The BMW 5 Series was the first-ever sports sedan. It not only created a new car segment, it accomplished something arguably even more impressive—it retained its stature as the pinnacle of the genre 23 years after it created it, thanks to the mighty M5.
And now, SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., the Philippines’ official BMW importer and distributor, has unveiled an all-new version of its most powerful 5 Series. The 7th-generation M5 sedan now boasts a plug-in hybrid drive system and is now available as a Touring (BMW-speak for wagon) variant—only the third time for an M5.
The new M5 combines powerful performance with a distinctive, athletic design. It stands out from the standard 5 Series with its prominent wheel arches and side skirt extensions, a highly sculpted front apron, and an embossed “M5” logo on the C-pillar.
Equipped with BMW’s M HYBRID system, the new M5 offers vast reserves of power that can be discreetly used for electric-only cruising or fully unleashed for track sessions.
Athletic aesthetics
The new M5 gets the M Carbon exterior package which includes a carbon roof, mirrors and spoiler. The sculpted front end is defined by large air intakes and a new BMW M kidney grille showcased by BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting. At the rear, slim taillights, vertical reflectors, and a two-section split diffuser with quad exhaust pipes emphasize the width and powerful stance of the M5.
The new M5 comes in six standard colors: Alpine White, Marina Bay Blue Metallic, M Carbon Black Metallic, M Brooklyn Grey Metallic, M Fire Red Metallic, and Isle of Man Green Metallic. There are also two BMW Individual finishes: Frozen Deep Grey and Storm Bay Metallic.
Scintillating 1,000-Nm performance, impressive electric range
The new M5’s M HYBRID drive system brings a 4.4-liter V8 with classical high-revving (7200 rpm) character together with an electric motor—integrated with an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic—for a total of 727 hp and 1000 Nm of torque. Top speed is 305 km/h.
Providing an acoustic accompaniment to the electric motor is BMW IconicSounds Electric. This M-specific electric drive sound provides authentic responses to the accelerator when the car is operating in EV mode.
In all-electric mode, the new M5 can hit speeds of up to 140 km/h. The car has an electric range of up to 69 kms (67 kms for the M5 Touring) in the WLTP cycle.
The M5’s power is channeled to the road via BMW’s M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, whose rear-biased setup is particularly pronounced in 4WD Sport mode. However, the driver can also select 2WD mode. This sends drive exclusively to the rear wheels with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system switched off, which will appeal to experienced drivers.
Sophisticated chassis tech with M-specific tuning
Fitted as standard on the new M5 are adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers and Integral Active Steering, which steers the rear wheels by up to 1.5 degrees. M-specific tuning adjusts the dampers at each wheel to maximize the car’s spread of talents – from everyday driving comfort to race-ready responsiveness.
M Carbon ceramic brakes combine with an integrated braking system that presents the driver with two pedal feel settings. M light-alloy wheels (20-inch at the front axle, 21-inch at the rear) come as standard and are fitted with high-performance tires.
BMW ADAS for assured and comfortable driving
Standard on the new M5 are safety features such as Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning including Lane Return with Steering Assistance, the Evasion Assistant, the Attentiveness Assistant and the Speed Limit Info system. The Driving Assistant Professional adds Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function together with tech including the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Traffic Light Detection, Automatic Speed Limit Assist and Active Navigation.
The M5 is equipped with Parking Assistant including Reversing Assistant. The Parking Assistant Professional allows automated parking and maneuvering over a distance of up to 200 meters to be controlled from inside the car or by smartphone from outside the car.
Customizable driving experience
The center console houses buttons to tailor the driving experience to individual preferences. The Setup button configures the drive system, Drivelogic, chassis, steering, braking system and M xDrive, as well as the intensity of brake energy recuperation. Launch Control is available in all the M Setup menu settings with the exception of the M xDrive system’s 2WD mode.
M HYBRID system can also be adjusted as desired. HYBRID mode, to maximize either efficiency or performance, depending on the driving situation – and ELECTRIC mode, in which the combustion engine is only brought into play by accelerator kickdown or using the gearshift paddles. M Drive Professional adds DYNAMIC and DYNAMIC PLUS modes to the mix, which prime the drive system and cooling system to keep output at a constantly high level or generate short bursts of maximum output during track driving.
A cabin crafted for an M
Aside from the M-specific control panel on the center console, the new M5 also sports a new flat-bottom M leather steering wheel with illuminated M buttons, M multifunction power seats and the BMW Widescreen Display which includes M-specific content.
An upgraded BMW iDrive is designed for use via touch control and natural speech. Temperature, airflow, and seat heating can now be controlled by touch or by voice command.
Also playing their part in the exclusive interior ambience are the Merino leather trim, BMW Interaction Bar, four-zone AC, heated front seats, ambient lighting with M-specific interior lighting including Welcome Animation, and the panoramic glass sunroof (for the M5 Touring). There is also a Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System, a wireless charging tray, Comfort Access, an alarm system, automatic tailgate operation and the charging cable Professional. Among the items on the options list are the M Carbon exterior package, Alcantara headliner, steering wheel heating, active seat ventilation and a trailer tow hitch.
The all-new BMW M5 and BMW M5 Touring retail for Php 12,790,000 and comes with a portable flexi charger, a 5-year comprehensive BMW warranty (or 200,000km whichever comes first), and an 8-year warranty for the electric battery (or 120,000km whichever comes first).
Photos by Mica de los Reyes
