BMW UK has announced the new 2012 F10 M5 Saloon, which is available to order from this month with price – £73 040 OTR. This is the 5th-generation of the famous five series and it is simply fantastic. This is also the most powerful road-legal BMW, which the manufacturer has ever produced.
2012 F10 M5 comes with unique exterior design dictated by the technical requirements of the car, while the luxurious sports car-like cockpit offers an extensive range of innovative driver assistance systems and mobility services.
The performance is simply astonishing – 4.4 seconds to 100 km/h, 13 seconds to 200 km/h and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited and over 200 mph (322 km/h) without the speed governor.
All these figures are possible thanks to the staggering 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 under the front hood. It delivers 560PS (412 kW) at 5750RPM and 680Nm(502 lb-ft) at just 1500RPM. The most powerful ///M engine features twin-scroll turbochargers, high-precision direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and a cross-bank exhaust manifold. Despite the brutal performance, the engine is not so thirsty – 9.9 liters per 100 km on combined cycle (28.5 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 232 g/km.
The engine is mated to a new 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission Drivelogic and Efficient Dynamics technology, including engine Auto Start-Stop and Brake Energy Regeneration.
The transmission offers manual (S) and fully automated (D) shift options, with three programmes in each, allowing the driver to select the most sporty, relaxed or efficient driving style at will via a rocker switch.
The DSC system is linked to the anti-lock brakes (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Brake Assistant, Brake Fade Compensation, Brake Drying function and Start-off Assistant. By pressing the DSC button the driver can override the basic settings and select M Dynamic Mode (MDM), which raises the intervention thresholds or turns them off completely.
The new M5 has 6-piston caliper brakes featuring a further development of BMW’s remarkable compound construction so that they resist fade even under repeated heavy loads and deliver an exceptional degree of feel. They are mounted within 19” M light alloy wheels with 265/40 R19 tyres at the front and 295/35 R19 tyres at the rear. Forged 20” alloys can be specified as an option.
The interior of the car boasts M Sports seats, Merino leather upholstery, Aluminium Trace interior trim strips and the BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite, plus the BMW iDrive control system with a 10.2” Control Display. M5 lettering on the sill panels is standard.
The instrument cluster with black-panel technology includes classic BMW M circular dials with red needles and white illumination. The multifunction buttons on the M leather steering wheel operate the cruise control, radio and telephone. On the left-hand side the driver will now find two M Drive buttons which can call up a pre-configured setting for the car – for example, a sports or a more comfort-orientated set of driving characteristics.
Standard equipment in the UK includes Head-up Display, DAB digital radio, front and rear Park Distance Control, four-zone air-conditioning, Xenon headlights, Adaptive Headlights and front seat heating. With Professional Multimedia Navigation system and BMW Assist, a new real-time traffic information service provides accurate traffic bulletins and diversion suggestions. Furthermore, with Bluetooth and USB audio interface as standard, the integration of Smartphones and music players keep occupants entertained and informed.
Optional equipment including a rear-view camera, High-Beam Assistant, Speed Limit information, Lane Change and Lane Departure warnings, Surround View and BMW Night Vision ensure the driver is aware of anything and everything happening within the vicinity of the car. A Mobile Application preparation allows iPhone owners to receive web radio stations and display Facebook and Twitter posts on the Control Display.
Source: BMW
Finally, the 2012 BMW F10 M5 Concept is revealed. The coverage of the car started back in 2007 with some spy photos and little information. However, BMW has recently launched several video clips with some winter testing of the new M5. Still, the car was partly covered and no information about the drive train was released.
