BMW set to break out the glam models

BMW fans can look forward to a big week of new-model action, with the Bavarian company’s 2019 Z4 concept set to break cover at Pebble Beach this week, followed by the official reveal of the all-new 2018 M5 on Monday.

Teaser images and videos have been coming in a steady stream on social media to hype the new models, with the latest being an dusky image of a camouflaged Z4 convertible and a 10-second video of the M5 sedan streaking through the desert.

The two-seat Z4 concept will preview the third-generation production model that is being developed in collaboration with Toyota which plans to sell a coupe version, possibly dubbed Supra. Both cars will be built by contract car builder Magna Steyr at its plant in Graz, Austria, starting in 2019.

The design will undoubtedly change somewhat between the concept making its appearance at the annual Pebble Beach classic car event in California this weekend and the final production shape, but the overall theme is expected to remain intact.

Overseas spy shots suggest the Z4 will revert to fabric folding roof – like the first generation Z4 – but retain the trademark long bonnet. So far, BMW has not disclosed details such as powertrains and performance figures.

The most recent Z4, with its folding hard-top, has been out of production for a year.

We know a lot more about the upcoming sixth-generation M5 which is set to get BMW’s most powerful engine, a 4.4-litre bi-turbo V8 that apparently will deliver at least 441kW of power to rocket the big sedan to 100km/h in less than 3.5 seconds.

For the first time, the M5 gets high-performance M xDrive all-wheel drive to harness that massive performance, although the driver will have the option of selecting rear-wheel drive with the press of a button for some tail-sliding, tyre-shredding action.

Bulging mudguards accommodate wider wheels, while stopping power will be supplied by carbon ceramic brakes. To save weight, the roof is carbon-fibre.

The video provides a brief glimpse at part of the front of the vehicle, revealing large air openings and what appears to be a gloss black kidney grille.

The Facebook caption accompanying the video says: “Limits can be exceeded. The all-new BMW M5 with M xDrive is living proof. Stay tuned to find out more on August 21st.” Oddly, because of European disclosure regulations, BMW has had to provide official fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions figures with the teaser video.

These show the M5 consumes 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres and emits 241 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

The new M5 is expected to be formally launched at next month’s Frankfurt motor show ahead of the Australian launch in the first half of next year.