New BMW M5 revealed: 535 kW and locked in for SA!
Meet the new BMW M5. The latest version of Munich’s super-sedan debuts with an electrified V8 boasting 535 kW and 1 000 Nm. And it’ll be in SA before the end of 2024…
Heads up, super-sedan fans: the new BMW M5 has been revealed, powered by an electrified V8 engine churning out a whopping 535 kW and 1 000 Nm (up from the previous-generation M5 Competition‘s 460 kW and 750 Nm).
True to form, BMW Group South Africa will waste no time in bringing this freshly revealed high-performance model to local shores, promising the new Dingolfing-built M5 will launch in Mzansi as early as the 4th quarter of 2024.
So, let’s break down those headline numbers. The G90-generation M5 – the 7th iteration of a storied nameplate that traces its roots all the way back to 1984 – is powered by a “model-specific” version of the M division’s plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain, which debuted in the XM.
As a reminder, this PHEV configuration combines what the Munich-based firm describes as a “high-revving” twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine (spinning to 7 200 r/min) with an electric motor integrated into the 8-speed automatic transmission and an 18.6 kWh battery pack positioned “low in the car’s underbody”.
In the hottest version of the 5 Series yet, the V8 engine develops 430 kW and 750 Nm, while the electric motor’s maximum output is listed as 145 kW. The latter’s “nominal torque” comes in at 280 Nm, though BMW says a pre-gearing stage “allows effective torque at the transmission input to be increased to 450 Nm”.
What’s the result, when combined with the rear-biased M xDrive all-wheel-drive system? Well, the obligatory 0-100 kph sprint is done and dusted in a claimed in 3.5 seconds, while top speed is limited to 250 kph. In South Africa, however, the M Driver’s Package will ship standard, raising maximum speed to a heady 305 kph.
In fully electric mode, the new BMW M5 is limited to 140 kph, with the battery pack offering a claimed all-electric range of up to 69 km on the WLTP cycle. AC charging speeds top out at 7.4 kW. Of course, electrification often brings a weight penalty and that’s certainly the case here, with the German automaker listing an unladen (EU) weight of 2 510 kg…
Design highlights include an embossed “M5” logo on the C-pillar, along with prominent wheel-arch- and side-skirt extensions. There’s also a standard sports exhaust system (featuring electrically controlled, continuously adjustable flaps) that culminates in 4 Black Chrome tailpipes, each with a diameter of 100 mm.
Other standard features include adaptive M suspension (with electronically controlled dampers) and rear-wheel steering, along with M Compound brakes (M Carbon ceramic items are optional) and M light-alloy wheels (measuring 20 inches in diameter at the front and 21 inches at the rear) wrapped in high-performance tyres.
Inside the new BMW M5, you’ll find an M-specific control panel on the centre console and a newly designed, flat-bottomed M leather steering wheel, complete with illuminated M buttons. Other cabin highlights include electrically adjustable M seats, the now-familiar BMW Curved Display, a head-up display (with M-specific content) and BMW Live Cockpit Professional.
The G90-series M5 furthermore scores an upgraded version of BMW iDrive, based on BMW Operating System 8.5 and “designed squarely for use via touch control and natural speech”. Yes, that means digital tech rather than physical buttons now cover the controls for the climate-control functions.
While exact specifications for the new super-sedan have yet to be confirmed for South Africa, expect to see 4-zone air conditioning, heated front seats, ambient lighting and a panoramic glass sunroof as standard, along with a Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system, a wireless charging tray and automatic tailgate operation.
The options list, meanwhile, should include items like the M Carbon exterior package, Alcantara headliner, steering-wheel heating, active seat ventilation and even a trailer tow hitch. Of course, M Performance Parts will also be offered, ranging from forged light-alloy wheels to various body addenda fashioned from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic.
Check back later in the year for local pricing details…
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