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BMW has launched the latest generation of the BMW M5 in India, and the prices for the performance sedan start from ₹1.99 crore. The new generation of BMW’s iconic performance sedan now gets fresh styling and a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time – and this is also the most powerful generation of the M5 yet, aimed at the likes of the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance.
At the front of the all-new BMW M5, you get the signature BMW twin headlights and BMW double kidney grille which is finished in gloss black. You also get BMW’s Iconic Glow contour lighting fitted as standard, which means the grille is illuminated. In addition to this, you get flared wheel arch extensions, and the air intakes create a striking appearance. The side frame of the M5 has been completely redesigned compared to the standard 5, with the embossed M5 logo in the rearmost section of the side window surround getting the M high-gloss Shadow Line trim in the Hofmeister kink.
The standard spec includes the M Carbon roof which reduces the weight by more than 30kg as it does not include a panoramic glass sunroof and lowers the centre of gravity. You also get exterior mirror caps and a rear spoiler made from carbon. Alternatively, you can also spec your M5 with a glass sunroof. At the front you get 20-inch alloy wheels, with 21-inch wheels at the rear, with standard fitted M Compound brakes or optional M Carbon ceramic brakes. The M twin exhaust pipes are finished in black chrome and you get a two-section diffuser too.
The interiors get a newly designed M leather steering wheel with the three-spoke design and a flat-bottomed rim, and if you spec your M5 with the M Drive Professional option, the left gearshift paddle is marked Boost – enabling rapid bursts of speed between 30 and 150kmph. The M Drive Professional suite of features also includes a lap timer. You also get standard M multifunction seats with illuminated M5 logo and the BMW curved display with BMW OS 8.5 for the infotainment. Also on offer is the standard Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system with 18-speakers.
The heart of the matter with the M5 is its twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 engine, which gets plug-in hybrid assistance. The combined system output is 717bhp, along with 1000Nm of torque – making this the most powerful M5 yet. Thanks to the hybrid unit, the M5 can also drive on electric power for distances up to 69km. Power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed transmission and the xDrive all-wheel-drive system. 0 to 100kmph comes up in 3.5 seconds, while 0 to 200kmph takes 10.9 seconds. The top speed of the new BMW M5 is limited to 250kmph as standard, but the limiter can be raised to 305kmph if the optional M Driver’s Package is spec-ed. In all-electric operating mode, the new BMW M5 can hit speeds of up to 140kmph. The M5 also gets Integral Active Steering, which steers the rear wheels by up to 1.5 degrees, along with Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers.
Prices for the M5 start from ₹1.99 crore and the sedan will come to India as a CBU. It rivals the likes of the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance, and while the M5 is more expensive than the Mercedes (priced at ₹1.95 crore), it is a segment up on the C, with a bigger engine, more power and the promise of more ballistic performance. Which of these sedans will come out on top when it comes to the Thrill of Driving? Only a direct comparison test will help us find out.
