BMW's Weapon of Mass Acceleration: M5

By Motoring Channel Staff - 22/02/2005

BMW Group Australia has announced pricing and specification of the eagerly awaited E60 generation M5.

The V10-powered 5.0-litre super sport sedan comes not only with a toned and tuned chassis, understated yet aggressive body kit and ultra-desirable 19-inch light alloys wheels, but it is equipped with the latest incarnation of the BMW Head-Up Display system, reworked for the specific high-performance requirement of the M5.

Deliveries to Australia are expected to commence early in the third quarter of 2005, potentially before August.

The M5 will be priced from $226,000, reflecting its combination of high performance driving and a strictly limited supply.

"The new M5 will deliver uncompromised driving thrills," said John Kananghinis of BMW Group Australia.

"From its motorsport inspired, aggressive frontal styling to the silvered tips of its large diameter tailpipes, the M5 is all about hyper-performance," enthused Kananghinis.

"It is presented in typical M style, with comfortable body-hugging sports seats, eye-catching light alloy wheels, not to mention the unmistakable growl of the Formula 1-inspired V10 engine.

"It's the ultimate ultimate driving machine," quipped Kananghinis, in reference to BMW's ad branding in Australia.

Production of the BMW M5 commenced 20 years ago with the first 5 Series to wear the M5 badge being the E28 of 1985.

Back in the mid 80s it produced 210kW from its straight 6-cylinder engine, for a top speed of 245km/h – the fastest sedan of its time.

Powered by a 250kW 6-cylinder engine, the E34 M5 arrived in 1988 with an extra 40 kilowatts of power, which was then replaced by the E39 M5 in 1999, which adopted V8 power for the first time, delivering an awesome 294kW of power.

Now we have the fourth generation E60 BMW M5, which generates an almighty 373kW - up 79kW on its predecessor - from its naturally aspirated V10 engine.

The M5's bedplate engine block design has its roots firmly in motorsport, as does its magnesium-alloy composite construction, and thanks to advanced engineering, state-of-the-art metallurgy and super-intelligent engine management the M5 V10 engine powers its way to an 8250rpm redline, delivering 520Nm of torque from 6100rpm.

The engine and relatively modest 1755kg body weight allow the M5 to accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds.

Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h, though BMW quotes the 'theoretical' top speed "in excess of 300 km/h", despite the fact that the company denies drivers access to its 'real' top speed if they want to drive that fast. A safety issue or just poor marketing?

The M5 has supercar-like performance figures, but with top speed such a crucial feature in determining bragging rights in such company (where a standard $60,000 Holden Monaro can eclipse the M5's top speed), BMW may need to rethink this strategy on its upper echelon models.

The M5 drives through an all-new 7-speed SMG III Drivelogic sequential manual multi-mode gearbox, controlled through a choice of 11 shift programmes.

The super fast-shifting gearbox is 20 percent quicker than its predecessor (SMG II, from the M3) can be tailored by the driver to provide F1-style track-mode getaways or more refined and relaxed starts to cope with town traffic.

The M5 runs the full range of 'M' high performance driver aids, from M Dynamic mode (increased slip in the Dynamic Stability Control System), Electronic Damper Control (driver switchable), M Power mode, which restricts the engine to around 300kW at start up, M Differential lock, and MDrive, which allows the driver to configure the most aggressive and responsive settings for gearbox, chassis, and throttle.

The driver-oriented Head-Up Display system adds M-specific information such as revs, shift light function, SMG gear engagement and road speed.

The high level of standard specification comprises full Merino leather trim for the upholstery and door and dash trims, coloured to match or contrast with the exterior paint, Alcantara headlining, alarm system, climate comfort glazing, rear and side sun blinds and Park Distance Control.

Adaptive headlights with xenon headlamps are also included, as is voice recognition, M sport seats (with adaptive seat width adjustment), eight airbags, professional navigation, TV tuner, Bluetooth compatible communications and a LOGIC7 studio quality high fidelity stereo.

The Australian-spec M5 will come in a range of colours including M exclusive shades such as Sepang bronze, Interlagos blue, Indianapolis red and Silverstone (silver). There are even a number of no cost options such as a discrete boot lid spoiler, aluminium shadow trim, and fine wood trim in a variety of finishes. Anti-burglar protective glazing is also offered.