Saturday 20th May 2017

New BMW M5 revealed (sort of)

It will definitely have xDrive and definitely use the turbo V8, but there are some blanks still to fill in...

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In case the disguised pictures didn't give it away, this is not the full release of the BMW M5 just yet - we're still expecting that at the Frankfurt show. However, BMW has chosen to tease us with a few details to sate collective appetites until then, including competitive CO2 and economy figures of 241g/km and 26.9mpg.

This must be the "emotionally enthralling" bit...

Ah yes, and the fancy new xDrive all-wheel drive system. Like its arch nemesis from Mercedes-AMG, the next M5 will offer a fully variable system that's selected by the driver. So yes, if you fancy a 600hp (it has to be that, doesn't it?) M5 with just rear-wheel drive, that is going to be possible. Jolly good.

There are three settings for the M5's xDrive: 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD. The car defaults to 4WD on start up, said to offer "a certain amount of slip at the rear wheels to produce the agility for which M models are renowned". Beyond that the 4WD Sport setting is said to allow "even greater agility and sportiness", combining "absolute precision, delightful handling and phenomenal traction." It's designed for dry track use apparently, but then there's the MDM mode for 4WD Sport, aimed at more committed types. By diverting more power to the rear wheels and allowing more slip, BMW says it allows "the enthusiastic driver to send the sedan into a controlled drift."

Then if you're more enthusiastic, the DSC can be turned all the way off. Now this is available in the 4WD and 4WD Sport modes too, but - like the E63 - this is the only way to get the two-wheel drive mode. Call it the hero setting. Or the YouTube notoriety setting. With BMW on such good form for describing these settings, the view on 2WD is that offers "a pure form of driving enjoyment that captivates in its own unique way." By doing gigantic powerslides, one assumes. God bless you Active M Differential.

Well of course we're using lots of drift shots

The 4WD and DSC settings can be included in the M1 and M2 buttons, presumably along with the gearbox, steering, powertrain and damper configurations. While there isn't a power figure confirmed yet, the next M5 will use an evolution of the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 used in the previous model - the turbos and exhaust are new, with higher injection pressure too. The gearbox is an eight-speed automatic.

What else do you need to know for now? Well BMW says this M5 is lighter than the outgoing one, the head-up display is 70 per cent larger than before and the gearbox allow multiple downshifts if you're in an especially racy mood. Finally, BMW says the 0-62 and 0-124mph times "leave its predecessor trailing in its wake". Bear in mind the old car did the latter sprint in 13 seconds...

Plenty to be excited by with this latest M5 then, it would seem. Expect more information to be forthcoming as the full debut approaches, and hopefully some undisguised pics too - stay tuned!

[sidesauce]

I reckon this new car will be a monster but to be fair, BMW had to step up to Mercedes with the E63.

On another note, I really like the design of the new wheels!

[Guvernator]

Let's hope the revisions to the engine give this car a much needed injection of excitement. The predecessor was crushingly effective but beyond it's ability to do warp speed easily, it really was quite dull. BMW seem to have lost the knack of making exciting engines lately so let's hope this is a return to form.

[culpz]

sidesauce said:

I reckon this new car will be a monster but to be fair, BMW had to step up to Mercedes with the E63.

On another note, I really like the design of the new wheels!

Definitely! The new E63 is an absolute monster by the looks of it. I still think BMW are going to struggle to make the V8 sound as good as the Merc's and they do need to revamp the interior in my eyes.

I do hope that i'm proven wrong though.

[Cotic]

Guvernator said:

Let's hope the revisions to the engine give this car a much needed injection of excitement. The predecessor was crushingly effective but beyond it's ability to do warp speed easily, it really was quite dull. BMW seem to have lost the knack of making exciting engines lately so let's hope this is a return to form.

Quite agree. The same goes for the RS6; awesome performance, but like driving a PS4 game. I really hope that all the new 4WD systems and electronic aids don't dull the experience even further. If Jag ever get round to SVR-ing the XF then that could be more fun, although I suspect it would struggle to match the numbers achievable by the BMW and Audi.

[Melman Giraffe]

Yawn - looks like a BMW nothing new

[Yipper]

Good to see AWD added, so the car is not spinning its wheels like Road Runner at the first sign of drizzle. Prices new are going to be overpriced, but will probably be a great 2nd-hand buy in a few years after hefty depreciation. If they can get the 2-year leasing price under £750 a month, that would make it a good new rental.

[GT119]

I have been driving various M cars for 20 years now.
Why am thinking that, as of next year, for similar money I can buy a car like Jaguar's I-pace and not miss out on anything that the new M5 will offer, at least for UK driving.
Please convince me I'm wrong.

[bertie]

Is this the first time the M5 has been available with 4wd?

I had a vague recollection it had been available with 4wd in LHD markets before or am I getting confused with AMG?

[Twoshoe]

bertie said:

Is this the first time the M5 has been available with 4wd?

I had a vague recollection it had been available with 4wd in LHD markets before or am I getting confused with AMG?

Almost certain it's the first M5 with 4wd.

[Shaoxter]

DELETED: Comment made by a member who's account has been deleted.

Indeed.
Which kind of makes you wonder why the previous one was so bloated.

[rare6499]

Some of the other reports of early drives have noted how the sound is still 'amplified' through the cars sound system, and that it doesn't sound anywhere near as good as the AMG V8. Which is what I thought it might be. Bit disappointing.

Performance will no doubt be amazing, but part of me misses the days when you got in a car like this and just drive it. You didn't have to select which wheels were driven, whether the traction control was on and to what extent...times change I guess.

[Krikkit]

This car got a very positive write-up in Evo this month, sounds like they've gone for a nicely rear-biased 4WD setup so that it doesn't feel too perverted.

[Debaser]

I think it's a shame they went 4WD, but I can see why a lot of people like it.

[Adz The Rat]

Melman Giraffe said:

Yawn - looks like a BMW nothing new

Hmmmm, what did you expect it to look like?

[Bladedancer]

Is there going to be an estate version?

[cuda]

Too many modes - see earlier article on Toyota GT86...

https://www.pistonheads.com/features/ph-features/t...

[cuda]

Krikkit said:

This car got a very positive write-up in Evo this month, sounds like they've gone for a nicely rear-biased 4WD setup so that it doesn't feel too perverted.

I wonder what zee Germans paid Evo to write that...

[cuda]

GT119 said:

I have been driving various M cars for 20 years now.
Why am thinking that, as of next year, for similar money I can buy a car like Jaguar's I-pace and not miss out on anything that the new M5 will offer, at least for UK driving.
Please convince me I'm wrong.

Agree - you'd have more fun in an E39 '5...

[pSyCoSiS]

rare6499 said:

Performance will no doubt be amazing, but part of me misses the days when you got in a car like this and just drive it. You didn't have to select which wheels were driven, whether the traction control was on and to what extent...times change I guess.

You want the E39 M5 then - the last M5 which was 'simple'. Get in, traction off, foot down, go.

Yes there is an M button, but no gearbox settings or driver modes - you and your left foot are the driver mode!

[edo]

Having got the current one, having 4wd makes a lot of sense.