● V8 PHEV packs 716bhp ● 1,000Nm and 43-mile EV range
Jordan Katsianis Jordan_Katsianis@autovia.co.uk
THIS is BMW’s long-awaited new M5 super-saloon, complete with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, bespoke body and an aggressive new look. The M5 is always one to create plenty of controversy when a new generation arrives, and the latest is no different; it’s the first of its kind to feature an electrified powertrain – all to the benefit of performance and driver engagement, or so BMW says. It’s available to order now for £110,500 and customer cars will arrive from November, alongside a Touring version that’ll be revealed in the coming months.
Starting with the body itself, the new M5 follows the smaller M3’s lead by using a bespoke body with wider arches not just at the front, but now also at the rear. This is matched with a dramatic new front and rear look that accentuates the extra width, with big intakes, vertically accented rear reflectors and four round exhaust pipes. Also like the M3, the new M5 features staggered wheel sizes: 20 inches on the front axle and 21 inches at the rear.
Under the brawny new skin sits completely bespoke suspension geometry with wider tracks laid out in a double wishbone set-up at the front and a five-link rear. As before, the M5 is coil-sprung with adaptive dampers and, for the first time, now features rear-wheel steering. BMW has also fitted new compound brake discs, with a set of carbon ceramics available for those keen to take their M5 on track.
Of course, all this chassis work is there to support a new plug-in powertrain that boasts a combined 716bhp and 1,000Nm of torque. These are generated from an updated version of the 4.4-litre V8 you’ll find elsewhere in the BMW M line-up, which itself is capable of generating 576bhp and 750Nm. The remaining 194bhp and 280Nm are generated from an electric motor mounted between the engine and gearbox, although thanks to some clever gearing, BMW says it’s as much as 450Nm when measured from the transmission.
The electric motors draw power from a 19.6kWh battery, allowing for a range of 43 miles on electric drive. This is slightly less than Mercedes-AMG’s new E 53 PHEV, although the BMW’s battery is around 20 per cent smaller than in the less dynamically focused Mercedes.
BMW’s figures show noticeable power increases compared with the previous M5 Competition, yet due to the added weight, performan
