Many consider the i3 and i8 to be the most impressive models on BMW’s stand because they are showcasing the company’s environmentally-friendly future.
Petrol heads, on the other hand, may find another BMW far more interesting. The all-new M5 may have been surfing the web since June, but the 64th IAA in Frankfurt marks its first public debut.
The subtle exterior modifications, as with all M-badged cars, were expected. What is a surprise is that for the first time, the M5 is powered by a turbocharged engine. You see, downsizing due to stricter emissions regulations is practically inevitable if you don’t adopt a hybrid configuration.
Therefore, BMW’s M-division had no choice but to abandon the normally aspirated route ditching the previous model’s acclaimed V10 and borrowing the X5M / X6M’s 4.4-liter twin turbocharged V8.
The smaller displacement engine with two less cylinders trumps its predecessor in raw power by a wide margin: it delivers 57 more horses, for a total of 560HP, and a maximum torque of 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) from 1,500 rpm.
Power is still transferred to the rear wheels, this time through a seven-speed double-clutch gearbox. The M5 accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.4 seconds and with the optional M Driver’s package can reach a top speed of 305 km/h (190 mph) instead of the standard electronically limited 250 km/h (155 mph).
Although power and torque have increased by 10% and 30% respectively compared to the outgoing model, average fuel consumption has dropped significantly by 30% to just 9.9 lt/100 km (23.8mpg US).
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