Seventh heaven for BMW M5 Kiwi fans
The new M5 can accelerate from rest to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds. Photo: BMW
The seventh generation of the BMW M5 Sedan will launch in New Zealand in Q4 this year, and it will be the first electric version in the model’s 40-year history via hybrid technology.
New Zealand pricing for the all-new M5 Sedan will also be announced in July, with customer deliveries beginning in November 2024.
The all-new BMW M5 has a model-specific M HYBRID system, derived from the BMW M Hybrid World Endurance Championship (WEC) racecar.
While the 4.4-litre M TwinPower Turbo V8 develops 430kW and 750Nm while also being capable of spinning to 7,200rpm, the maximum output of the electric motor – integrated with the transmission – is 145kW with a nominal torque of 280Nm.
However, a pre-gearing stage enables effective torque at the transmission input to be increased to 450Nm.
The interior showcases elements that bring together luxury and high-performance.
The combination of the petrol and electric drive units – in addition to power transfer courtesy of an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, highly configurable M xDrive all-wheel-drive and electronically controlled Active M Differential – unlocks storming performance.
The new M5 can accelerate from rest to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds, while New Zealand-delivered models will achieve a top speed of 305km/h due to the offering of M Driver’s Package as standard equipment.
The sports exhaust system of the new BMW M5 integrates electrically controlled, continuously adjustable flaps to provide a sonorous note that is channelled through four tailpipes, each measuring 100mm in diameter.
The BMW M5’s 4.4-litre M TwinPower Turbo V8 develops 430kW and 750Nm.
The electric motor can propel the BMW M5 to a top speed of 140km/h, while the high-voltage battery that feeds the motor has a usable energy capacity of 18.6kWh. This enables an electric-only driving range of between 67 to 69 kilometres on the WLTP testing cycle.
A distinctive styling package accompanies the power delivery and engaging performance of the new BMW M5. It includes prominent wheel arch and side skirt extensions, a sculptural front apron and model-specific surfacing around the C-pillar, including an embossed ‘M5’ logo on the Hofmeister kink. Twenty- and 21-inch M light alloy wheels with distinctive designs feature on the front and rear axles.
New Zealand-delivered models will achieve a top speed of 305km/h.
The interior similarly showcases elements that bring together luxury and high-performance befitting of the BMW M5’s stature while also integrating intuitive technology, such as the latest version of BMW iDrive running Operating System 8.5.
Other highlights of the cabin include a newly designed flat-bottomed steering wheel, Merino leather trim, the BMW Interaction Bar and ambient lighting with M-specific interior lighting including Welcome and Goodbye Animation.
The all-new BMW M5 will break cover at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, with production commencing at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing – where all previous six generation BMW M5s have been built – the same month.
