CAN IT REALLY BE 35 years since BMW created a new vehicle category?
The M5 was the first high-performance sedan to combine the driving dynamics of a sports car with the comfort and functionality of a top-of-the-range 4-door vehicle. Powered by an in-line 6-cylinder engine from the BMW M1 mid-engine sports car, the new model started an impressive career and became the world’s most successful high-performance sports sedan.
To mark this anniversary, BMW M GmbH has released a special edition of the BMW M5 with the most powerful engine in the model’s history under the bonnet – with an output of 460 kW – along with a range of design and equipment features. The BMW M5 Edition 35 Years will be produced in a limited series of 350 units and will be available worldwide from July 2019.
Over six generations, the driving dynamics potential of the BMW M5 has continuously increased, but the high-performance sedan has constantly remained true to its character. As an independent model based on the BMW 5 Series, it offers crucial extra performance. The high-revving concept of the engine, the distinctive suspension technology harmonised perfectly with the high level of engine power and the M specific design features to optimise cooling air intake and aerodynamic properties guarantee maximum dynamic performance, agility and precision.
Anniversary edition with exclusive BMW Individual fittings.
The M feeling and exclusive character of the high-performance sports sedan come to life in the BMW M5 Edition 35 Years. The point of departure for the configuration of the Edition model is provided by the BMW M5 Competition, in which racing-inspired performance comes from its V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo Technology, a maximum output of 460 kW and a maximum torque of 750 Nm along with the particularly direct engine connection, the distinctively configured suspension technology, the all-wheel drive system M xDrive and the Active M Differential in the rear axle transmission. It completes the sprint from standing to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, passing the 200-km/h mark after 10.8 seconds.
The exterior and interior of the BMW M5 Edition 35 Years are also distinctive, although they may be a little extreme or some tastes. M design features developed especially for the Edition model and BMW Individual fittings, according to BMW, “give the vehicle the status of an exclusive collector’s item”. Hmm – we’ve been told many times that a limited edition will become “collectable”, and many buyers have learnt, to their cost, that is doesn’t always turn out that way. However, the M5 does have all the indications that it will, like its predecessors, be highly desirable to enthusiasts.
Its striking appearance is enhanced by the BMW Individual special finish in Frozen Dark Grey II metallic which has a special pigmentation to create a silk matt surface impression. Newly-designed 20-inch M light alloy wheels in Y spoke design and the colour Graphite Grey were created exclusively for the Edition model. In addition, the calipers of the standard M compound brake system are finished in high-gloss black. The M carbon ceramic brake system is optionally available with brake calipers finished in gold.
In addition to M multifunction seats and the BMW Individual Merino full leather trim in black with beige contrast seams, trim finishers on the instrument panel, the door trim sections and the centre console are in aluminium carbon structure gold anodized.
The BMW M5: 35 years a Q-car.
Even the first generation of the BMW M5 was remarkably inconspicuous, with an appearance that seemed virtually identical to the basic model. This made its engine properties all the more spectacular. The in-line 6-cylinder engine, taken from the BMW M1 and slightly modified, delivered 210 kW – 6.7kW more than in the legendary mid-engine sports car due to optimised digital engine electronics. “The suspension must always be faster than the engine” – this was the guiding principle for BMW M automobiles at the time, which was why the BMW M5 was given a tightened sports suspension and a high-performance brake system in addition to a reinforced five-speed transmission and a differential lock in the rear axle transmission with a 25 percent locking effect.
The second generation of the BMW M5 went on the road with an output of 232 kW and from 1992 onwards with 250 kW. It included such features as a standard self-levelling suspension on the rear axle to ensure the characteristic balance between racetrack performance and everyday comfort that made it usable day-to-day.
In the third generation of the BMW M5 launched in 1998, the two now typical twin rear exhaust pipes provided a discreet indication of the model’s engine performance. In addition, the V8 engine with 294 kW required considerably enlarged cooling air inlets at the front.
The fourth edition of the BMW M5 featured an even more impressive engine: a 10-cylinder power unit derived from Formula 1, developing a maximum output of 373 kW. In addition, the V10 took the high-revving concept of the M engines to a new extreme – with more than 8000 rpm and a soundtrack to match.
With the return to the V8 engine in the fifth generation of the BMW M5, 2011 also saw the introduction of turbo technology. Two turbochargers arranged in the V space between the cylinder benches and a cross-cylinder-bench exhaust manifold were the highlights of the high-revving engine with an output of 412 kW, whose power was tamed among other things by 7-speed dual- clutch transmission and an Active Differential Lock at the rear axle.
The sixth and latest chapter of the BMW M5 story is once again defined by a V8 engine. With the new power unit, output is increased to 441 kW – in the BMW M5 Competition to as high as 460 kW. For the first time, the intelligent all-wheel drive system M xDrive contributes to ensuring that engine power goes onto the road with maximum efficiency while being easy for the driver to control – even when driven in sporty style and at high output levels.
BMW has not released local pricing details, or an official release date for Australia.
Once we have tested and assessed the M5 Edition 35 Years, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.