While BMW launched the 5-Series LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) i.e. facelift models in India earlier this year, the M5 was still being sold under the pre-LCI avatar and now it seems the German automaker is gearing up for the launch of the 2014 BMW M5. Two units of the 2014 M5 have landed at the company’s plant in Chennai and these are not for homologation as the M5 doesn’t need to be homologated in India. The launch seems to be very near and we are expecting BMW to launch the 2014 M5 in the next couple of months. While this updated M5 won’t feature many changes, it is a bid to ensure that the product remains fresh when compared to other rivals.
The BMW M5 is powered by a 4.4-litre V8 engine that churns out a maximum power output of 560 HP and a peak torque of 680 Nm right from 1500 RPM. The engine is a twin-turbo unit and power is sent to the rear wheels which makes the M5 completely fun to drive, especially if you like going sideways. The V8 engine is matched to a 7-speed DCT gearbox and you can even get a manual transmission without any added cost. It is not yet confirmed whether the MT will be offered for Indian buyers but most likely it won’t be. The sprint from 0-100 km/hr is quick at 4.4 seconds.
For those who are still not satisfied with the oodles of power that the M5 offers, they can opt for the Competition Package offered by BMW. The maximum power output is increased to 575 HP with the help of this add-on and you can shave 0.1 second from the 0-100 km/hr run. The Competition Package also comes with a lowered suspension with new coil springs and stiff anti-sway bars. The package also features 20-inch alloy wheels and a sports exhaust with black chrome tips. The stock BMW M5 is offered with 19-inch wheels and we feel these would be more suited for Indian conditions than the 20-inchers.
The exterior of the BMW M5 look more aggressive than the regular 5-Series while the interiors too maintain a sporty feel. The 3-spoke steering wheel is a multi-function unit. BMW has also included the ConnectedDrive system in the M5 that shows route directions, real-time traffic updates along with internet functionality. The usual iDrive knob is also present and there is also a touchpad which is installed above the iDrive controller. For safety, BMW offers dual front, front side and full length curtain airbags with ABS, ESC and traction control, active head restraints and TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System).
The BMW M5 competes with the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, Audi RS6 (not available in India) and Jaguar XF-R. It will be priced at around Rs. 1.3 crore (ex-showroom), putting it bang on against its rivals. The performance segment is seeing tremendous growth in India and the arrival of the updated M5 should help BMW sell a few more units of its popular sports saloon.
