Goodwood debut for new BMW M5

DETAILS of BMW’s new G90-series M5 have come to light ahead of its debut at the Goodwood FOS revealing the 2500kg xDrive medium large performance sedan introduces an M Hybrid (PHEV) powertrain based around a 4.4-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 with an electric traction motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission.

The power split is 430kW/750Nm from the ICE and 145kW/280Nm from the electric motor, but a pre-gearing stage allows effective torque at the transmission input to be increased to 450Nm tallying to a total system output of 535kW and 1000Nm.

It enables the muscular looking seventh generation sedan to clock a claimed 3.5 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint and under certain circumstances attain a v-max of 305km/h with the optional M Driver’s Package.

BMW says “weighted energy consumption” for the M5 is 1.6-1.7 litres per 100km but with the battery depleted its claimed actual fuel (petrol) consumption is 10.2-10.3 litre per 100km combined. In EV mode the battery uses approximately 25kWh/100km.

Also in EV mode, the M5 can hit speeds of up to 140km/h thanks to a high-voltage battery located low in the car’s underbody which has 18.6kWh of usable energy, enabling an electric range of 67-69km according to WLTP cycle.

The combined charging unit of the M5 allows AC charging at up to 7.4kW.

Power generated by the combustion engine and electric motor is fed to the road via the all-wheel-drive M xDrive system with a rear-biased setup particularly pronounced in AWD Sport mode.

Also available is a selectable 2WD (rear) mode with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system switched off for an oversteer effect kept in check by the car’s active rear M differential.

A quad tip sports exhaust system is tuned to underscore the car’s performance with a “multi-faceted and emotionally enthralling engine note featuring electrically controlled, continuously adjustable flaps.”

BMW took acoustic matters further by providing an accompaniment to the power delivery of the electric motor through what’s called BMW Iconic Sounds Electric that harmonises with the ICE exhaust note.

According to BMW info’ the M Hybrid system, plus power transmission and chassis technology tuned to its specific performance characteristics, give the new M5 transverse and longitudinal dynamics unparalleled in this market segment.

“Together with its similarly outstanding elasticity, the new BMW M5 takes M performance into a new dimension,” the Bavarian premium automaker says.

As expected, prominent wheel arch and side skirt extensions feature on the new M5 complemented by a “sculptural” front apron and model-specific surfacing around the C-pillar that includes an embossed “M5” logo for the Hofmeister kink to accentuate the car’s athletic appearance.

Helping differentiate it from lesser 5 Series sedans is an unusually high proportion of surfaces painted in body colour creating a “puristic” appearance with stylish references to the M5’s superior dynamic talents.

Sophisticated chassis technology features with M-specific tuning that includes a double-wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle with bespoke kinematics and elastokinematics, plus a host of other specially tuned components.

The car uses electrically assisted rack-and-pinion steering with M Servotronic and variable steering ratio and has a rigid connection to the front axle sub-frame to ensure optimal feedback from the road and a high degree of directional accuracy.

It rides on adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers and “Integral Active Steering”, which steers the rear wheels by up to 1.5 degrees.

The standard M compound brakes and optional M carbon ceramic brakes combine with an integrated braking system that gives the driver two pedal feel settings.

The model is replete with a vast array of driver assistance systems for assured and comfortable driving and can be tailored to personal tastes across many functions.

Inside features M-specific displays on the curved display, the cockpit also with a flat-bottomed M leather steering wheel with illuminated M buttons, M multifunction seats with a wide range of electric adjustment and head-up display that includes M-specific content.

The standard Live Cockpit Professional brings BMW Maps navigation system and the Augmented View function on the control display.

The model uses an upgraded version of iDrive based on BMW’s Operating System 8.5.

Luxury accoutrements include Merino leather trim, the BMW Interaction Bar, four-zone air conditioning, heated front seats, ambient lighting with M-specific interior lighting including welcome animation and a panoramic glass sunroof.

The car also has a Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System, a wireless charging tray, comfort access, an alarm system, automatic tailgate operation and the charging cable “Professional”.

Out of BMW’s Group Plant Dingolfing with production beginning in July, the global market launch will start in November 2024 and be accompanied by the introduction of the new BMW M5 Touring (wagon) at the same time.

More details including local price and arrival date will be available at a later date.