The latest iteration of the BMW M5 Sedan – a model renowned for seamlessly combining supercar-rivalling pace, cruising ability and luxury appointments – will launch in New Zealand in Q4 this year.
The M5 is one of Drivelife’s all-time favourite cars, and the car, now in its seventh generation, brings notable firsts to the nameplate and is set to redefine performance and capability in the segment- says BMW. A headline element is its drivetrain – the first in the M5’s 40-year history to be electrified.
A model-specific M HYBRID system, derived from the BMW M Hybrid World Endurance Championship (WEC) racecar, delivers thundering power and torque figures of 535kW (727hp) and 1000Nm.
The 4.4-litre M TwinPower Turbo V8 develops 430kW and 750Nm while also being capable of spinning to 7,200rpm. The maximum output of the electric motor – integrated in the transmission – is 145kW with nominal torque of 280Nm, though a pre-gearing stage enables effective torque at the transmission input to be increased to 450Nm.
The combination of the petrol and electric drive units – in addition to power transfer courtesy of an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, M xDrive all-wheel-drive and electronically controlled Active M Differential – unlocks storming performance, claims BMW.
The new M5 can accelerate from rest to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds, while New Zealand-delivered models will achieve a top speed of 305km/h due to the offering of M Driver’s Package as standard equipment.
The sports exhaust system of the new BMW M5 integrates electrically controlled, continuously adjustable flaps to provide a sonorous note that is chanelled through four tailpipes, each measuring 100mm in diameter.
The character and scope of the new BMW M5 goes beyond the thrum of its exhaust note, with its ability to also drive in all-electric mode. The electric motor can propel the BMW M5 to a top speed of 140km/h, while the high-voltage battery that feeds the motor has a usable energy capacity of 18.6kWh. This enables an electric-only driving range of between 67 to 69 kilometres on the WLTP testing cycle. An M-specific electric drive sound provides authentic responses to throttle inputs when the M5 is operating in all-electric mode.
BMW says that chassis dynamics are tuned to engage and to effectively put the ample power of the new BMW M5 to the road. Its set up comprises a double-wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle with bespoke kinematics and elastokinematics. It also has adaptive M suspension with electronically-controlled dampers to apparently optimise the body’s connection to the road.
A distinctive styling package accompanies the power delivery and engaging performance of the new BMW M5. It includes prominent wheel arch and side skirt extensions, a sculptural front apron and model-specific surfacing around the C-pillar, including an embossed ‘M5’ logo on the Hofmeister kink. Twenty- and 21-inch M light alloy wheels with distinctive designs feature on the front and rear axles.
Highlights of the cabin include a newly designed flat-bottomed steering wheel, Merino leather trim, the BMW Interaction Bar and ambient lighting with M-specific interior lighting including Welcome and Goodbye Animation.
A control panel on the centre console houses a model-specific composition of buttons that allow the driver to tailor the driving experience to their needs and preferences. This includes the Setup switch that enables configuration of the drive system, Drivelogic (transmission), chassis, steering, braking and M xDrive. Different M HYBRID modes can also be selected via the centre console.
The new BMW M5 will showcase an array of advanced driver aid systems, including Driving Assistant Professional and Parking Assistant Plus.
All aspects combine to accentuate the multifaceted and vast range of abilities offered by the new BMW M5. Its sense of poise and assurance is backed by considerable reserves of power that can be summoned at any time, claims BMW.
The all-new BMW M5 will break cover at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, with production commencing at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing – where all previous six generation BMW M5s have been built – the same month.
New Zealand pricing for the all-new BMW M5 Sedan will also be announced in July, with customer deliveries beginning in November 2024.
