With the first photos of the all-new 2012 M5 making the internet rounds since the early hours of Wednesday morning, BMW decided to lift the embargo and officially present the fifth generation of its high-performance saloon.
As with all previous M5s since the introduction of the first generation model back in 1984, the most important highlight of the car is tucked away behind the double kidney grilles. This time, BMW’s M division opted for a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that replaces the previous M5’s more exotic but less powerful, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 with 507HP.
Borrowed from the X5M and X6M crossovers, the high-revving eight-cylinder unit churns out 560-horses and from 6,000 to 7,000rpm and a peak torque of 680Nm (502 lb-ft) from 1,500 rpm. BMW says it has not only bumped engine output by 10% and maximum torque by 30% over the predecessor model, but it has also cut fuel consumption than 30% to 9.9 lt /100 km (23.8mpg US or 28.5 mpg UK).
The numbers that will most likely catch your attention are a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 4.4 seconds, 0-200km/h (124mph) in 13.0 seconds and a limited top speed of 250km/h (155mph), which can be lifted to 305km/h (190mph) with the optional M Driver’s package.
Power is transferred to the rear axle through a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission Drivelogic and onto the wheels via an electronically controlled multi-plate limited-slip differential.
The new M5 is fitted with an M-specific suspension, a lightweight compound high-performance braking system and an M-tuned Servotronic steering. There’s also an array of electronic goods including the M Drive system that allows drivers to store two individual modes for a range of programmable parameters including the accelerator response, M Servotronic response, Drivelogic shift program, DSC mode, Dynamic Damper Control and information in the Head-Up Display.
Not surprisingly, the new M5’s looks are rather subtle with the most notable features including the beefier front and rear bumpers, side air vents, 19-inch alloy wheels in a bespoke design, a very discreet boot lid spoiler and the quad tail pipes.
The 2012 M5 saloon will receive its world premiere at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show this fall.
Specifications and performance:
BMW M5: V8 petrol engine, M TwinPower Turbo technology with Twin Scroll Twin Turbo, cross-bank exhaust manifold, High Precision Injection direct injection and VALVETRONIC variable valve control.
Displacement: 4,395 cc, output: 412 kW/560 hp at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm,
Max. Torque: 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) at 1,500 – 5,750 rpm.
Acceleration 0 – 100 Km/H (62 Mph): 4.4 seconds,
Acceleration 0 – 200 Km/H (124 Mph): 13.0 seconds,
Top Speed: 250 km/h / 155 mph (305 km/h / 190 mph with M Driver’s Package).
Average Fuel Consumption: 9.9 litres/100 kilometres (28.5 mpg imp),
Co2 Emissions: 232 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5.
