The F10 M5 will be the most potent yet. Here's everything you need to know.
Much has been made about M Division's change in philosophy from high-revving naturally aspirated engines to gruntier turbocharged units. It's a change that was necessitated mostly by outside forces in the name of improved fuel economy and lower emissions, but if early impressions of the first product of this new philosophy, the 1 Series M (sorry, I can't in good consciense count the X5M and X6M) are any indication, then any concerns about the sporting nature of the fifth generation M5 should be greatly alleviated.
What the F10 M5 loses in cylinders, it makes up for in turbochargers. A 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 replaces the V10 in the previous model. This new motor produces 560 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque. If there was any criticism of the previous M5, it was that the V10's high-revving nature was somewhat at odds with the car's relatively toned down executive class body. These new figures should help bring back some of the thuggish low-end power delivery of the gen 3 car that was so missed in the gen 4. It will be significantly more efficient too. New technologies such as regenerative braking and engine stop-start improve fuel efficiency and emissions.
The rear wheels are driven through a seven speed dual clutch transmission. Unfortunately, there will be no manual option. However, it's worth mentioning that BMW said the same thing about the last M5, only to later start fitting six speed manuals to cars bound for North America to address the outcries of American buyers.
As you would expect, plenty of BMW's leading edge tech has been thrown at the new M5. Launch control will hurl you from 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, but as always with German cars such as these, the fun stops at 155 mph when the electronic governor kicks in. This time, for a fee, you can purchase the M Driver's package and have it relaxed to 190 mph. With all that power, you'd have to think it could do well above 200 with no governors.
An Active M electronic multi-plate limited-slip differential helps put the power down out corners and also hopefully with some epic skids. Which of these you prefer will come down to which driving mode you use, which will be selectable via two steering wheel buttons. With these buttons, drivers will be able to select from an array of driving options including accelerator responses, M Servotronic responses, Drivelogic shift program, DSC mode, Dynamic Damper Control and information in the Head-Up Display.
The F10 M5, will get its in-the-flesh unveiling at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed, at which Drive Cult will be in attendance. Until then, hop on the new M5 configurator and build your own.
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