Munich. The new BMW M5 (fuel consumption combined:
10.5 l/100 km [26.9 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 241 g/km) is the
most exciting and emotionally enthralling high-performance sedan from
this model range ever released by BMW M. The sixth generation of this
fantastically sporty machine will be launched in 2017 complete with
the M xDrive system, whose all-wheel-drive technology enables the
business sedan’s dynamic prowess to be experienced in even greater
depth. Quite apart from its notably enhanced performance, the new BMW
M5 also boasts far greater everyday practicality and supreme poise. It
therefore constitutes another evolutionary step in every respect for
an exceedingly successful vehicle concept that first emerged in 1984
with the launch of the original BMW M5.
A superior drivetrain: M xDrive.
High-performance driving dynamics on the one hand paired with the
everyday practicality and qualities of a business sedan on the other:
this neatly sums up M’s traditional approach to model development –
one which strives to harmonise individual drive components into a
flawless whole.
“The core component of M xDrive is a central intelligence unit with
M-specific software delivering integrated control of longitudinal and
lateral dynamics. The new drivetrain technology – making its debut on
the new BMW M5 – therefore combines all of the agility and precision
of standard rear-wheel drive with the supreme poise and traction of
the all-wheel-drive system,” explains Frank van Meel, Chairman of the
Board of Management of BMW M GmbH. “As a result, the new BMW M5 can be
piloted with the familiar blend of sportiness and unerring accuracy on
both the race track and the open road – and in various weather
conditions, too.”
The M xDrive system enables a wonderfully fleet-footed rear-biased
set-up by only bringing the front wheels into play when the rear
wheels aren’t able to transmit any more power to the road and
additional tractive force is required. Even when it is being driven in
a particularly sporty manner and unleashing high levels of power, the
new BMW M5 with M xDrive behaves predictably and can be controlled
with ease by the driver, paving the way for an even richer experience
of the business sedan’s extraordinary performance capabilities.
The driver can choose from five different configurations based on
combinations of the DSC modes (DSC on, MDM, DSC off) and M xDrive
modes (4WD, 4WD Sport, 2WD).
The configurations allow the drive system’s characteristics to be
tailored to both the driver’s personal preferences and the nature of
the journey. Purists can opt for classical rear-wheel drive by
completely deactivating the all-wheel-drive system.
All in all, the new drive system engenders class-beating handling
dynamics accompanied by unrestricted everyday usability. This is made
possible by a central intelligence unit with M-specific software for
integrated control of longitudinal and lateral dynamics. The result is
optimum performance in each of the different configurations. With the
advent of M xDrive, the engineers have succeeded in fusing the
classical qualities of standard rear-wheel drive with the benefits of
the sports-focused BMW xDrive.
This all adds up to a sense of dynamic flair that astounds even
seasoned DTM drivers: “I’m a big M5 fan,” explains BMW works driver
Timo Glock, for example. “I often drive long distances and I need
plenty of room for my family, but I wouldn’t wish to give up the
chance to explore the car’s sporting character. With M xDrive, not
only can the new BMW M5 be steered with the usual precision and
agility, it also offers me something I really appreciate, living in
Switzerland: a noticeable boost to traction and controllability – even
when driving in particular environmental conditions, such as wet
weather and snow, and in both everyday driving situations and when
pushing the car to its performance limits.”
Sportiness and smoothness: eight-speed M Steptronic
transmission with Drivelogic.
In the new BMW M5 the task of relaying the engine’s power falls to an
extremely slick eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic.
Thanks to its incredibly short shift times and optimal ratio spacing,
the transmission combines with the new M xDrive system and the further
improved turbocharged V8 engine to form a perfectly orchestrated whole.
In addition, the transmission offers impressively smooth start-off
characteristics, makes manoeuvring easier and has a wide ratio spread
that helps to keep fuel consumption low. The driver has the usual
choice of three shift programs, as well as the option of changing gear
manually using shift paddles on the steering wheel and even performing
sporty multiple downshifts. The eight-speed M Steptronic forms part of
a new, finely honed overall package that turns the BMW M5 into a
high-performance sedan offering genuine everyday practicality, and
also resolves the apparent contradiction between sportiness and comfort.
More powerful and more efficient: the newly improved
turbocharged V8 engine.
Lurking under the bonnet of the new BMW M5 is the latest version of
the 4.4‑litre V8 engine featuring M TwinPower Turbo technology. The
further improved high-revving engine outperforms its predecessor in
terms of power output and torque. The enhancements implemented by the
engineers include higher injection pressure, new turbochargers, more
powerful lubrication and cooling systems, plus a modified, lighter
exhaust system, which generates an even clearer rendition of the
unmistakable M soundtrack. Thus equipped, the V8 propels the sedan to
still greater feats of dynamic performance. However, it is the
combination of engine, M xDrive and eight-speed M Steptronic, even
more than the upgrading of engine’s technical specifications, that
really sharpens the high-performance character of the new BMW M5; it
takes the dynamic driving experience to a far higher level than the
relatively moderate increase in power alone would allow.
Hardware and software with an M-specific set-up.
