BMW M5

The seventh generation PHV

The new BMW M5 sedan, which was unveiled in Germany on October 2nd, will soon begin deliveries in the European market. It is expected to arrive in Japan at roughly the same time, but we got a sneak peek at the mass-produced version for a test drive in the suburbs of Munich, Germany. The new M5 sedan, codenamed “G90,” is the seventh generation since the first-generation M5 (E28S), which debuted in 1984. A pioneering high-performance sedan, the M5 has spawned passionate fans around the world and has also established itself in Japan.

The M5 started out with a straight-six engine, but has since evolved with each generation, from a V8 to a V10, a direct-injection V8 twin-turbo, and then to 4WD, and finally the new model is a plug-in hybrid.

The current 5 Series also has a BEV i5, so it should have been possible to make the M5 a BEV. These days, BEVs offer absolute better performance. However, the decision to make it a PHV with an ICE engine shows the commitment of the BMW M GmbH development team to the idea that “an authentic high-performance car should be equipped with an ICE engine.”

Finally over 1000Nm!

I test drove a prototype at the Salzburgring in Austria this spring, and at the time it was heavily camouflaged both inside and out. Now, seeing the car without the camouflage, I was captivated by its fiercely glamorous looks.

The new M5, which aims for a more powerful stance, features a special front bumper that emphasizes the trapezoid shape, front and rear fenders that are wider by a total of 70mm on both sides, and a rear area that emphasizes four exhaust ends and a diffuser, making it look impressive from any angle and giving the feeling that “this is the M5!”

The new model may look like it has holes everywhere, such as the large kidney grille and side air intakes, but in reality there aren’t that many openings. There are also no air blazers directly behind the front fenders, which are found on many BMW models. This is the result of meticulous calculations of aerodynamics and cooling performance. According to the engineers, “Every hole has some kind of function.”

The interior is also irresistible, with a flat-bottom steering wheel and carbon fiber panels being used for the first time, and sport seats designed specifically for the M5 that look like they offer excellent support and volume. It has a sporty yet luxurious image, and it feels like the new model has firmly inherited the tradition of the M5.

I was very satisfied with the room, which was full of M-ness.

When I actually got behind the wheel, the impression didn’t change, and I felt a significant improvement. The new M5 is simply fast and comfortable.

The new model combines a 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine that produces 585 PS and 750 Nm with an electric motor that produces 197 PS and 280 Nm, achieving an overwhelming total system output of 727 PS and 1000 Nm.

The power is transmitted to all four wheels via the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission, and its acceleration is simply incredible. Because the vehicle weighs 2,435 kg, about 500 kg heavier than the previous model, the 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 3.5 seconds, 0.2 seconds slower than the previous model, but the 0-200 km/h time is 10.9 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than the previous standard model and 0.1 seconds slower than the previous M5 Competition.

This is thanks above all to the electric motor. By becoming a PHV, the new M5 has achieved smooth acceleration from a standing start and powerful mid-range acceleration. Incidentally, the top speed is the same as the previous model, and the limiter normally activates at 250 km/h, but if you select the M Driver’s Package, it will be increased to 305 km/h. All test vehicles this time were equipped with the M Driver’s Package.

On the left side of the steering wheel behind the car, there is a boost control paddle that increases power output for 10 seconds, but honestly, it’s so powerful that I don’t think it’s really necessary. The handling is exceptionally sporty, with good steering response even in normal mode, and extremely accurate. When driving on winding roads in Dynamic or Dynamic+, I had so much fun that I almost forgot about the test drive time. There is very little play in the steering, but it doesn’t feel overly sensitive, and it’s very easy to drive. Also, when driving on public roads, I didn’t even notice the weight, and rather, the low center of gravity gave me a stronger sense of stability.

Stability provided by a 2.4-ton vehicle weight

Also worth mentioning is the extremely smooth control of the V8 engine and electric motor. If you turn on the M sound, which plays an artificial engine sound inside the car, the V8 sound will be heard even when driving in EV mode, so you won’t even notice when the engine stops and restarts.

Furthermore, it is extremely comfortable. The new model was apparently developed with emphasis on both dynamic performance and comfort, and it can be said that it achieves both at a very high level.

With such a high level of balance between driving performance and comfort, and the ability to travel up to 69km (WLTP mode) and a top speed of 140km/h on electric power alone, the new M5 may become a new benchmark for performance cars.

REPORT/Toshimi TAKEHANA

PHOTO/BMW AG

MAGAZINE/ GENROQ December 2024 issue

SPECIFICATIONS

BMW M5

Body size: Length 5096mm, Width 1970mm, Height 1510mm,

Wheelbase: 3006mm,

Vehicle weight: 2435kg

, Engine: V8 DOHC twin turbo,

Total displacement: 4395cc,

Maximum power: 430kW (585PS) / 5600-6500rpm,

Maximum torque: 750Nm (76.5kgm) / 1800-5400rpm, Maximum

motor

power: 145kW (197PS) / 6000rpm,

Maximum torque: 280Nm (28.6kgm) / 1000-5000rpm,

Transmission: 8-speed DCT,

Drive system: AWD,

Suspension type: Front double wishbone, rear multi-link

, Brakes: Front and rear ventilated discs,

Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h: 3.5 seconds,

Top speed: 305km/h,

Vehicle price: 19.98 million yen

[Inquiries]

BMW Customer Interaction Center

TEL 0120-269-437
https://www.bmw.co.jp/

Related reading

The BMW M5, the most powerful sports sedan with 727 PS that can also handle the circuit, has finally arrived in Japan

On October 2nd, BMW held a press conference to announce the new, seventh-generation M5 at the brand store “FREUDE by BMW,” which opened in Azabudai, Tokyo in June of this year. Since the first model was released in 1984, the M5 has become an icon synonymous with high-performance sports sedans.