BMW takes wraps off the 2018 M5, gets xDrive AWD for the first time in 30 years.
BMW has unveiled the 2018 iteration of the M5 sports sedan that surprisingly gets BMW’s M xDrive AWD system for the first time in 30 years. All its previous iterations were primarily RWD (Rear Wheel Drive) versions. The M5 is a perfect blend of a 4-door sedan and a sports car. So here’s all you need to know about this mental version of the 5-Series.
Though based on the 5-Series sedan, the M5 gets a revised body with broader front side panels and front bumper with large air intakes. The M5 also gets a new rear diffuser and the 2 twin tail pipes tell you the kind of power this M5 makes. The M5 looks every bit a beefed up 5-Series sedan. The M5 gets the signature M badge on the grille but loses out on the LED fog lamps from the 5-Series. The interior is also similar to the M-Sport version of the regular 5.
Powering the M5 is a 4.4-litre V8 Bi-Turbo engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. Newly developed turbochargers and ultra efficient indirect charge air-cooling in this engine make it produce 600 HP from 5600-6700 RPM and 750 Nm of torque available from as low as 1800 RPM. The M5 is capable of doing 0-100 km/hr in just 3.4 seconds (faster than a Mercedes AMG GT-S). Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/hr but if you get the optional M Driver’s package, that number goes up to 305 km/hr.
An 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic sends power to all 4 wheels. Various driving modes are on offer too – Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus which changes the way the engine and suspension respond to the driver’s inputs. The M5 also gets M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel which can be used to store two set-ups combining the driver’s preference of engine, transmission, suspension and M xDrive modes, the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) mode, and Head-Up Display settings. The driver can then activate his/her preferred set-up by pressing the relevant button.
The key USP in the 2018 BMW M5 has to be the AWD xDrive system which has 5 different configurations to choose from, based on the combinations of the DSC modes (3 modes – DSC on, M Dynamic Mode and DSC off) and xDrive modes (3 modes – 4WD, 4WD Sport, and 2WD). DSC on and 4WD activated is the basic setting and DSC switched off with any of the 3 xDrive modes activated will let the driver experience driving dynamics in the purest form. This xDrive works with a central transfer case with a multi-plate clutch and distributes power fully variably between the front and rear axle, as required.
The suspension has also been tuned to deliver maximum traction for everyday use and dynamic performance on the race track. Stiffening elements have been incorporated in the front and rear structures to ensure body rigidity. The 2018 M5 gets perforated, inner-vented disc brakes all around with blue painted calipers. The M carbon ceramic brakes with gold painted calipers are optional.
The performance sedan also gets 19-inch light weight alloy wheels in Orbit Grey and M specific tyres as standard, however, 20-inch wheels are optional. The standard BMW M5 gets Merino leather and M seats with electric adjustment and the M multi-function bucket-style seats with better lateral support can be had as an option.
The new M5 will go on sale in Europe in September 2017, for a price of 1,17,900 euros (approximately Rs. 90 lakhs). Deliveries will commence in 2018. Along with the regular M5, BMW will also launch the M5 First Edition which will be limited to only 400 numbers worldwide. BMW will launch the new M5 in India too, but we expect that to happen towards the end of the year or early 2018.
2018 BMW M5
– Gets xDrive AWD system
– Powered by a 4.4-litre V8 Bi-turbo engine producing 600 HP and 750 Nm
– The suspension on the 2018 M5 gets Variable Damper Control (VDC) system
– The M5 First Edition will come in a Frozen Dark Red Metallic paint scheme
