Tuesday 12th September 2017

BMW M5 (F90) - Frankfurt 2017

600hp confirmed, along with 3.4 seconds to 62mph and £90K - bring on that E63!

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Given there have only been five previous BMW M5s in the past 30-odd years, and given that it arguably created the supersaloon segment, the arrival of a new one marks a very significant time for fast car fans. And following the prototype drives, the information tease and the 'will they, won't they' about 4WD, here is the F90 BMW M5 in all its glory.

Blue at the show much better than that pinky red!

Subtle, isn't it? Even in this red colour - a Launch Edition not destined for the UK - the M5 is modest. That's always been part of the appeal though, hasn't it? Points of note include a new front bumper to improve cooling, wider front wings (to accommodate a wider track), a more aggressive rear diffuser and a carbon roof for the first time on an M5. BMW describes the aesthetic as "a beautiful combination of form and function."

The interior is said to focus "entirely on the driver." Although it's quite hard to focus on the new seats, the M5-specific switchgear or anything else at all really once you've seen the 'M1' and 'M2' buttons. As before they allow personalised settings for the xDrive (OK, that bit is new), DSC, engine, transmission, steering and suspension, but for the first time they are now lacquered red. Bit garish, aren't they? Same as the red start button. Some things are best left alone BMW! Still, it looks like a lovely cabin - better than an E63 though?

Unsurprisingly the M5 is on par with that AMG in every performance parameter. The existing 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 has new turbos, increased injection pressure (now 350bar) and new exhaust manifolds, with the important numbers 600hp and 553lb ft (an E63 S is 612hp and 627lb ft). As a result the M5 can hit 62mph in 3.4 seconds (E63 S: 3.4 seconds) and 124mph in 11.1 seconds before hitting a limited 155mph top speed. BMW will point out that its car has is a wider torque curve, the peak from 1,800rpm-5,600rpm as opposed to the 2,500-4,500rpm of the E63.

Seriously though, who signed those buttons off?

Like previously the M5 will have 'Efficient', 'Sport' and 'Sport Plus' driving modes, with the option now of an M Sound Control to reduce noise levels "at the push of a button." Is that an admission it might sound a bit flat? Let's see.

Now if you're not up to date on what 4WD Sport means in an M5, see our previous story on the xDrive tricks. New information with this full release includes lower, stiffer anti-roll bars, a unique rear axle elastomer bearing, an M tune of electric steering (promising "excellent steering feedback") and compound brake pads claimed to save significant amounts of weight. The aim was "great driving dynamics and the best possible stability", with extensive testing at both BMW's track in Miramas and - you've guessed it - the Nurburgring. Tyres are 275/35 R20s at the front, 285/30 R20s at the rear and using Michelin Pilot Sport 4Ss. Ceramic brakes are optional again.

The full options list hasn't yet been disclosed, but we do know that the new BMW M5 will cost from £89,640 when it goes on sale next February. The E63? £88,295. You suspect that might be quite a close twin test!

[British Beef]

Most interesting fact for me from this new M5 is that the front tyres same width as rear tyres on my E39 M5.

Too complicated, too big, too expensive and too fast for me. Although if my daily commute included a 100mile roundtrip down the Autobahn, then one of these would be just the ticket.

I suspect it can also park itself, drive itself around the Nurburgring faster than Lewis Hamilton, massage your butt cheeks and refrigerate your beer while doing so.

[Leggy]

Where will it end?
These are huge cars now. If you breathed on the throttle you'd probably lose your license.

[CPWilliams]

The 'more is more' school of design.

[Vee12V]

I should like this, yet it leaves me completely cold.

[Zed32]

Is it just me or is the mirror being held on with tape on the main photo?!

[Mafioso]

Red stop/start button coming soon to the 116d M Sport...

[Habu71]

Oh dear,

Looks like the F10 will retain good residuals.

[p1stonhead]

Looks a bit E39ish to me! And that’s good!

£90k though!

[GG89]

I don't find myself excited by this. Bloated, uninspiring design, expensive, stupidly powerful but I knew it would be all of that.

Meh sums it up.

[Nickbrapp]

As gastly as all the other BMWs in the range.

Volvo need to plonk a v8 in the s90

[cayman-black]

Well i love it!

[zeDuffMan]

Had to do a triple take on the steering wheel. The red accents on the gear selector are awfully tacky. I'd expect those on the 520d M Sport.

[Mr Tom]

Hmm, that just doesn't do anything to me. When I see an M5 out and about I always have a good look as it go by and think how much I would like one... this is a bit meh. I'm sure it would be amazing and do everything perfectly. But that for me takes a bit of the soul out of it. I think I would rather have an e60(?) m5 or the tt v10 RS6 and spend the rest on a good warranty.

[Amirhussain]

Looks the business.

[breadvan]

Please, please, please make a touring.

[popeyewhite]

"M Sound Control"

[p1stonhead]

breadvan said:

Please, please, please make a touring.

mad not to surely

[TheDrBrian]

Interesting that Mazda dispensed with a cover for the mx5 instead that have the engine on display in the engine bay. BMW have gone totally the other way and hid their engine under plastic. Then again this is the company that's proud of playing engine noises through the stereo.

[njw1]

It definitely looks the business and I should imagine it goes like a bd but it's not for me, I think BMW peaked with e39 M5; large N/A engine, manual gearbox, lsd and understated styling. The e39 was an 'analogue' car, as drivers cars should be imo.

[p1stonhead]

What’s this little doohickey about then?