I bet 90% of people wouldn't know the difference. Personally I like that in a car, I understand that some people want something more "look at me".