- BMW releases the first official images and a few details on the fourth-generation M5 sedan, which makes its public debut later this month at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show.
- BMW confirms the new M5 will get a twin-turbo V8 that will provide "significantly increased" performance and fuel efficiency.
- The engine will be mated to a seven-speed M dual-clutch gearbox with Drivelogic.
MUNICH, Germany — After teasing loyalists for weeks, BMW has relented and released the first official images — and just a few details — on the fourth-generation M5 sedan, two weeks ahead of the car's public debut at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show.
BMW confirms the new M5, which is expected to arrive this fall in the U.S. as a 2012 model, will get a twin-turbocharged V8 in place of the normally aspirated V10 that powered the 2010 M5. The 2010 model, which was priced from $86,575, was rated at 500 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque.
The 2012 M5 is expected to get a slightly enhanced version of the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 in the 2011 X5 M and 2012 X6 M, which is rated at 555 hp and 500 lb-ft. In the new 2012 M5 sedan, the same engine is expected to deliver around 580 hp and 530 lb-ft.
BMW said the V8 in the new M5 will be mated to a seven-speed M dual-clutch transmission with Drivelogic. It did not provide performance specifications, but European press reports have speculated the car will sprint from zero to 60 in less than 4.4 seconds, with top speed electronically limited (in some markets) to 155 mph.
BMW also said the new V8 will be fitted with an automatic stop-start function that will help trim fuel consumption and emissions by 25 percent or more.
The 2012 M5 gets a tuned and lowered M suspension and M-specific steering, as well as unique 20-inch forged alloy wheels shod with 265/35ZR20 tires. The car also features a new Active M rear differential with variable torque split.
Painted Chrome Shadow, the Concept M5 is a four-seater — the production model will have accommodations for five — that BMW describes as a "near-series concept car," meaning it is virtually production-ready.
Design cues include a unique front apron with three large air intakes and a distinctive rear apron with integral diffuser that shrouds twin tailpipes on either side. Other subtle touches include a modest deck-lid spoiler, flared wheel arches and a pair of chrome gills in the front fenders with the M logo.
Inside Line says: The usual high level of specification, along with the typically discreet M visual treatment, should ensure an intense level of interest, particularly among longtime fans of BMW's M-cars. But will well-heeled Chinese customers be just as enthused as their counterparts in Europe and the States? — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
smallfield says:
08:28 PM, 04/08/2011
"@smallfield
It's not about faster shifts, it's about the process. If folllow your route, what's next autopilot?"
Autopilot isn't all that bad to start. Riding in a race prepped M3 with a good driver around a road course is pretty awesome. But I see the point.
I've never owned an automatic car (my wife either). After driving the DCT on a tight Auto-X course I see the advantage.
It isn't autopilot, on the track you to minimize shifts to get faster. If you have a DCT it almost negates the shift consequence. I just like it on the M3 with the fast/high revs. I still prefer the stick around town because of the process, but track the DCT is too good not to use.
Also, it's not like there is not computer assistance in the M3 with the 6 speed. Even with DSC off the active diff and brakes are computer modulated.
theinsurgent says:
03:44 PM, 04/06/2011
Going to be a great car for those who can afford the privlidge.
Not so sure about the GTR comparison...that's like comparing the Ford SHO to the 370Z. Very different cars...very different buyers...very different market and strategy.
tempesting says:
05:04 PM, 04/05/2011
Looks super menacing like CTS-V. that's not a bad thing though. I like it.
shogunwars says:
10:35 AM, 04/05/2011
Grover stated:
"The M5 goes fast, but it's claim to fame was never only about how fast it could accelerate or how much g force it could produce on the skid pad. There were always cars that could do both of those things better. But, BMW put it into a comfortable daily driver that seats 5 and is reliable year round."
This is starting to get ridiculous and i feel like i'm trying to reason with my ex wife. The M division from BMW is all about performance. This is the M division's lineage, their definement, their heritage. WTF are you saying? That the M division is all about performance, comfort, and style? A sports sedan? What planet are you from? Why is there always that one 8 ball trying to reinvent the wheel? Trying to redefine something so that it fits in with their own ideologies?
Ok. So I may have been brutal when it comes to BMW. But i'm serious when it comes to the M division being watered down.