The principal hardware components of M xDrive are based on those of
the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system and the Active M
Differential, while the M-specific driving dynamics control software
ensures innovative deployment. The drivetrain has been reinforced for
greater rigidity and strength to factor in the high torque,
rear-biased configuration and 2WD option. While the transfer case
splits a portion of the engine’s drive between the front and rear
wheels in a smoothly adjustable ratio (depending on requirements), the
Active M Differential is responsible for then distributing the drive
between the rear wheels. This active control element is part of the M
xDrive system’s functionality and its locking effect can be varied
between zero and 100 per cent, as the situation demands. This ensures
enhanced traction, agility and handling stability when the car is
being driven in a very sporty manner or on roads with differing levels
of grip – i.e. exactly when it is needed. Since M xDrive includes
M-specific dynamics control capability, stabilising interventions from
the DSC system are only required in extreme situations. And so the
engine’s huge power can be converted into propulsive force with
virtually zero losses. The upshot of all this is that the new BMW M5
can be guided with even greater precision and directional accuracy,
responds sensitively and directly to the driver’s inputs and thus
requires few steering corrections when driving at the limit.
À la carte handling dynamics: 4WD, 4WD Sport or 2WD.
Every time the engine is started, the BMW M5 defaults to 4WD mode
with DSC on. Even in this basic configuration, which initially allows
a certain amount of slip at the rear wheels to produce the agility for
which M models are renowned, M xDrive offers tangible benefits in
situations such as accelerating out of bends. The sedan completes the
0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) or 200 km/h (124 mph) sprints in the sort of
times that leave its predecessor trailing in its wake and will make
fans of sporty driving everywhere instantly prick up their ears.
Drivers with an even greater thirst for sporty action can tap into
the car’s full performance potential by engaging a second
configuration: M Dynamic Mode (MDM) with the M xDrive system’s 4WD
Sport mode has been configured for ultra-sporty and dynamic handling.
As a result, the new BMW M5 becomes far more agile than in the
standard configuration and channels even more drive to the rear
wheels. At the same time, MDM permits far greater wheel slip, allowing
the enthusiastic driver to send the sedan into a controlled drift and
experience the remarkable agility of the new BMW M5 – a familiar trait
of M models – to the full. The onset of oversteer is telegraphed in
good time while the linear increase of sideslip angle makes it easily
controllable, particularly as MDM aids stability at the limits of performance.
With DSC deactivated, there is a choice of three modes (4WD, 4WD
Sport and 2WD). In 4WD mode, M xDrive has a neutral set-up that lends
itself to optimum controllability and outstanding traction. This is of
particular benefit on roads that are in mediocre or poor condition. At
the same time, 4WD mode also lets the driver explore the dynamic
performance capabilities of the new BMW M5 with the DSC control system deactivated.
Engaging 4WD Sport mode alters the M xDrive configuration for even
greater agility and sportiness. The blend of absolute precision,
delightful handling and phenomenal traction it reveals is a sure-fire
route to supreme driving pleasure. 4WD Sport mode’s set-up has been
fine-tuned with the assistance of highly experienced specialists and
is geared towards track use in dry conditions.
With 2WD mode activated, the new BMW M5 offers the keen driver the
experience of driving a high-performance sedan with rear-wheel drive
only, delivering a pure form of driving enjoyment that captivates in
its own unique way. The combination of incredibly agile handling,
terrific feel and exceptional controllability can be attributed to the Active M Differential.
The display and control concept.
The driver-focused cockpit of the new BMW M5 now has an even clearer
layout courtesy of the lowered instrument panel with freestanding
Control Display. The M-style instrument cluster featuring two
classical circular dials and red needles also accommodates an
additional digital speedometer on the left-hand side, while the rev
counter on the right includes a variable rpm pre-warning field and
sporty shift lights when the Head-Up Display is switched on. In the
centre of the instrument cluster, the driver will find the readouts
for the gear selection, Drivelogic shift program, M xDrive mode and
M1/M2 set-up, plus the drive and suspension settings currently
engaged. When the Head-Up Display is activated, key information can be
projected onto the windscreen so it appears in the driver’s immediate
field of view. The graphics of the M view option developed for dynamic
driving have been completely revised and M view now also allows
navigation information to be displayed, if desired. The projection
area of the Head-Up Display in the new BMW M5 has increased in size by
around 70 per cent.
On top of the redesigned gear selector can be found the
three-position rocker switch for selecting the Drivelogic shift
programs. The P button below it for the parking lock is also within
easy reach. In typical M fashion, the gears of the new eight-speed M
Steptronic transmission can be changed using both the selector lever
and the shift paddles on the steering wheel, while drivers can also
opt for the automated D mode. In the manual S mode, meanwhile, the M
Steptronic allows multiple downshifts, resulting in a significant
reduction in shift times when performing sporty driving manoeuvres,
such as braking hard into corners.
As on the outgoing model, the M sports steering wheel includes two
individually configurable M Drive buttons (M1, M2) that allow the
driver to retrieve a previously stored set-up. The buttons have been
completely redesigned and are prominently located. This ensures they
are even easier to reach and, in customary M style, offer excellent
speed of use. As well as the M xDrive mode and the Drivelogic shift
program, the engine and damper mapping, Servotronic steering
characteristics and readouts in the Head-Up Display can also be
memorised. The desired settings can be stored via the iDrive menu. An
icon in the instrument cluster indicates to the driver when a stored
M1/M2 set-up is activated.
A short press of the DSC button in the centre console activates M
Dynamic Mode (MDM) and a long press engages DSC off mode. When DSC off
mode is activated, the M xDrive settings menu appears in the Control
Display at the same time. Plus, it is now possible to select 4WD, 4WD
Sport or 2WD mode using either the iDrive Controller or the
touchscreen function. The mode activated is displayed in the
instrument cluster and can also be saved as part of an M Drive set-up…