New BMW M5: first pictures
Wednesday 15 June 2011
• 4.4-litre V8 with 552bhp
• Zero to 62mph in 4.4 seconds
• On sale in November £73,040
This is the new BMW M5, the latest high performance saloon from BMW’s accomplished Motorsport Division that will be making an appearance at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
As expected, the 2011 BMW M5 is remarkably similar to the M5 Concept shown at this year’s Shanghai Auto Show, the deep-cut front valance, 20-inch alloys and quad pipes all making their way onto the production example. But fortunately, there are now some performance figures we can start getting excited about. Beneath that heavily creased bonnet beats the heart of this M-car. Out goes the 507bhp V10 of the previous generation E60 M5 for a twin-turbocharged, 4.4-litre V8 with 552bhp and 501lb ft of torque.
Coupled to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, this will help the new BMW M5 accelerate to 62mph in 4.4secs, bettering the 4.7sec sprint time of its predecessor.
If that doesn’t excite you enough, BMW also says it will offer its customers the option of an M-Drivers-Package that increases the top speed from an electronically limited 155mph to 189mph.
Prices have not yet been announced, but we’re expecting it to cost in the region of £73,000 when it hits UK showrooms in November. Not bad for a four-door Ferrari beater, but it makes used examples of the E60 BMW M5 look mighty tempting.
By Jon Quirk, new car editor