BMW hasofficially revealed details of the all-new M5!

Official details of BMW's new M5 super sedan have been revealed. A revised twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine is found under the hood and develops a hearty 441 kW and 750 Nm of torque. This latest iteration, for the first time ever, features M xDrive all-wheel drive, a radical departure from the famed rear-wheel drive M5's of the past.

The new BMW M5 is equipped with M xDrive all-wheel drive, but rear-wheel drive fun can still be had.

With launch control dialed up and using a specially tuned 8-speed M Steptronic transmission (with Drivelogic), BMW is claiming a 0-100 kph sprint time of3.4 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 kph but can be increased to 305 kph with the optional M Driver's Package. When it comes to market in 2018, the M5 will go up against the Audi RS6 and Mercedes-AMG E63 S.

You can select between different driving modes that can switch the M5 from all-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive configuration. The combinations of the dynamic stability control modes are: DSC on, MDM, DSC off… and the M xDrive modes are 4WD, 4WD Sport and2WD.

The M5's revised 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 engine offers 441 kW and 750 Nm of torque.

Much like the in the M5-rivalling Mercedes-AMG E63, depending on how you feel like driving, you can select which end(s) you want the power to be sent. All-wheel-drive will allow for more linearacceleration and surefooted handling, whereas rear-wheel-drive will be for driving enthusiasts who enjoy managing oversteer… or those who would like to "lay down some rubber"/generate excessive (read: expensive) tyre smoke.

The driver is also able to choose between Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus for the Variable Damper Control (VDC) system and M Servotronic steering while the engine'scharacteristics can be configured according to preference with Efficient, Sport and Sport Plus modes.

Key Design Details

Larger air intakes and a sculpted bonnet are some of the highlights at the front-end of the new M5.

In terms of design, the M5's bodywork has been revised, featuring a broader front bumper with larger air intakes and side panels. The rear diffuser is also new and the quad exhaust system has a flap control system allowing the driver to adjust the sound of the engine at the touch of a button. The bonnet is made fromaluminiumand features anM-specific design with striking sculpture lines. A lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof is standard on the new M5 and along with other lightweight components, such as the exhaust system, this new all-wheel drive M5 is lighter than the outgoing model.

Carbon ceramic brakes with gold-painted calipers are offered as an option on the new M5.

The M5 is fitted with polished 19-inch light-alloy Orbit Grey wheels with M-specific tyres. 20-inch wheels can be fitted as an option. Stopping power is provided by standard M compound brakes with blue-painted caliperswhile M carbon ceramic brakes with gold-painted caliperscan be fitted as an option.

On the inside, Merino leather and electrically adjustable M seats are standard while bucket-style, multifunction M seats with enhanced lateral support are optional.

Merino leather is standard inside the new M5 and multifunction M bucket seats are offered as an option.

A limited worldwide run of 400 BMW M5 First Edition models will be sold alongside the standard M5. The M5 First Edition, as pictured here, features BMW Individual Frozen Dark Red metallic paintwork.

The new BMW M5 and M5 First Edition will arrive in South Africa in the first quarter of 2018. Pricing for South Africa is yet to be confirmed, but the M5 will go on sale in Europe with a starting price of€117 900, which translates directly to about R1 834 305. Start saving now…

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