The BMW M5 is back, and back with a bang. Because not only is it powered by a new hybrid V8 powertrain as we’ve expected, the all-new 2024 BMW M5 is also the most powerful ever to wear the coveted badge.
That’s 585 hp and 750 Nm from its 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, plus another 197 hp from the electric motor, for a total of 727 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque. Sure, it’s a bit less potent than the XM Label Red that it inherits its powertrain from, but the M5 is also a lot smaller than whatever the XM is, and it’s already significantly more firepower than even the M5 CS from the previous generation had.
Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic gearbox and the rear-biased M xDrive all-wheel drive system, the latter allows for fully variable torque distribution between the front and rear axles, and can be turned to a pure rear-wheel drive mode for proper hooning obligations.
So then, why the headline? Well, the previous-generation base BMW M5 can do the century sprint in 3.4 seconds, and 3.3 on the Competition. The all-new 2024 model? 3.5 seconds.
The inconvenient truth is that the new hybrid powertrain has also unfortunately added a lot more weight – specifically, nearly 500 kg more. The kerb weight of over 2,400 kg means there’s a lot more inertia to deal with, which even the dramatic increase in power is still not sufficient to overcome.
But all’s not lost, because while the 0-100 km/h times are a bit disappointing (albeit still really, really fast), the mid-range acceleration is now better, so it’ll reach 200 km/h some 0.2 seconds faster (10.9s vs 11.1s). As before, top speed is limited to 250 km/h, but opting for the M Driver’s package will knock it up to 305 km/h.
With an 18.6 kWh battery pack, the all-new BMW M5 can also travel in full electric mode at speeds of up to 140 km/h for up to 69 km (nice), for when you need some quiet peace in your life. The battery can be recharged on AC power at up to 7.4 kW as standard, taking three hours and 15 minutes.
It’ll also return a fuel consumption figure as low as 1.6 l/100 km, or 10.2 l/100 km when the battery is completely depleted – not that you’ll really care in an M5.
ALSO READ: BMW XM Label Red debuts as the most powerful M car – 748hp, 1000Nm, 0-100km/h in 3.8 secs
As with all M products, the all-new 2024 BMW M5 gets a heavily revised chassis, with the suspension, steering, and structural elements all upgraded over the standard 5 Series. The M adaptive suspension is standard, alongside M-specific variable steering and rear-wheel steer of up to 1.5 degrees, new bespoke hydraulic engine mounts, as well as an M differential on the rear axle that can further split power between the wheels.
You’ll also get a standard adjustable sports exhaust system with quad tailpipes at the back, plus the beefed up cooling system, upgraded brakes (M Compound discs with six-piston calipers in front, upgradeable to carbon ceramic), and a lot of advanced electronics control to truly exploit all of its performance on track.
Looks wise, the M5 – as always – doesn’t go overtly aggressive like the M3 and M4, instead it inherits the mostly classy look of the standard 5 Series, but amped up with some sporty M touches like the unique semi-closed-off kidney grille, flared wheel arches with increased track both front and back, staggered lightweight 20- and 21-inch wheels, exclusive bumpers, and some enhanced aerodynamics courtesy of a small ducktail spoiler and a two-section diffuser below.
Customers can opt for an M Carbon roof to reduce the car’s centre of gravity for even more performance (and bragging rights), and there’s of course the customary M5 badges, including on the Hoffmeister Kink trims, letting everyone know what you’re driving.
Similarly, the interior has also been pepped up with the additional M buttons and gearshift paddles on the steering wheel, sportier seats, carbon fibre trims, and M badges scattered all around as usual. You also get M-specific displays on the BMW Curved Display unit, alongside exclusive performance-related buttons on the centre console for easy access.
Production of the BMW M5 will begin at the Dingolfing plant next month, with global market launch commencing sometime in November 2024. Oh, and there’ll be a Touring version too – Wagon’s not dead!
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