26Oct
The 7th-gen BMW M5 Redefines Performance in a Hybrid Package
- The new BMW M5 features a model-specific M HYBRID system, delivering a combined output of 727 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque, allowing acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds
- The hybrid system achieves impressive fuel efficiency, with a combined energy consumption of 166.2–176.6 mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 39–37 g/km, along with an electric-only range of up to 43 miles
- With M xDrive all-wheel-drive, adaptive M suspension, and customizable driving modes (including electric, hybrid, and performance modes), the M5 delivers unmatched agility and control on the road or track
- Inside, the M5 offers a luxury cockpit with M-specific controls, BMW's latest iDrive 8.5, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, and a variety of driver assistance features, combining comfort with cutting-edge technology
The BMW M5 is entering a new era after 40 years of history. The iconic high-performance sedan is now in its seventh generation and, for the first time, features an electrified drive system. This new BMW M5 is equipped with a model-specific M HYBRID system, offering an impressive combined energy consumption of 166.2 – 176.6 mpg and 25.5 – 25.0 kWh/100 km according to WLTP.
CO2 emissions are also low, at 39 – 37 g/km. When the battery is discharged, fuel consumption stands at 27.4 – 27.7 mpg. The car boasts a maximum output of 727 hp and peak system torque of 737 lb-ft.
The combination of a high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor, coupled with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel drive, allows it to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
The New BMW M5 Sets The Bar High For Performance Road Cars
The new BMW M5 is redefining high-performance cars as it enters its seventh generation. Renowned for its potent power and engaging performance, the latest M5 debuts with an electrified drive system. With features like prominent wheel arches, side skirt extensions, and a sculptural front apron, it boasts a distinct, athletic appearance that sets it apart from the BMW 5 Series Sedan.
An abundance of body-colored surfaces adds a refined, purist look, highlighting its dynamic capabilities. Inside, the luxurious interior enhanced with M-specific features reflects the M5’s multi-layered character. Whether cruising in electric-only mode or unleashing its full potential on the track, the M5 delivers an unparalleled driving experience.
Its M HYBRID system, along with specially tuned power transmission and chassis technology, ensures exceptional transverse and longitudinal dynamics. The new BMW M5 made its world premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2024, with production beginning the same month at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing.
It will hit the global market in November 2024, alongside the new BMW M5 Touring. The key markets for this high-performance sedan include North America and Europe, with the USA being the largest individual market, followed by Great Britain, Germany, South Korea, China, Japan, and Canada.
See also:
A Closer Look Back At The 2007 BMW M6: The V10 Luxury Sports Car Better Than The M5
Tailoring the Driving Experience in the New BMW M5
The control panel on the center console of the new BMW M5 is equipped with a range of buttons designed to tailor the driving experience to individual preferences. The Setup button provides direct access to configuring the drive system, Drivelogic, chassis, steering, braking system, M xDrive, and brake energy recuperation intensity.
Two overall vehicle setups can be stored and selected using the M buttons on the steering wheel. The Launch Control function is available in all M Setup menu settings, except for the M xDrive system’s 2WD mode. Pressing the DSC button activates M Dynamic Mode, raising the DSC intervention thresholds for brake inputs and engine output reduction.
Drivers can also switch DSC off completely. Another button allows the selection of M Mode. Switching from the default ROAD setting to SPORT restricts driver assistance system interventions to essential functions for sporty driving, and adjusts the information display content accordingly. With the optional M Drive Professional, drivers can also access TRACK mode.
M Drive Professional features include the M Laptimer and Boost Control function, which maximizes longitudinal dynamics during mid-range sprints and overtaking maneuvers. The M HYBRID system’s operating mode can be adjusted using the new M Hybrid button.
Drivers can choose between HYBRID mode, which intelligently manages the interplay between the combustion engine and electric motor to optimize efficiency or performance, and ELECTRIC mode, where the combustion engine is engaged only by accelerator kickdown or using the gearshift paddles. eCONTROL mode is used for effective brake energy recuperation and maintaining battery charge.
M Drive Professional also introduces DYNAMIC and DYNAMIC PLUS modes, which optimize the drive and cooling systems for sustained high output or short bursts of maximum power during track driving.
Chassis Design of the New BMW M5
The chassis of the new BMW M5 features a double-wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle, both with bespoke kinematics and elastokinematics, along with other finely-tuned components. The electrically assisted rack-and-pinion steering with M Servotronic and variable steering ratio is rigidly connected to the front axle subframe, ensuring optimal road feedback and high directional accuracy.
This, combined with wide tracks and excellent torsional rigidity of the body and chassis mountings, delivers the agility, precision, and linear build-up of lateral forces that BMW M models are known for. Standard features include adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers and Integral Active Steering, which turns the rear wheels by up to 1.5 degrees.
