2012 BMW M5: First Look

Jay Williams - 03/February/2010

Munich, Germany - Recent images have emerged of the 2012 BMW M5, which means the German car maker will not be far off from releasing details of its flagship model. The M5 has always been more of a luxury supersaloon when compared to its race inspired sibling the M3.

But this time around a more defined and aggressive front bumper, extended side skirts and four exhaust pipes, along with lightweight wheels and a quarter-panel badging - all contribute to the edgy looks of the M5.

Sources have confirmed that BMW will use a direct-injection twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 engine that will replace the current models naturally aspirated V10 engine, but an official power output is still to be confirmed. 

Rumour has it that the 2012 M5 will use an uprated version of the V8 unit found in the X6M and X5M. Also, a dual-clutch seven-speed transmission will replace the SMG manual gear box.

Even though the new engine has been down sized it will, in fact, produce more power – at around 425kW – but emit less CO2. We expect a 0-100km/h sprint time of less than 4.5 seconds and a top speed limited to 250km/h.

BMW are yet to confirm an official release date, but we expect the M5 go on sale in 2011.

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