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BMW M5 official pictures The definitive super saloon is back with a 552bhp V8 under the bonnet, see official pictures and all the details here.

The definitive M car is back for its fifth installment – and it’s a deadlier weapon than ever. After numerous spottings of camouflaged prototypes out testing, BMW has released official images of its all-new £73,040 M5, on sale in November, along with the juicy details and those all-important performance figures.

Lurking under the power bulge in the bonnet is a twin-turbocharged engine, a first for the M5, but fans of big horsepower won’t be disappointed. The 4.4-litre V8 produces 552bhp and 680Nm of torque – that’s 10 per cent more power and 30 per cent more torque than the outgoing car and the most powerful production engine ever for a BMW, while fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (28.5mpg and 232g/km) have improved by 30 per cent – thanks in part to brake energy regeneration and stop-start.

[Official BMW video of a prototype M5 undergoing high speed testing]

Performance is predictably impressive – 0-62mph takes just 4.4 seconds, a tenth faster than the Mercedes E63 AMG Saloon, while 0-124mph takes 13 seconds and the top speed is limited to 155mph. Specify the M Driver’s Packaage though and the limiter is lifted to 190mph.

Power is transferred to the rear wheels by a seven-speed dual clutch paddle-shift gearbox which has been optimsed maximum acceleration with a launch mode, but also for excellent manners around town – a Low Speed Assistance function keeps the car trickling through stop-start traffic with a light nudge of the accelerator. A limited slip Active M Differential splits torque between the rear wheels, maximising grip and making those signature M5 tail slides possible.

The M5′s chassis is fitted with a host of electronic wizardry that should make it razor sharp to drive and infinitely customiseable to suit different driving styles. There’s electronically-controlled dampers and firmer suspension, adjustable steering weight, a stability control system with M Dynamic mode and race-spec brakes. Five parameters can be manually adjusted with three choices for each: the engine mapping, steering response, gearbox shift times, stability control and dampers, giving 243 possible combinations to choose from.

The design takes the standard 5-Series’ understated styling to the limit with a pronounced front apron perforated with much larger air intakes to aid colling for the engine and brakes. Flared wheels arches emphasise the wider track while a rear diffuser is slotted in between the two bank of twin tailpipes. 19-inch alloys (although 20-inch wheels can be ordered) and side ‘gills’ with integrated indicators complete the pupmped up exterior.

Inside, the cabin is every bit as luxurious as a standard 5-Series, but with the a addition of an M-specific intrument cluster, ‘M’ embossed onto the headrests of the sports seats and a leather-covered centre console. A high-equipment count includes a head-up display as standard, as well as a 10.2 inch colour screen and enhanced smartphone integration so you can even check you Facebook and Twitter acounts on the go.

Read our first drive of an M5 prototype here.

 

For an alternative review of the latest BMW 5-Series visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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