TEUTONIC POWER CRAZE CONTINUES
NEW BMW M5 GETS 600HP TWIN-TURBO V8 AND SWITCHABLE 4WD SYSTEM TO LEVEL THE PERFORMANCE GAME WITH THE MERCEDES-AMG E63 S
Isn’t that the same power output as in the previous model?
Kind of, if you measure BMW’s all-new M5 with the most potent version of the previous-generation model: the anniversary edition 30 Jahre M5 which was made as a swansong for the super-saloon based on the F10-coded 5-series.
Although the new M5 is built off today’s 5-series, known as G30, it gets its own model designation called F90. The F90 uses a modified version of the predecessor’s twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 producing 600hp and 750Nm. That’s substantially more than the standard model of yore (560hp and 680Nm) but essentially the same as the 30 Jahre M5 (600hp and 700Nm).
But for the first time, the M5 features all-wheel-drive and eight-speed automatic torque-convertor auto, which replaces the seven-speed dualclutch auto so that it can handle the extra 50Nm of torque.
As a result, the F90 goes from 0-100kph in 3.4sec, half-a-second quicker than the 30 Jahre M5 and a full second faster than in the regular forebear. Apparently, these two new critical components of the drive system are helping with the F90’s marked improvements in performance.
As ever, the chassis has been tweaked to cope with these upgrades. They include beefier suspension, bigger brakes (carbon-ceramic discs are optional) and wider tyres rimmed on either 19- or 20-inch wheels.
But it isn’t any quicker than the AMG…
That’s right. The latest Mercedes-AMG E63 S features 4.0-litre V8 generating outputs of 612hp and 850Nm. Transmission hardware includes nine-speed automatic and four-wheel-drive to help for the same acceleration time as the F90.
But thanks to an additional forward ratio, Mercedes has apparently managed to make the E63 S more frugal on fuel. Even if this should hardly be of any concern to potential buyers of super-quick saloons, the combined rating is claimed at 11.4kpl vs the 9.5kpl figure of the F90.
In pure statistical terms, the E63 S still seems to hold the upper hand despite being developed earlier. Which is a little strange because we’re talking about carmakers from a nation obsessed with figures.
Oh, and one more thing: drift-masters should be delighted to hear that, like in the E63 S, the F90 can be made into a pure rear-driver. Which means that the F90 can only win over the E63 S in one particular aspect: the driving experience as a whole.
Only time will tell. When can I get one?
Although the F90 has just been officially revealed this week, first deliveries are expected just before mid-2018, possibly at just a whiff under 15 million baht in Thailand.
BMW has announced the so-called First Edition for the early set of buyers featuring special exterior and interior appointments. A total of 400 units will be made.
However, the basic differentiation between the G30 and F90 are mostly like what usually separates M from the donor cars. They include bigger air vents up front and four exhaust pipes. And to make it lighter than ever, the bonnet is made from aluminium and roof from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic.
As for the interior, the most immediate thing to catch on your eyes are the red-coloured trim for the gear lever, starter button and paddle-shifters. In fact, the E63 S has a similar degree of differentiation from the stock E-class, just in its own AMG fashion.