BMW M5 unveiled at Frankfurt

BMW unveiled the all-new M5 at the Frankfurt motor show. Earlier showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in June, the car has now been given its full introduction.

Like all previous M5s, the new car's styling is subtle, but aggressive in its details, most notably the lower air intakes, three gaping ducts to flow cooling air into the radiator, oil cooler and turbochargers. The 19-inch alloy wheels are standard.

The M5 features a twin-turbo 4.4 V8 that offers 552bhp and 69kgm; 0-100kph in 4.4secs, 0-200kph in 13secs; and 12.2kpl of combined fuel economy.

M5s will be available with two top speeds – 250kph limited on the standard car or 305kph limited with an optional M Driver’s Package. Peak power is up by 10 per cent and torque by 30 per cent than on the outgoing V10-powered E60 M5, while fuel economy is 30 per cent better.

The transmission is a seven-speed, dual-clutch unit with steering-wheel mounted paddle-shifts driving through a new Active M differential with electronically-controlled multi-plate limited slip diff. Depending on the driving situation, the diff can lock between 0 and 100 per cent, says BMW.

An M-specific chassis set-up includes M-tuned Servotronic steering, cockpit-adjustable dynamic damping and stability control with an M Dynamic setting. Steering wheel buttons, programmable with chassis, engine and diff settings, can now memorise two individual set-ups — the outgoing M5 could store a single setting on the M Drive button.

The car is expected to arrive in India next year.