GRIP MEETS GRUNT
All-paw M5 raises the stakes in battle with high-performance rivals
When the going gets tough, BMW's M division goes all-in. The outgoing M5 was a bloody good car absolutely pushed out of the limelight by some rivals. That isn't going to happen with the sixth-generation of the high-performance sedan.
The new M5 now plays an all-wheel drive hand to help tame the output of the potent twin-turbo V8. The engineers even installed a two-wheel drive mode for when you want to shred rubber at track days. Impressively, the performance potential is housed in a 5 Series package that doesn't look, sound or ride like it wants to intimidate everyone on the road, including the driver.
In short, BMW has made a sharper, smarter vehicle to trump rivals in just about every area.
To compensate for the lack of visual bling in the cabin, BMW has managed to undercut its Mercedes arch rival by almost $40,000, bringing the M5 in at $199,900 before on-road costs. That's going to buy a lot of tyres and brakes for those who drive the big sedan as it was intended.
To achieve that price, some of the kit standard on the previous generation is available in option packs, such as $8000 for soft-close doors, a seat massage function, television screening off the eight-inch infotainment touchscreen and screens for the rear-seat passengers. Then add $3650 for ventilated front seats, four-zone aircon and roller sunblinds, along with an ambient air kit and gesture control.
ON THE ROAD
The M5's ability to soak up bumps is its most impressive feature. With the drive mode set to comfort it rides almost as well as a regular 5 Series sedan, rolling over road imperfections with very little cabin disturbance.
Drive-mode selection and right-foot application determines whether the M5 is docile or dominating.
Even when the performance parameters for the engine, suspension and steering are set in the default comfort mode the M5 is capable of an eye-watering turn of pace. It carves corners nearly as well as the much-smaller M2 and obliterates it when the accelerator hits the limit.
Step things up through the pair of configurable M buttons — now mounted on the steering wheel — and this is a luxury sedan that will eat-up Commodore SS-V sedans off the lights without waking the neighbourhood.
ON THE TRACK
Sandown Racecourse is infamous for low grip and claustrophobically close barriers. The first highlights the M5's all-paw grip; the second means there's no margin for error.
Fortunately the software has all of that factored in.
The M5's exhaust note doesn't quite match the way it gathers speed. It feels fast but doesn't sound furious. The readouts on the head-up display show supercar levels of acceleration but the aural accompaniment is remarkably civilised.
Corner turn-in is superb for a car of this size and the chassis refuses to be thrown off by abrupt actions on the brake or throttle. Even when the rear tyres are tormented by the 750Nm of torque they'll squirm well before they snap sideways and are hauled back into line by the electronics.
The composure encourages progressively later braking and earlier pressure on the accelerator and it makes the BMW a genuine treat to drive for those whose abilities may not necessarily be as elevated as their egos.
Before driving the M5 I thought it might come close to the E63 S. Having driven it, it will take a direct head-to-head to determine which of these cars has a marginal edge. And the BMW has already the edge on price.
WHAT’S NEW
PRICE BMW has carved $36,000 off the price of the previous model to land the new M5 in Australia at $199,900 before on-road costs. There’s literally a lot more bang for a lot less buck, though previously standard gear such as
soft-close doors and rear TVs are now relegated to the options list.
TECH Adopting all-wheel-drive is a no-brainer to help tame the power — and make the M5 BMW’s first performance passenger vehicle to eschew rear wheel bias. Track fans needn’t fret with a 2WD mode letting them fry the rear tyres at will. Adaptive cruise control is part of the pack and this M5 can drive semi autonomously for up to 30 seconds on the highway.
PERFORMANCE A 3.4-second sprint to 100km/h is on a par with the AMG and 0.8sec quicker than the last iteration of the M5. The 11.1-second run to 200km/h is 0.3sec quicker than the Merc.
DRIVING Corner turn-in feels sharper than ever before, despite the addition of AWD. The steering is equally improved, with a hint of play on centre turning into razor-edged precision as the wheel is wound on. Corner exits are scenery warping sensational.
DESIGN The new M5 is bigger in every dimension than its predecessor, meaning more rear head and leg space and a 10-litre rise in boot space to 530L. The gaping intakes in the front spoiler are the strongest visual cue you’re not driving a regular mid-sized prestige sedan. Available from Toowoomba BMW, Corner James St and Anzac Ave, Toowoomba