BMW Malaysia has launched the most powerful BMW 5-Series sedan ever with the new M5. Introduced at the BMW M Track Experience 2018 at the Sepang International Circuit, this new M5 already has a few honours – ‘World Performance Car 2018’ at the 2018 New York International Motor Show as well as two Guinness World Records for the longest drift and longest twin-vehicle drift.
What is interesting about this new M5?
This new M5 has a different code compared to the standard 7th generation G30 5-Series which it is based on. This 6th generation M5 is designated F90. The reason for this is because the project name for the model was already decided to be F90 – a larger wheelbase premium car.
Other than that, this M5 is also the first all-wheel xDrive M5.
It looks cool on the outside, but is there any form with function?
Yes! The front bumper trim with larger air intakes is meant to keep the cooling systems and brakes sufficiently supplied with cooling air. In terms of the structure, the bonnet is made from aluminium while the roof is made from extremely lightweight, high-strength carbon fibre-reinforced plastic. Furthermore, the hexagonal central air intake at the front incorporates the oil cooler, separating itself sculpturally from the side air intakes.
How much power does this super sedan possess?
600 hp. All from the 4.4-litre V8 engine at 5,600 to 6,700 rpm, with peak torque of 750 Nm from just 1,800 and is constant all the way until 5,600 rpm. Thanks to all this, the century sprint is just 3.4-seconds.
This is where it gets interesting. The newly developed twin-turbo V8 power goes through a new eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and onto the M xDrive all-wheel drive system. All this is further configurable based on the combinations of Dynamic Stability Control of DSC on, MDM, DSC off and the M xDrive modes of 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD.
Yes you didn’t catch that wrong, the new M5 has configurations including pure rear-wheel drive for slides and cool drifts.
Seems like there’s a lot going on. What about the inside?
The interior is premium, M driven. The Head-up display features M-specific content along with the 10.25-inch Touch Display with Navigation Professional. Even the digital instrument cluster has an M-specific design with all the driver information required for driving dynamic mode, the M xDrive all-wheel drive system’s setting and current Drivelogic option.
The steering wheel has two new red specific M1 and M2 buttons that can be used to store two set-ups based on driver preference of engine, transmission, suspension and M xDrive modes, DSC mode, and Head-up Display settings.
There’s also the M multifunction bucket seats trimmed with Merino leather alongside the options of two-tone combination of Aragon/Black and complete Black matched with interior trim finishers in Aluminium Carbon structure with Dark Chrome highlight.
Are there customisation options?
Owners that want more can step-up their specifications list with a Performance Pack, Advanced Safety Pack and Entertainment Pack.
The Performance Pack at RM 30,000 offers the M Sport Exhaust System, M Carbon Engine Cover and M Seat Belts. The Advanced Safety Pack at RM 15,000 offers Driving Assistance Plus while Entertainment Pack at RM 55,000 comes with the Rear-seat Entertainment Professional with the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System.
In terms of brakes, customers can opt for the M Carbon Ceramic Brakes priced at RM 95,000 that is 23 kilogrammes lighter, provide better deceleration and more resistant to fading, apart from the standard M compound brakes.
How much does it cost? And what are the colour options?
The new M5 is priced from RM 942,760 on the road without insurance. Colours include Marina Bay Blue Metallic, Donington Grey Metallic, and Singapore Grey Metallic.
Here's an in car video with the new M5 around Sepang
Click here for a brief history of the BMW 5-Series in a handy infographic!
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