Traction The driving dynamics of the new M5 Saloon are grouped under an umbrella which BMW calls Hallmark M. They include a further advancement of the specially developed differential that allows M drivers to enjoy the benefits of high-powered rear-wheel-drive cars with maximum safety. Called Active M, it is an electronically controlled multi-plate limited slip differential that intervenes rapidly and precisely at an early stage to control wheelspin and keep the car stable. Its control unit is connected via FlexRay high-speed data transfer to the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system to calculate the locking force needed – anywhere between 0 per cent and 100 per cent. It also takes into account the position of the accelerator, the rotational speed of the wheels and the car’s yaw rate.
As a result, the BMW M5 Saloon driver not only has the safety net of a sophisticated and responsive traction control system in slippery conditions and tightening corners, but is also able to enjoy to the full the agility which is an essential part of the make-up of all M cars.
The DSC system is linked to the anti-lock brakes (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Brake Assistant, Brake Fade Compensation, Brake Drying function and Start-off Assistant. By pressing the DSC button the driver can override the basic settings and select M Dynamic Mode (MDM), which raises the intervention thresholds or turns them off completely.
The new M5’s Saloon agility owes as much to its perfect front-to-rear weight balance and excellent power-to-weight ratio (3.3kg per bhp) as it does to the chassis dynamics which, like the engine, have benefited from BMW’s participation in top-level motorsport.
The M5 Saloon has bespoke M-specific suspension with specially developed axle kinematics honed not only on the race track but also through extensive testing at the Nürburgring. As a result, the chassis components are both light and strong. The new M5 comes as standard with electronically controlled dampers that allow drivers to select from three settings – Comfort for normal road use, Sport when a more dynamic driving style is preferred and Sport Plus for the most extreme driving, such as on a race track.
The driver can also choose between three settings for the M-tuned Servotronic power assisted steering. Comfort requires only a small amount of steering effort when manoeuvring or parking, but still allows the instant changes of direction expected of an M car at higher speeds. Sport delivers more intensive feedback, while Sport Plus requires greater force on the wheel so that the driver gets precisely the response that is intended from every steering input.
Stopping The new M5 has six-piston caliper brakes featuring a further development of BMW’s remarkable compound construction so that they resist fade even under repeated heavy loads and deliver an exceptional degree of feel. They are mounted within 19-inch M light alloy wheels with 265/40 R19 tyres at the front and 295/35 R19 tyres at the rear. Forged 20-inch alloys can be specified as an option.
Design The dynamic appearance and authoritative stance of the regular 5 Series saloon have been lifted by M-specific design features at the front, rear and sides. These have been almost entirely dictated by the technical demands of an ultra-high-performance car.
The wide-spread M black slats in the grille and the three air intakes in the low front apron are there to satisfy the cooling requirements of the twin-turbo V8 engine, for example, while the air channelling flaps at the lower edge of the front end were developed on the race track and are designed to optimise the aerodynamics of the car.
The contours of the bonnet converge into a V shape to meet the customary BMW double-kidney grille, which sits above a forward projecting central aperture between two curving side intakes which collectively emphasise the width of the new M5 Saloon. Standard bi-xenon front light clusters contain visually unique LED light rings and indicator lights which consist of 10 LED units. LED accent lights cut across the top of the familiar BMW twin round headlamps.
A long wheelbase, set-back passenger compartment and high-gloss black side window surround accentuate the stretched profile of the new M5 Saloon. Flared wheel arches, flush 19- or 20-inch wheels and lowered M suspension ensure the car’s sporting characteristics do not go unmistaken. The wheels give a clear view of the six-piston fixed calipers of the high-performance braking system.
The front side sections have a fresh interpretation of the hallmark M gills within a chrome frame adorned with the BMW M logo, while the mirror casings – in body colour with high-gloss black lower edges and bases – are aerodynamically shaped, emphasised by their horizontal crease line. The side skirts feature a powerful bulge and a rising crease which draws attention to the driven wheels and re-emphasises that this is the performance flagship of the 5 Series range.
At the rear, horizontal lines give the M5 a wide, sporty stance, and a diffuser is incorporated in the lower edge of the apron to allow sufficient airflow through the underfloor section. A signature feature of the new M5 is the twin-tailpipe exhaust system, positioned wide on either side of the diffuser.
A subtle Gurney flap on the rear edge of the boot lid provides additional downforce at high speed. L-shaped rear light units contain LED strips, indicators and brake lamps and are clearly identifiable at night as belonging to a BMW.
Interior design The interior of the M5 fuses the intimacy of a sports-car cockpit, the spaciousness of a prestige saloon and the luxury of a premium car. It features bespoke M Sports seats, Merino leather upholstery, Aluminium Trace interior trim strips and the BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite, plus the BMW iDrive control system with a 10.2-inch Control Display. M5 lettering on the sill panels is standard.
The instrument cluster with black-panel technology includes classic BMW M circular dials with red needles and white illumination. The multifunction buttons on the M leather steering wheel operate the cruise control, radio and telephone. On the left-hand side the driver will now find two M Drive buttons which can call up a pre-configured setting for the car – for example, a sports or a more comfort-orientated set of driving characteristics.
The driver can adjust no fewer than six parameters: engine management, the Servotronic power steering, the M DCT Drivelogic gearshift programme, DSC mode, the electronically variable Dynamic Damper Control and the information relayed in the standard driver Head-up Display. These can be re-configured at any time via the iDrive menu.
Equipment Standard and optional equipment
The new BMW M5 offers an extensive range of standard and optional innovative driver assistance systems and mobility services in a sports car-like cockpit that meets every requirement of a premium high-performance saloon.
Standard equipment in the UK includes Head-up Display, DAB digital radio, front and rear Park Distance Control, four-zone air-conditioning, Xenon headlights, Adaptive Headlights and front seat heating. With Professional Multimedia Navigation system and BMW Assist, a new real-time traffic information service provides accurate traffic bulletins and diversion suggestions. Furthermore, with Bluetooth and USB audio interface as standard, the integration of Smartphones and music players keep occupants entertained and informed.
Optional equipment including a rear-view camera, High-Beam Assistant, Speed Limit information, Lane Change and Lane Departure warnings, Surround View and BMW Night Vision ensure the driver is aware of anything and everything happening within the vicinity of the car. A Mobile Application preparation allows iPhone owners to receive web radio stations and display Facebook and Twitter posts on the Control Display.
Tagged in BMW