Hold on tight - The new BMW M5 has just been unveiled, and it's an absolute powerhouse. This latest version of Munich’s long standing super-sedan is rocking an electrified V8 engine that pumps out a staggering 535 kW and 1,000 Nm.
Power and Performance
Let's dive into the numbers then: The G90-generation M5 incorporates a variant of the M division's plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain, designed specifically for this model. In case you need reminding, this powerhouse setup also made its debut in the BMW XM.
Electrified V8 Muscle
The BMW M5 boasts a remarkable twin-turbo 4.4 litre V8 engine, that revs to a staggering 7,200 revolutions per minute, seamlessly paired with an electric motor integrated into the 8-speed automatic transmission.
The electric motor in question gets its juice from an 18.6 kWh battery pack nestled low in the car’s underbody. The result? The V8 engine alone cranks out 430 kW and 750 Nm, while the electric motor adds another 145 kW and 280 Nm. With some clever engineering, BMW says the effective torque at the transmission input is boosted to 450 Nm.
Speed and Agility
Combine this with the rear-biased M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, and you’ve got a rocketship that goes from 0-100 kph in a blistering 3.5 seconds. Top speed is capped at 250 kph, but with the M Driver’s Package – expected to be standard in South Africa – that limit jumps to an even higher 305 kph.
When all charged up, the M5 offers nearly 70 km of electric range and can reach speeds up to 140 kph in pure electric mode. Charging speeds max out at 7.4 kW BUT all this electrification comes at a cost – the car tips the scales at a rather heavy 2 510 kg.
Design and Features
Visually, we think the new M5 is quite a looker. Details such as the embossed “M5” logo on the C-pillar, prominent wheel-arch and side-skirt extensions add to the visual feast.
A sports exhaust system with the obligatory four 100 mm Black Chrome tailpipes comes standard, while the car rides on adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers and rear-wheel steering. Standard M Compound brakes (with optional M Carbon ceramic brakes) and M light-alloy wheels – 20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear – wrapped in high-performance tyres complete the package.
Inside the Cabin
Take a seat and you’re greeted with an M-specific control panel on the centre console and a new flat-bottomed M leather steering wheel with illuminated M buttons. The cabin also features electrically adjustable M seats, the BMW Curved Display, a head-up display with M-specific content, and BMW Live Cockpit Professional.
The new M5 also boasts an upgraded BMW iDrive system based on Operating System 8.5, designed for touch control and natural speech, replacing traditional buttons for climate controls.
Luxury and Tech
While we’re still waiting for exact South African specs, expect a raft of standard features including 4-zone air conditioning, heated front seats, ambient lighting, a panoramic glass sunroof, a Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system, a wireless charging tray, and automatic tailgate operation.
Options? You bet. Look for the M Carbon exterior package, Alcantara headliner, steering-wheel heating, active seat ventilation, and even a trailer tow hitch. M Performance Parts will also be available, offering everything from forged light-alloy wheels to carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic body add-ons.
South African Launch
As usual, BMW Group South Africa has wasted no time at all and confirmed that the new M5 will hit South African streets in the fourth quarter of 2024. We will update you on local pricing details later this year as soon as it has launched.