BMW has officially unveiled the 2018 M5, ahead of
its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. Starting with the engine, the
car is powered by a 4.4-liter M TwinPower Turbo V8 that produces 600 PS and 750 Nm of torque.
It is connected to an eight-speed
automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system which enables the sedan to
accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 11.1 seconds. The standard model has a limited top speed of 250 km/h but that can be increased to 305 km/h when the car is equipped
with the optional M Driver’s Package.
The biggest change is the addition of M xDrive which
BMW claims is the "most emotionally engaging all-wheel-drive system"
in the high-performance segment. The system is paired with an Active M
Differential and offers an assortment of setting including traditional
rear-wheel drive.
On the styling front, the M5 is distinguished by an
aggressive front bumper which features large air intakes and an angular design.
There's also aerodynamic mirrors, a sculpted aluminum hood, and a carbon
fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof. Other highlights include a four-tailpipe
sports exhaust system and a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser.
The M5 comes standard with 19-inch polished wheels
that feature an Orbit Grey finish and M-specific tires. They are backed up by a
high-performance braking system with blue-painted six-piston calipers up front
and single-piston floating calipers in the rear. Customers can also order
20-inch wheels and M carbon ceramic brakes which reduce the car's weight by 23
kg.
The interior comes nicely equipped with an M sport
steering wheel, Merino leather sport seats, and exclusive aluminum trim. A
variety of different options will be available including newly developed M
multifunction seats which look incredible and promise to offer even better
lateral support.
While many purists worried the addition of all-wheel
drive would cause the car to be heavier than its predecessor, BMW proudly notes
this isn't the case. Instead, the car tips the scales at 1,855 kg which is significantly less than the outgoing model. The BMW M5 will be
available to order in September and German pricing starts at € 117,900.
Early customers will have option of ordering the M5
First Edition which features a Frozen Dark Red Metallic exterior with shadow
line trim, gloss black accents, and black 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels. The
interior gets a modest makeover that includes piano black trim, M multifunction
seats, and an individually-numbered plaque. Production is limited to 400 units
and the model will cost an additional € 19,500. The first deliveries are slated
to occur next spring.