BMW M5 official pictures

The definitive super saloon is back with a 552bhp V8 under the bonnet, see official pictures and all the details here.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Jack Rix

15th June 2011

The definitive M car is back for its fifth installment - and it's a deadlier weapon than ever. After numerous spottings of camouflaged prototypes out testing, BMW has released official images of its all-new £73,040 M5, on sale in November, along with the juicy details and those all-important performance figures.

Lurking under the power bulge in the bonnet is a twin-turbocharged engine, a first for the M5, but fans of big horsepower won't be disappointed. The 4.4-litre V8 produces 552bhp and 680Nm of torque - that's 10 per cent more power and 30 per cent more torque than the outgoing car and the most powerful production engine ever for a BMW, while fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (28.5mpg and 232g/km) have improved by 30 per cent - thanks in part to brake energy regeneration and stop-start.

[VIDEO: official footage of the new M5 in action]

Performance is predictably impressive - 0-62mph takes just 4.4 seconds, a tenth faster than the Mercedes E63 AMG Saloon, while 0-124mph takes 13 seconds and the top speed is limited to 155mph. Specify the M Driver's Packaage though and the limiter is lifted to 190mph.

Power is transferred to the rear wheels by a seven-speed dual clutch paddle-shift gearbox which has been optimsed maximum acceleration with a launch mode, but also for excellent manners around town - a Low Speed Assistance function keeps the car trickling through stop-start traffic with a light nudge of the accelerator. A limited slip Active M Differential splits torque between the rear wheels, maximising grip and making those signature M5 tail slides possible.

The M5's chassis is fitted with a host of electronic wizardry that should make it razor sharp to drive and infinitely customiseable to suit different driving styles. There's electronically-controlled dampers and firmer suspension, adjustable steering weight, a stability control system with M Dynamic mode and race-spec brakes. Five parameters can be manually adjusted with three choices for each: the engine mapping, steering response, gearbox shift times, stability control and dampers, giving 243 possible combinations to choose from.

The design takes the standard 5-Series' understated styling to the limit with a pronounced front apron perforated with much larger air intakes to aid colling for the engine and brakes. Flared wheels arches emphasise the wider track while a rear diffuser is slotted in between the two bank of twin tailpipes. 19-inch alloys (although 20-inch wheels can be ordered) and side 'gills' with integrated indicators complete the pupmped up exterior.

Inside, the cabin is every bit as luxurious as a standard 5-Series, but with the a addition of an M-specific intrument cluster, 'M' embossed onto the headrests of the sports seats and a leather-covered centre console. A high-equipment count includes a head-up display as standard, as well as a 10.2 inch colour screen and enhanced smartphone integration so you can even check you Facebook and Twitter acounts on the go.

Read our first drive of an M5 prototype here.

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

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11 Comments

Oh My Word! Fantastic!

BMW fans will be extremley happy. That performance is great, and the mpg puts some petrol powered family cars to shame! It much nicer than the e63, and top speed of 190mph? Wow! But you would never go that fast anyway!

Great job BMW, these will be flying off the shelves, better than buying a supercar, as it is a little bit more discreet, but is comfortable with loads of tech too, and great mpg!

By tom123 on 15 June, 2011, 1:28pm

Awesome bit of kit, high quality car that ticks all the right boxes

If only l had the money, must buy some extra lottery tickets this week.

BMW will have another 6 month waiting list queue for the M5 on their hands, one of the few car companies that make really nice drivers cars these days.

By IvorBiggen on 15 June, 2011, 11:45pm

One word - DANGEROUS

This is a truly great car which has all the goodies with the best of both worlds, power and mileage efficiency. Why even bother to compare any AMG product to this car, even the E63, and for that rmatter, any normally aspirated car. The M5 twin turbo V8 will make 1000 HP without thinking about it whether its a simply boost turn up with required ECU adjustment, or outright tougher pistons and con rods with larger turbos. My point is, there is no limitation to what a turbo engine of this size will produce. The only thing that is lacking from this car is 4WD. This car is dangerous to drive with all this torque on tap. I've seen what this V8 normally aspirated in a M3 can do. This is an accident waiting to happen, and no amount of torque split and electronics will make this car safe to drive. Only way to harness all of this is the proven way of 4WD.

By Caribbean on 16 June, 2011, 8:00am

Totally agree

Thank god someone has mentioned the 's' word - safe! I despair at the (seemingly) endless list of grossly overpowered cars being launched. 190mph? WHERE?? Even on an autobahn the idea is scary. And as for shaving tenths of seconds off the 0-62 time, who f***ing cares? Apart from pub/golf club bores that is.

By Anorak17 on 16 June, 2011, 10:01am

If you look at the side profile the body shape makes the rear wheels look to small. An optical illusion but one that makes the car look feeble.

By m444uk on 16 June, 2011, 2:37pm

Still kinda pointless

Even if you had this much power, wouldn't it aggravate you that you can't use it on the road, or you will get your licence taken away!

Even if i had all the money in the world, i would probably buy a mercedes cl or s class with the normal v8, or even the v6 diesel as you wouldn't be able to use all the power! The turbo diesels have more than enough power, and great torque. I think having a licence is better than not :)

If you really want a super car, just get a GTR.

By tom123 on 16 June, 2011, 2:51pm

£73k !!!!!

I know inflations on the rise but BMW is seriously hiking its prices now. It'll end up £83K when a couple of extras are added and while it's priced like a supercar it sure doesn't look like one. I'll eat my hat if in reality you get 28 mpg out of this beast, in your dreams sunshine!

By asmithdesign on 17 June, 2011, 8:12am

The car of choice for the local drug dealer

A seriously powerful car with no soul..Inside and out it looks so cold and lifeless...

By liverpool on 17 June, 2011, 8:39pm

There's no denying this is everyone's favourite super-saloon. If this car beats the Jag, though, then I'll consider saving up for one.

By JPW2010 on 20 June, 2011, 10:05pm

Muted!!!

This must be a truly awsome car! Even the BMW haters have not found any real reason to have a go!

@ Carribean... No car can handle this power??? Good to see that F1 cars have gone to 4WD!!! Lets not forget that not everyone is a crap drive as well Just because Audi know their drivers can't handle a real car, no need to tar everyone with the same brush!

@ Anorak (Apt name!) and Tom123. Bet when you leave school you will have cars that go above the legal speed limits! And I'll bet you will use it too.. What is the difference???

A Asmith... The whole concept of the "M" cars is that they don't look like supercars! It is to keep it within the model range that spawned it and to be the pinnacle of engineering in its class. BMW have succeeded on both counts AGAIN!

Lets await the sales figures and again it will prove that the dross written on here is just that... DROSS!

By Rumour on 21 June, 2011, 3:41pm