New BMW M5
BMW is sparing no expense when launching its new M5, the seventh car in the series and the first with a hybrid engine.
The famous 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 is still in place, but in the new M5 it is joined by a powerful electric motor integrated into the 8-speed automatic gearbox. The package is consistent with the one we know from the XM Anniversary model, which was launched to mark BMW M's 50th anniversary last year.
The V8 alone produces 585bhp, and when you add the 197bhp electric motor, you end up with a massive power package of 727bhp and a peak torque of 1,000Nm which is on the wide range. Which is not far off from the performance of the new Bentley Continental GT.
Benefits of sports cars
Celebrating the 50th anniversary with a muscle SUV
When converted to performance, that means accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, hitting 200 km/h after 10.9 seconds on your way to the usual top speed of 250 km/h… if you don't spend a lot of money on a package car M Drivers Pack, which raises the top speed to 305 km/h.
The hybrid package naturally includes a weight handicap of around 500kg, but according to BMW M, this is made up for by the extra performance. The battery pack has a capacity of 18.6 kW providing an all-electric range of 67-69 km and can be charged with up to 7.4 kW from your charging box at home.
In total, the new M5 weighs 2,510 kg including driver (EU) and has a payload capacity of 505 kg. At 510 x 197 x 151 centimeters over a wheelbase of just over three metres, it's larger than its predecessor.
Fat rims
A sophisticated chassis with adaptive dampers is standard. Standard wheel setups are 20 inches with 285/40 front and 21 inches with 295/35 rear. Stopping characteristics are taken care of by 16.1-inch discs with 6-pot calipers up front and 15.7-inch discs at the rear.
Like the previous generation, the new M5 has an advanced all-wheel drive system, now in a lighter and more efficient solution. Most of the power is sent to the rear wheels, more so if you select the sporty all-wheel drive mode. Of course you can also opt for completely rear-wheel drive, but then you can't turn off the electronic support wheels.
Great details
A number of details – many of them made of clear-coated carbon fiber – set the M5 apart from the regular Five, such as a front splitter, larger air intakes, a discreet rear spoiler, and – not quite so subtle – a diffuser and two twin-pipe exhausts with Lots of growling.
The interior also features unique M5 details, such as graphics on the digital instrument panel, head-up display, ambient lighting and various decorative details. A luxurious Bowers & Wilkins audio system with 18 speakers is also included in the package.
The new BMW M5 will make its official debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in two weeks, while the international launch will take place in November. Meanwhile, an M5 Touring is also offered if you need a better excuse for your next family car.
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