The M-specific tuning, individually selectable settings, and the ability to adjust the dampers at each wheel individually enhance the connection to the road and maximize the car's versatility—from everyday comfort to race-ready performance. Rear-wheel steering improves high-speed stability, agility, and maneuvering comfort.
Traction, agility, and directional stability are enhanced by near-actuator wheel slip limitation and the integration of all control systems within the transverse dynamics management setup. The standard M Compound brakes and optional M Carbon ceramic brakes, along with an integrated braking system offering two pedal feel settings, ensure exceptional stopping power. M light-alloy wheels (20-inch front, 21-inch rear) with high-performance tires come standard, completing the dynamic package.
The M HYBRID Drive System in the New BMW M5
The M HYBRID drive system in the new BMW M5 combines a 4.4-liter V8 engine, renowned for its high-revving character, with an electric motor specifically tuned for this model and integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission.
The combustion engine, featuring M TwinPower Turbo technology, a cross-bank exhaust manifold, and optimized oil separation, delivers a maximum output of 585 hp and peak torque of 553 lb-ft. The electric motor generates a maximum output of 197 hp and nominal torque of 206 lb-ft, which is effectively increased to 332 lb-ft through a pre-gearing stage.
This hybrid system mirrors the principles of the BMW M Hybrid V8 endurance racing car, with the electric motor providing instant power and seamless integration with the combustion engine, ensuring immediate response to the accelerator. The eight-cylinder engine can reach up to 7,200 rpm, delivering relentless power. The M5's top speed is limited to 155 mph, but can be increased to 189 mph with the optional M Driver’s Package.
The new M5's sports exhaust system, with electrically controlled adjustable flaps and dual tailpipes in Black Chrome, enhances the performance experience with an enthralling engine note. The BMW IconicSounds Electric system provides a unique electric drive sound, responding authentically to accelerator movements and highlighting additional electric power alongside the V8 output.
In all-electric mode, the new BMW M5 can reach speeds of up to 87 mph. Its high-voltage battery, located low in the car’s underbody, has 18.6 kWh of usable energy, offering an electric range of 42 – 43 miles according to the WLTP cycle. The Combined Charging Unit allows AC charging at up to 7.4 kW.
The combined power from the combustion engine and electric motor is delivered via the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which has a rear-biased setup, especially pronounced in 4WD Sport mode. For a pure performance experience, drivers can select the 2WD mode, sending power exclusively to the rear wheels with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system turned off.
This iteration of M xDrive and the electronically controlled Active M Differential at the rear axle are specifically tailored to the M HYBRID drive system's performance characteristics.
See also:
Why The 2024 BMW XM Label Red Is The Most Powerful M Car Ever Made: A Review
The New M5’s Advanced Systems for Automated Driving and Parking
The new BMW M5 offers a significantly wider range of standard and optional systems for automated driving and parking compared to its predecessor. This enhancement elevates assurance and comfort in everyday driving to new levels. Standard features include front collision warning, Lane Departure Warning with lane return and steering assistance, the Evasion Assistant, the Attentiveness Assistant, and the Speed Limit Info system.
For even more advanced driving assistance, the optional Driving Assistant Professional package includes Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, traffic light detection, automatic Speed Limit Assist, and Active Navigation.
In terms of parking, the new BMW M5 comes standard with the Parking Assistant, including the Reversing Assistant. For more advanced parking capabilities, the optional Parking Assistant Professional enables automated parking and maneuvering over a distance of up to 200 meters, controlled either from inside the car or remotely via smartphone.
Progressive Sports Car Cockpit of the New BMW M5
The new BMW M5's cockpit features an M-specific control panel on the center console and a newly designed, flat-bottomed M leather steering wheel with illuminated M buttons. The cabin also includes M multifunction seats with extensive electric adjustment options, and the BMW Curved Display, which, like the standard BMW Head-Up Display, incorporates M-specific content.
The standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional offers the BMW Maps navigation system and the Augmented View function on the control display. An upgraded version of BMW iDrive, based on BMW Operating System 8.5, comes standard in the new BMW M5. It is optimized for touch control and natural speech, and now includes controls for climate functions.
Temperature settings, airflow intensity, seat heating, and optional steering wheel heating can be adjusted via touch in the control display's lower section or by voice command. Contributing to the exclusive interior ambiance are standard features such as Merino leather trim, the BMW Interaction Bar, four-zone air conditioning, heated front seats, ambient lighting with M-specific interior lighting including Welcome Animation, and a panoramic glass sunroof.
The new BMW M5 also comes standard with the Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System, a wireless charging tray, Comfort Access, an alarm system, automatic tailgate operation, and the charging cable Professional.
Optional features include the M Carbon exterior package, an Alcantara headliner, steering wheel heating, active seat ventilation, and a trailer tow hitch. Additionally, model-specific BMW M Performance Parts will be available from launch, including M Performance forged light-alloy wheels and exterior components made from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP).
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