The arrival of the new BMW M5 and BMW M5 Competition sees the high-performance sedans from BMW M GmbH returning to the stage in even sharper form. With its stylistic fine-tuning, an operating concept honed to good effect and a central display enlarged to 12.3 inches, the new BMW M5 is a more compelling proposition than ever. Featuring new shock absorbers from the BMW M8 Gran Coupé and a retuned chassis, the immensely powerful and dynamic BMW M5 Competition offers even better driveability and handling at the limit, combined with superior comfort levels. As a result, the BMW M5 and BMW M5 Competition blend a business sedan's unruffled everyday usability with unbeatable highperformance sports car dynamics to alluring effect.
Like the other models in the BMW 5 Series line-up, the new BMW M5 and BMW M5 Competition both sport an updated, new-look BMW kidney grille. The LED headlights and LED rear lights also have a sharper appearance, while the front apron - with its large air intakes - and the rear apron have been sculpted to even more dramatic effect. Inside the cabin, the larger central touchscreen display immediately catches the eye. The straightforward method of individually configuring and selecting various driving modes via two buttons in the centre console has been adopted from the BMW M8.
In the BMW M5, the 4.4-litre V8 engine with BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology generates 441 kW/600 hp, while in the BMW M5 Competition the high-revving unit produces 460 kW/625 hp. Credit for negotiating the dynamic tightrope between full everyday usability on the one hand and driving pleasure and exceptional track performance on the other goes to the M xDrive system and its centralised intelligent control approach for the Active M Differential. As an alternative to variable all-wheel-drive mode (4WD) with its rear-biased baseline setup, handling characteristics can be altered by varying degrees up to 2WD mode. This pure rear-wheel drive setting without DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) treats accomplished drivers to completely unadulterated driving pleasure.
Design
A number of judicious styling tweaks give the new BMW M5 and BMW M5 Competition an even more arresting appearance. The newly designed, larger BMW kidney grille and modified aprons at the front and rear add to the powerful, sporty aura surrounding the two high-performance sedans. A host of BMW M-specific design features clearly distinguish the highly dynamic duo from other BMW 5 Series models. The bonnet hewn from aluminium, the front side panels with the signature M gills and the roof made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) create a striking, sculptural look while also producing substantial weight savings.
The engine
The heartbeat of the BMW M5 and BMW M5 Competition is provided by a 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. The eight-cylinder unit goes about its business in racing-car-derived, high-revving style, which means with imposing muscularity and supreme power delivery. In the BMW M5, the engine develops maximum output of 441 kW/600 hp at 6,000 rpm. Peak torque of 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) arrives as low down as 1,800 rpm and is sustained at this elevated level all the way to 5,600 rpm. Meanwhile, in the BMW M5 Competition, detail improvements raise maximum output to 460 kW/625 hp at 6,000 rpm. Peak torque (likewise 750 Nm [553 lb-ft]) is on tap between 1,800 and 5,860 rpm - 260 rpm higher than in the BMW M5. The characteristics of the V8 can be altered at the touch of a button from the basic EFFICIENT mode to SPORT and SPORT+, the latter two further quickening the engine's response to movements of the accelerator. The BMW M5 sprints from 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.4 seconds, putting it firmly into super-sports car territory. And it only requires 11.1 seconds to power to 200 km/h (124 mph) from rest. The BMW M5 Competition completes both tasks a fraction more quickly: 100 km/h (62 mph) is up in 3.3 seconds, 200 km/h (124 mph) in 10.8 seconds. The top speed of the BMW M5 and BMW M5 Competition is 250 km/h (155 mph) - or 305 km/h (189 mph) with the optional M Driver's Package specified.
0 Comments