Discover The New BMW M5 Features

The new BMW M5 is quite the departure from its predecessors. Although much of the car follows the M5 tradition, power is now shuttled to all four wheels via the M xDrive AWD. And that’s only the beginning of the vehicle’s interesting new features.

The M xDrive

Before we get to the other good parts though, let’s discuss what makes this new M5 ‘X-tra’ special: the M xDrive. This marks the debut of the all-wheel equipment in this particular BMW high-performance sedan. Contributing to better driving dynamics, the M xDrive is an intelligent AWD system that employs a central transfer case combined with a multi-plate clutch that distributes power to both the front and rear axles in a fully variable manner. An Active M Differential at the rear axle, which also works fully variably,  helps the big guys at their job.

The M xDrive comes in an array different configurations to suit your driving style, based on combination of the dynamic stability control (DSC) modes (DSC on, M Dynamic mode (MDM), DSC off) and M xDrive modes (4WD, 4WD Sport, 2WD). With DSC on, the AWD system becomes one agile beast, as it lets the rear wheels achieve a slight slip when accelerating out of corners. In MDM the vehicle achieves easily maneuverable drifting ability. Speed junkies can have their fill with the DSC is switched off, which transforms the the M5 into a car built for the race track.

Surprisingly, all this equipment makes the M5 lighter than its predecessor. While the 2017 model weighs 1945 kilograms, this one tips the scales at a significantly lower 1855 kg.

BMW M5 interior

Inside, there’s plenty in the 2018 M5 to delight the senses, like the M Sport steering wheel, Merino leather M seats with electronic adjustments, and aluminum trim, among other stellar features. Two buttons on the steering can be used to store personal preference settings for engine, transmission, suspension, M xDrive modes, DSC modes, and even head up display settings.

BMW M5 exterior

Outside, the front side panels are broader this time around, and the front bumper trim comes with enlarged apertures to allow more air to feed the cooling systems and brakes. The rear diffuser is also new. Meanwhile, four tailpipes blatantly remind you of the M5’s high performance leanings. The flap control system ensures that  M5 gives off a mighty purr. If you don’t like it, the M5 allows you to alter the engine sound with the touch of a button.

For footwear, Orbit Grey 19-inch wheels fitted with M-specific tires and M compound brakes come standard, but you can have M carbon ceramic brakes and scale up to 20-inch rims if you’re willing to pay additional.

BMW M5 performance

For power, the M5 relies on a 4.4-liter V8 turbo M engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. The turbochargers are new, and these are combined with ultra-efficient indirect charge air cooling and increased fuel injection pressure to raise the output 600 hp at 5,600 – 6,700 rpm, and the torque to whopping 750 Nm. A map-controlled fully variable oil pump ensures oil reaches the engine whenever it is needed.

As for the M5’s performance digits, the car can reach 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, and 200 km/h in 11.1 secs. Top speed for the base model is 250 km/h, but if you want more juice, you can opt for the M Driver’s Package feature which pushes the vehicle up to 305 km/h.

The new M5 is clearly a step up for BMW line. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in spring 2018.