2012 BMW M5 : First Look

Jay Williams - 16/June/2011

Munich, Germany - BMW has official announced its fifth generation of the world’s most successful high-performance saloon, the new BMW M5.

Sitting under the bonnet of the high powered saloon is a high-revving 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo package - consisting of Twin Scroll Twin Turbo technology, cross-bank exhaust manifold, High Precision Injection petrol direct injection and VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control. This setup produces  412kW of power at 6000 - 7000rpm and 680Nm of torque from 1500rpm.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission allowing the new BMW M5 to sprint from 0–100km/h in 4.4 seconds before hitting a top speed of 250km/h or 305km/h with the M Driver's Package. Average fuel consumption in EU test cycle is 9.9litres per 100km.

Handling performance is thanks to an innovative rear axle differential with Active M Differential; electronically controlled multi-plate limited-slip differential enables fully variable distribution of drive between the rear wheels to optimise traction and stability in dynamic lane change manoeuvres and acceleration out of corners; degree of lock can be varied between 0 and 100 per cent according to the situation; fast, precise and pre-emptive responses thanks to constant data cross-checking between the Active M Differential and DSC stability control system, and monitoring of the accelerator pedal position, wheel speed and yaw rate.

Two individually configured set-ups for the car can be called up using the new M Drive buttons on the steering wheel, a range of programmable parameters unique in the segment: accelerator responses, M Servotronic responses, Drivelogic shift program, DSC mode, Dynamic Damper Control and information in the Head-Up Display.

The BMW M5 also has the look to match its power, the front bumper features extremely large air intakes for the engine and brakes, flared wheel arches to emphasise the wide track, hallmark M 'gills' with integrated indicators, aerodynamic rear apron with diffuser between the right and left-hand pair of twin exhaust tailpipes, gurney-style rear spoiler on the boot lid and 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in exclusive double-spoke design.

Inside the interior features a blend of sports and luxury, M-specific instrument cluster in black-panel technology, leather-covered centre console, M sports seats, standard specification also includes: Merino leather upholstery with extended features, exclusive Aluminium Trace interior trim strips, BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite, electrically operated steering column adjustment, four-zone automatic climate control and ambient light.

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