2012 - BMW M5 - Luxury Design Car

A change in leadership is nigh in the exclusive segment that brings together ultra-dynamic business saloons with track-oriented drive and chassis technology. The new BMW M5 is poised to build on the tradition of its predecessors and once again redefine the performance experience available in a four-door car. Displaying the conceptual harmony, state-of-the-art technology and astonishingly dynamic handling for which BMW M cars have become renowned, the fifth-generation BMW M5 stirs the passion of keen drivers for top performance and blends it, in inimitable style, with the universal qualities of a top-class premium saloon. The most powerful engine ever fitted in a series-produced model from BMW M GmbH, the innovative Active M Differential - which optimises power transfer to the rear wheels - and model-specific chassis technology developed on the back of extensive racing expertise all secure the BMW M5 a dominant position in the high-performance saloon market.

The new BMW M5 is a high-performance sports car whose exceptional dynamic potential is geared squarely to the demands of track use yet which also sets a new benchmark in everyday driving with its supreme touring comfort and innovative equipment features. It also sets the pace in its class in terms of efficiency. The car's history of success in a segment founded more than 25 years ago by the original BMW M5 is set to continue in thrillingly contemporary style.

Under the bonnet of the new BMW M5 lies a newly developed, high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo (consisting of Twin Scroll Twin Turbo technology, a cross-bank exhaust manifold, High Precision Injection petrol direct injection and VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control), maximum output of 412 kW/560 hp at 6,000 - 7,000 rpm and peak torque of 680 Newton metres (502 lb-ft) between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm. The instantaneous power delivery and sustained thrust familiar from M cars are the key to acceleration of 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds (0 - 200 km/h/124 mph: 13.0 seconds). Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle stands at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres / 28.5 mpg imp (CO2 emissions: 232 g/km). While output has increased by around 10 per cent and maximum torque is up by more than 30 per cent, the new BMW M5 burns over 30 per cent less fuel than its predecessor.

Body design: hallmark M design elements make a genuine contribution to meeting technical requirements.

The design of the body faithfully showcases the standout characteristics of the new BMW M5. The dynamic proportions and stylishly authoritative appearance of the BMW 5-Series Saloon has been further enhanced by the addition of M-specific design features. The carefully selected modifications are geared precisely to meeting the technical demands of the car, making them a central element of the high-performance Saloon's overall concept. The car's extraordinary potential is highlighted subtly and with impressive authenticity by the distinctive design elements on its front, sides and rear end.

The design of the front apron clearly embodies the supreme power of the new V8 engine. The contour lines of the bonnet converge in a V to the brand's hallmark double-kidney grille. The wide-spread arrangement of the customary M black slats - like the three air intakes in the lower section of the front apron - emphasise the cooling air requirement of the engine behind the grille. The arrangement of the air intakes over various levels creates an impressive depth which underlines the dynamic, forward-thrusting appearance of the Saloon.

Dynamically formed intakes ensure precise airflow and optimum cooling.

The functional significance of the forward-projecting central aperture is emphasised by the width of the car, which spreads out towards the road surface, and the protruding form of the contour lines. The two side air intakes, meanwhile, have a dynamically curving form. Positioned far to the outer edges of the car, they emphasise its wide track and fill the spaces in the front apron the BMW 5-Series Saloon normally reserved for foglamps. At the lower edge of the front end, air-channelling flaps developed on the race track ensure optimised aerodynamics.

The standard-fitted bi-xenon headlights of the new BMW M5 generate daytime running light with visually unique LED light rings. The indicator lights positioned on the car's outer edges each consist of 10 LED units. LED accent lights cut across the top of the customary BMW twin round headlights to perfect the intent look - both during the day and in night-time driving - characteristic of BMW models.

Prominently flared wheel arches, three-dimensional gills, eye-catching side skirts.

The long wheelbase, set-back passenger compartment and High-gloss Black side window borders clearly accentuate the stretched silhouette of the new BMW M5. Muscular flared wheel arches spotlight the wide track, which helps gives the car its unshakable roadholding and impressive lateral acceleration. Wheels sitting flush with the bodywork and lowered suspension - a gift from the specially tuned chassis - enhance the car's sporting presence when viewed from the side. The model-specific 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design also assist in this regard. The lightweight construction of the optional 20-inch forged rims is highlighted by their five slim double spokes. This design clears a line of sight to the high-performance brakes with six-piston fixed callipers, hinting at the precision with which the driver can adjust the car's handling.

Elsewhere, the front side sections carry a fresh take on the hallmark M gills. The three-dimensional shaping, a wide chrome frame and the free-floating look of the indicator bar, which bears the M logo, give the intakes an extremely deep-set look. The mirror casings are painted in body colour, the mirror base and lower edge in High-gloss Black.

The side skirts of the new BMW M5 also have a design very much of their own. A particularly powerful bulge at the back end of the skirts and a crease rising slightly to the tail divert the eye to the rear wheel arches - and therefore to the driven axle of the high-performance model.

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