2012 BMW M5 review
New 2011 BMW M5
By Ian Lynas, 09th December 2011
"Super Saloon" is a worthy name for the latest BMW M5 - the fifth generation model is one of the finest cars in the 25-year history of the M series cars.
In order to realise the potential of this new car, I had the opportunity to drive not only on some of the most challenging roads in the Southwest of France but also to put in some track time at the little Pau Arnos racing circuit, a short drive from Pau itself.
This was not my first time to visit this region of France; in the past I had reported on the FIA World Touring Car Championship and the famous Historic Racing meeting, both staged on a street circuit.
New BMW M5
The Pau Arnos circuit has been modelled on Brands Hatch: a blend of challenging corners and up and down sections.
This car really does stand out from the competition; it is the complete package; indeed I could describe it as two cars in one. On-road performance would shame many sportscars and it is also a very comfortable and competent saloon, with seating for four and a generous boot. The boot space has been increased, an extra 10 litres over the outgoing car.
Performance is simply stunning; the sprint from standstill to 62mph takes a mere 4.4 seconds, so it's little wonder that the M5 has been a popular choice with F1 drivers.
New BMW M5
Powering the latest M5 is a brand new V8 twin-turbo engine; the former relied on a V10. Allied to this new power plant is a seven-speed gearbox, itself a work of engineering quality but then would you expect anything less from this German car manufacturer?
With 560bhp from 5,750-7,000rpm, it is the most potent series-production engine ever to emerge from the high-performance M Division.
Incorporating the company's M TwinPower Turbo technology, twin-scroll turbochargers, high-precision direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and a cross-bank exhaust manifold, it guarantees the legendary BMW M-car performance with seamless lag-free delivery from little more than tick-over speed, mainly thanks to 680Nm of torque from just 1,500rpm.
New 2011 BMW M5 interior
Maximum power is increased by 10 per cent and peak torque by more than 30 per cent. However, performance goes hand-in-hand with efficiency and with BMW's seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission Drivelogic and Efficient Dynamics technology, including engine Auto Start-Stop and Brake Energy Regeneration and the new M5's fuel consumption has been reduced by more than 30 per cent while CO2 emissions tumble to 232g/km.
The transmission offers manual and fully automated 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. There is also a low speed assistance function to keep the car moving smoothly through heavy traffic with only a light touch on the accelerator and at the same time the engine characteristics can be switched from Efficient to Sport or Sport Plus, through another button in the centre console.
Fuel economy has been vastly improved; you can expect 28-plus mpg and in my opinion, this is outstanding in this sector of the market.
New 2011 BMW M5
The track time did allow me to explore the performance and handling qualities in a safe and controlled environment and I had a professional racing driver alongside giving advice or on occasion shouting words of encouragement as I took the M5 to limits you would never experience on the open road. Both the instructors who sat with me are competitors in European sportscar racing and they were certainly impressed with the car.
BMW marketing has used the phrase 'the ultimate driving machine' and those four words sum up the new M5 perfectly.
Some of you may have owned or driven M3, while I would describe its performance as raw; the new M5 delivers with slightly more elegance.
Entry to M5 ownership will cost you £73,040 but the cars which I tried both had the same level of options taking the final total to £82,985. The most expensive option being Silverstone Full Merino Leather at £5,445
