BMW pushes new M5 to the limit

BMW's fifth-generation M5 boasts 410kW of power and 680Nm of torque. Photo / Supplied

The fifth-generation M5 moves away from BMW's M car tradition by using a turbocharged engine for the first time.

Lurking under the power bulge in the bonnet is a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8, the carmaker's most powerful production engine ever.

The same capacity unit is found in other top-end BMWs - but not producing 410kW and 680Nm of torque: 10 per cent more power and 30 per cent more torque than the outgoing M5.

BMW claims town-and-around fuel economy for the 4.4-litre V8 of 9.9 litres per 100km and a CO2 exhaust emissions rating of 232g per kilometre, thanks in part to brake energy regeneration and stop-start technology.

The picture on this page is one of the first official images of the new M5. There is also video doing the internet rounds showing the M5 undergoing high-speed testing.

Performance is impressive. BMW claims a zero to 100km/h time of 4.4 seconds, while zero to 200km/h takes 13 seconds.

Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h - unless the owner specifies the driver's "performance package" which lifts the limiter to 305km/h.

Power is transferred to the standard 19-inch rear alloys by a seven-speed dual-clutch paddle-shift gearbox, which has been optimised for maximum acceleration with a launch mode.

But there's also a "Low Speed Assistance" function that 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 signature M5 tail slides possible. The M5's chassis is fitted with a host of electronic gizmos that BMW says will suit different driving styles and make it razor sharp to drive.

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: 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' styling to the limit with a pronounced front apron perforated with much larger air intakes to aid engine and brake cooling.

Flared wheel arches emphasise the wider track while a rear diffuser is slotted in between the two banks of twin tailpipes.

Inside, the cabin is every bit as luxurious as a standard 5-Series, but with the addition of an M-specific instrument cluster, "M" embossed on to 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 26cm colour screen and enhanced smartphone integration linked to Facebook and Twitter accounts on the go.