New BMW M5 2012

A change in leadership is nigh in the exclusive segment that brings together ultra-dynamic business saloons with track-oriented drive and chassis technology. The new BMW M5 is poised to build on the tradition of its predecessors and once again redefine the performance experience available in a four-door car. Displaying the conceptual harmony, state-of-the-art technology and astonishingly dynamic handling for which BMW M cars have become renowned, the fifth-generation BMW M5 stirs the passion of keen drivers for top performance and blends it, in inimitable style, with the universal qualities of a top-class premium saloon. The most powerful engine ever fitted in a series-produced model from BMW M GmbH, the innovative Active M Differential - which optimises power transfer to the rear wheels - and model-specific chassis technology developed on the back of extensive racing expertise all secure the BMW M5 a dominant position in the high-performance saloon market.The new BMW M5 is a high-performance sports car whose exceptional dynamic potential is geared squarely to the demands of track use yet which also sets a new benchmark in everyday driving with its supreme touring comfort and innovative equipment features. It also sets the pace in its class in terms of efficiency. The car's history of success in a segment founded more than 25 years ago by the original BMW M5 is set to continue in thrillingly contemporary style.
More details about the BMW M5 2012
ExteriorIt seems that with the new M5, BMW tried to repair all the damages made by the 5-Series. Where the standard sedan failed to impress, the M version does exactly the opposite. It comes with dynamic proportions and stylishly authoritative appearance that has been further enhanced by the addition of M-specific design features.
The front of the BMW is a clear indication to the power lying under the hood. The bonnet is defined by the brand’s usual V contour lines and ends with a double-kidney grille, while the three air intakes in the lower section of the front apron emphasize the cooling air requirement of the engine behind the grille.
Moving to the side of the M5, you will see two side air intakes with a dynamically curving form placed where there used to be fog lamps. The car will sit on a new set of 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design. There is also a wide chrome frame and the free-floating look of the indicator bar, which bears the M logo and gives the intakes an extremely deep-set look. The mirror casings are painted in the vehicle’s body color, while the mirror base and lower edge are painted in High-gloss Black.
The rear features a bespoke rear apron, a diffuser integrated into the lower edge of the rear apron, and, of course, the twin-pipe exhaust system. The tailpipes are positioned wide to either side of the diffuser and have likewise aerodynamically formed surrounds.
InteriorThe interior continues the same sporty design language started by the exterior: it will get M sports seats, fine-grain Merino leather upholstery with extended features, door sills with “M5” lettering, an M driver’s footrest, exclusive Aluminum Trace interior trim strips, and the BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite. Standard equipment will include an iDrive control system with an up to 10.2-inch Control Display.
The buttons on the steering wheel will allow the drive to operate the cruise control system and the audio and telephone functions. On the left-hand steering wheel spoke, the driver will now find two M Drive buttons, which can be used to configure the car. For example, the driver can save a sporty configuration using the "M1" button and a comfort-biased set-up via the "M2" button.
EngineFor the first time in a BMW M5 the company has used a turbocharged engine. The high-revving 4.4 liter V8 unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology delivers a total of 560 HP at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm and a peak torque of 502 lb-ft between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm. The rev limiter intervenes at 7,200 rpm. Compared to the engine it replaces, this mean an output increase of about 10% and peak torque increased by 30%.
With this impressive output under the hood, the new M5 will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in in 4.4 seconds, to 124 mph in 13.0 seconds, while top speed is limited to 155 mph. But once you have removed the limiter you will enjoy a speed of up to 190 mph.
The new BMW M5 is fitted as standard with Brake Energy Regeneration and an Auto Start-Stop function, which automatically switches off the engine when the car comes to a halt at junctions or in a traffic jam.
The engine will be mated to a seven-speed double-clutch transmission that sends the power to the rear wheels. Both in automated mode (D) and manual (S), it delivers exceptionally fast and clean gear changes. The transmission offers a sequential shift pattern for the manual gearshift mode. Alternatively, the driver can also change gear manually using the standard-fitted shift paddles on the steering wheel – the right-hand paddle for upshifts and the left-hand paddle for downshifts.