A new BMW M5 has arrived, and as per the script, it packs plug-in hybrid power. But it has also packed on the pounds.
The styling is typically M5 subtle yet also rather muscular with bulging wheel arch extensions, deep side skirts and a ‘sculptural front apron’. The front end adopts the modern angry BMW look.
BMW is full of hyperbolic praise for its new M5 saying its hybrid system and chassis technology give it ‘transverse and longitudinal dynamics unparalleled in this market segment together with its similarly outstanding elasticity, the new BMW M5 takes in performance into a new dimension.
Lots. It combines a 4.4-litre V8 with ‘classical high revving character’ and a motor integrated into the eight-speed auto. The engine makes 430kW and 750Nm meanwhile the electric motor has 145kW and 280Nm. However, BMW says that a ‘pre-gearing stage allows effective torque at the transmission input to be increased to 450Nm’.
Anyhow, BMW says ‘the linear power delivery typical of BMW M models is found here in particularly compelling form’. Wow.
BMW quotes the max system output is 535kW with one thousand Newton metres of torque. The 0 to 100km/h claim is 3.5 sec, and 0-200 takes 10.9sec. And that’s not bad considering the 5.1m long sedan weighs in at 2435kg. Yes, the M5 now weighs close to 2.5 tonnes.
Given its plug-in hybrid status, its weighted average fuel consumption is 1.7L/100km in laboratory testing. We imagine it won’t be hard to get that V8 drinking at a rate of 20L/100km plus when searching out the 7200rpm limiter.
The hybrid battery has a usable capacity of 18.6kWh and an electric range of up to 69km. It can’t be fast charged with DC power, while the AC max is 7.4kW.
In the right hands. BMW’s variable all-wheel drive M xDrive is used, and this has a rearward bias when in Sport mode. You can also select a two-wheel drive mode which sends all the power to the rears when the DSC is switched off. That’ll be handy for those who want to do some drifting on a Saturday night in Levin. There’s also an active e-LSD on the rear.
It gets a double wishbone front axle and a five-link rear end with M specific mounting components. The M servotronic variable ratio steering has a rigid connection to the front axle subframe for ‘optimal feedback’. Adaptive M suspension is standard with electronically controlled dampers and rear wheel steering. BMW’s traction control system, gleaned from its electric cars, is present with ‘near actuator wheel slip limitation’.
As usual there are myriad set up options and unique buttons in the cabin to configure the powertrain and everything else to your liking. These include a boost control function to maximise your straight line speed and others to configure the hybrid system.
Expect the latest M monster to land later in the year.
