New BMW M5 revealed

BMW's new £73,000 M5 saloon promises a compelling blend of performance and refinement. BMW has released details of its new M5, the fifth generation of its flagship performance saloon, which it claims provides the dynamics of a trackday car with the civility and comfort of a true grand tourer. It goes on sale in November, priced at £73,040. It features the most potent engine ever devised by BMW's high-performance M division, making its world premiere. The previous naturally aspirated V10 has been ditched in favour of a twin-turbocharged, 4,395cc V8 which develops 560bhp from 5,750-7,000rpm. The two banks of the V8 are arranged at 90 degrees, the space within the V being occupied by the two turbochargers and catalytic converters. Performance is quoted as 0-62mph acceleration in 4.4sec, with the top speed electronically limited to 155mph (or 190mph with BMW's optional M Driver's package). It's rear-wheel drive, as usual for a BMW, with a seven-speed double-clutch Drivelogic transmission with new comfort driving function. Compared with the previous M5, power is up by 10 per cent and torque (at 500lb ft from only 1,500rpm) by 30 per cent, yet fuel consumption is reduced by 30 per cent to 28.5mpg (Combined) thanks in part to a stop/start function and brake energy regeneration combined with BMW's Efficient Dynamics technology. CO2 emissions are 232g/km. The new M5 features an Active M differential and electronic damping control. The differential is an electronically controlled multi-plate limited-slip unit that intervenes rapidly and precisely at an early stage to control wheelspin. The suspension set-up was honed at the Nürburgring. Electronically controlled dampers are standard, with the driver able to select three settings – Comfort for normal road use, Sport for a more dynamic driving style and Sport Plus for track work.