I AM willing to bet that it will beat the CTS V around the ring this time, but not by much. And I AM positive nothing from BMW can match the GTR's price tag AND beat IT's new 7:24 sec lap time around the ring as well. Thats why there's DTM racing. German cars only. While Super GT invites all makes and models from every country. Last time I checked, Super GT was dominated by the GTR, HSV, and SC430. Can't really remember the last time a German, Italian, or an American car winning a single race at all, if i'm not mistaken.
Pound for pound, you can't deny the GTR's industry benchmark performance in any class any where, at any time, for the price you pay. LOL. Nissan engineers have proved they're better no matter how much denial you have. Facts are inexplicably, facts and there's absolutely nothing you or your girlfriend Compressor can say or do about it. Nothing.
Put it this way. There will be alot of other fast cars coming out in the near future, and guess what, everyone of their performance levels will now be compared to the M5? ...Hell no. They'll be compared to the GTR as shown time and time again on YOUTUBE. But then the only way you wouldn't know that is because you've been living under a rock and playing way too much warcraft in your spare time. My suggestion is to get out and buy yourselves a fancy new dress. It'll help cheer you girls up after you read this post.
higcorners says:
08:42 AM, 04/05/2011
@smallfield
It's not about faster shifts, it's about the process. If folllow your route, what's next autopilot?
grover432 says:
08:33 AM, 04/05/2011
Shogunwars,
I'm not an "exclusive" BMW lover, although I've owned several cars over the years and enjoyed them all. I've also owned and/or driven other luxury performance brands. As others have posted, comparing a GTR to a 5 series isn't comparing the same class of car, unless you define the "class" as "who can go the fastest 0 - 60." The M5 goes fast, but it's claim to fame was never only about how fast it could accelerate or how much g force it could produce on the skid pad. There were always cars that could do both of those things better. But, BMW put it into a comfortable daily driver that seats 5 and is reliable year round.
The Cadillac just doesn't do it for me (others love it) and while the M5 isn't here yet, a test drive in a 550i confirmed in my mind a beautiful and comfortable interior and an excellent performer for 95% of the people who will own these cars. Is it as edgy as the last car? No, but I think it will ultimately be adjusted to meet the broadest audience in the marketplace. No doubt there are some steering issue to work out, but the car is an excellent first year effort.
So go ahead and dump on the M5. It isn't a high volume car and the people that own them don't buy them because they'd rather have a Cadillac or a GTR.
smallfield says:
08:27 AM, 04/05/2011
I like how subtle it looks. Like a M5 should.
Why the concern for the 6 speed over DCT. Go to the M school and drive the M3 DCT v. the 6 speed. DCT is faster. With the fast rev-unrev of the M3 heel-toe downshifts aren't all that easy. Even in the best hands the 6 speed is slower then DCT.
The current M5 is clunky at parking lot speeds from the automated manual which I wouldn't own. That isn't a DCT though. To me the current system feels like you're teaching someone to drive stick ALL THE TIME.
I'm worried it'll be too fat - please keep less than 4000 lbs.
bestjinjo says:
06:47 AM, 04/05/2011
Just the other day I saw a black F10 550. Meh. Bland and boring. This new M5 is just like a 550 with a sports package. Not aggressive enough. I actually liked the E60 design better.
In fact, if you just grab a base model and add the M Sports package, it will almost look like this M5:
http://www.rpmgo.com/2011-bmw-5-series-m-sport-package-leaked-once-more
The other major problem with the M5 has always been depreciation. The car drops like a rock. I think I would rather prefer the CLS63 AMG.
saunupe1911 says:
06:40 AM, 04/05/2011
sportyaccordy,
I was thinking the same thing yesterday. This thing may be AWD so it can put the power down. I came to that thought because every M5 has had massively wide rear tires and this once doesn't. I have a feeling this M5 won't need the extra grip in the rear.
ziggerman says:
05:44 AM, 04/05/2011
I am sure this M5 will be an amazing machine but the styling is just sub-par. No guts, no theme, no spirit.
BMW needs to hire a new chief designer. Maybe get the Audi guy back from Kia? Maybe he's sick of sushi and wouldn't mind some good old Weisswurst?? :)