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BMW M5

Can the first ever turbocharged M5 deliver the driving thrills of its predecessors? We get behind the wheel to find out

BMW M5 front tracking

By Owen Mildenhall

September 2011

If you were concerned that the first ever turbocharged M5 would be too soft and not worthy of the hallowed badge, you needn't have worried. The new M5 is the best all-round high-performance BMW ever built.

The logic behind replacing the old 507bhp 5.0-litre V10 with a 552bhp twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 is sound. It produces 10 per cent more power, 30 per cent more torque and is 30 per cent more efficient than the old unit – and it gives the car a whole new Jekyll and Hyde personality.

Video: we put the new BMW M5 to the test on track

 

Whereas the old M5 was a brutal machine whether you were rolling through town or flat-out on a race track, the newcomer can play both roles to a tee.

The benefit of 680Nm of torque, all available below 2,500rpm, is that the engine hugely flexible. Crusing along in sixth gear at 1,000rpm, if you squeeze the throttle there's still huge reserves of acceleration. At low speeds it feels more like a diesel than a performance V8.

Another surprise is the refinement and comfort levels. Switch the adaptive dampers to their softest setting and the M5 rides better than any 5 Series in the range – thanks in part to the lack of run flat tyres. The engine is hushed too and road and wind noise non-existent. But brutal pace is never too far away.

The seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, throttle, dampers, ESP and steering all get three individual settings each - comfort, sport and sport+. Start to dial in more aggressive settings and the car reveals its other side. While the engine is smooth and quiet at low revs, keep your right foot planted and it charges hard to the redline - just like non-turbocharged M5s of old.

In case you were wondering, yes it's fast, seriously fast - exaggerated by the fact that it's such a large car. You don't get the same raucous exhaust note as you did from the V10 model, but there's still a fantastic bassy V8 rumble, accompanied by a burble when you back off the throttle. Listen closely and you can hear the twin turbos, located between the two banks of cylinders, spooling up.

Two M buttons located on the steering wheel are used to store your favourite chassis settings. Simply select how ferocious, or gentle, you want the car's responses to be and hold either button down for a few seconds - much like saving a radio station - and that particular configuration is logged.

As you'd expect, on track the M5 finds it difficult to hide its bulk - but then this is a large saloon car with four seats and a sizeable boot. The body control is excellent though and the steering pin sharp - meaning there's huge fun to be had, especially with the traction control turned off.

As with all M5s the styling is subtle, but the chrome-ringed vents in the flanks, big air intakes in the front bumper and the discreet boot-lip spoiler give just enough hints that this is a serious performance machine. The interior too is standard 5-Series, although deeply-sculpted sports seats can be ordered and a sprinkling of M badges are added.

In short, this car adds another string to the M5's bow. By being refined, comfortable and civilised in normal situations, but still retaining it savage character when the time calls for it, it marks itself out instantly as one of the best M cars ever made.

For an alternative review of the latest BMW 5-Series visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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10 Comments

Once again, BMW has redefined the performance saloon.

Until Jaguar release the XFR-S.

By Shaun34 on 22 September, 2011, 11:00pm

Once again, BMW has redefined the performance saloon.

Until Jaguar release the XFR-S.

By Shaun34 on 22 September, 2011, 11:00pm

Once again, BMW has redefined the performance saloon.

Until Jaguar release the XFR-S.

By Shaun34 on 22 September, 2011, 11:01pm

Somehow Dinosaurs still live on

Too big, too fast and too dangerous...

These type of cars should be taxed out of existence or simply banned!

By LegioIXHispana on 26 September, 2011, 3:31pm

Reply too :Until Jaguar release the XFR-S.

In Your dreams mate; XFR-S no chance, get the AA membership you'll need it.

By john550i on 28 September, 2011, 4:00pm

john550i

@john550i, the AA? Are you stuck in 1985? Compare Jag to Beemer in reliability surveys nowadays, Jags are way ahead.

By andylam2 on 28 September, 2011, 8:47pm

john550i

@john550i, the AA? Are you stuck in 1985? Compare Jag to Beemer in reliability surveys nowadays, Jags are way ahead.

By andylam2 on 28 September, 2011, 9:17pm

A B.M.W. CAN NEVER LOOK AS CHARISMATIC AS A JAGUAR

This car looks alright, not ugly, but alright. However, the Jag XF looks fantastic and it is the most beautiful car in it's class. Even across classes, very few cars can match the Jag's emotional appeal; that nice warm feeling you get on your left side everytime you see one is something that BMW can never achieve.

By Abdurrahman1 on 29 September, 2011, 8:41pm

warrantywayne

john 550i, you are spot on the only category that a jaguar beats a bmw is in looks

By sirstuart on 2 October, 2011, 1:40pm

RE; SOME HOW DINOSAURS STILL LIVE ON

TO ; LEGIOLXHISPANA ARE U FOR REAL ? THIS IS WHAT YOU CALL THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE MY SON ! THE NEW M5 THE DADDY 2 CARS IN 1 THE ULTIMATE JACKEL & HIDE CAR !

By BEREAL on 10 October, 2011, 2:59am

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Pictures

BMW M5 front tracking
BMW M5 rear tracking
BMW M5 dash
BMW M5 panning
BMW M5 front
BMW M5 interior detail
BMW M5 alloy wheel
BMW M5 badge
BMW M5 interior detail
BMW M5 boot

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FIRST OPINION

    The sheer breadth of this engine's ability is what sets the new M5 above the competition. Smooth, quiet and flexible when it need to be, it also posseses a frightening turn of pace that should leave its rivals standing. Factor in a lightning fast twin-clutch gearbox that's just as happy in auto and manual modes, and adjustable suspension that ranges from comfortable to rock-hard for track work, and the M5 has a sensational dual personality that's never been seen before in an M car. With fuel economy of 28.5mpg it's relatively efficient too, and is just as spacious as a standard 5 Series. Once again, BMW has redefined the performance saloon.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £73,040
    Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, 552bhp
    Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch auto, RWD
    0-62mph: 4.4 seconds
    Top speed: 155mph (limited)
    Economy: 28.5mpg
    CO2: 232g/km
    Equipment: Adaptive dampers, leather sports seats, sat-nav, climate control, keyless entry, 19-inch alloys
    On sale: November
     
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