BMW Unveils Fifth Generation M5

By P. Joseph

Luxury car maker BMW has officially unveiled its new M5, the fifth generation of its popular performance sports saloon.

Boasting a newly-developed high-performance M-series engine, the arrival of the M5 has been highly-anticipated since a pre-production model was showcased earlier this year.

The manufacturer says that the car’s 4.4-litre engine has “typical M car thrust,” with a power rating of 412kW (552hp) from the twin-turbo V8 engine.

It will reach 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds, with an electronically-limited top speed of 305km/h, using a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Despite the speed, the powerful saloon retains impressive consumption figures – 9.9 litres per 100km, some 30 percent less than the previous generation thanks to efficient technology including auto start-stop and brake energy regeneration.

The chassis has also been optimised for performance, with variables altered using two new M Drive buttons on the steering wheel, providing easy access to presets for functions such as the M Servotronic (steering) responses, Drivelogic shift program, DSC (stability control) mode, Dynamic Damper Control and information in the head-up display.

The new BMW M5 will officially launch at next week’s M Festival at the Nürburgring motorsport complex in Nürburg, Germany.

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By P. Joseph