(continued from the previous page)
Design: 2013 BMW M5's Exterior
The design of the 2013 BMW M5 showcases its stand-out character. The dynamic
proportions and stylish authoritative appearance of the BMW 5 Series Sedan has
been further enhanced by the addition of M-specific design features. The
carefully selected enhancements are geared to meeting technical demands, making
them a central element of the Sedan's performance. The car's extraordinary
potential is highlighted subtly and with impressive authenticity by the
distinctive design elements on its front, sides and rear end.
The design of the front fascia embodies the impressive power of the new V8
engine. The contour lines of the hood converge in a V to the brand's hallmark
double-kidney grille. The wide-spread arrangement of the customary M black slats
- like the three air intakes in the lower section of the front apron -
emphasizes the engine cooling capacity behind the grille. The arrangement of the
air intakes over various levels creates an impressive depth which accentuates
the dynamic, forward-thrusting appearance of the Sedan.
The functional significance of the forward-projecting central aperture is
emphasized by the width of the car, which spreads out towards the road surface,
and the protruding form of the contour lines. The two side air intakes have a
dynamic curving form positioned far to the outer edges of the car. It emphasizes
the wide track and fills the spaces in the front apron of the BMW 5 Series Sedan
normally reserved for fog lamps. At the lower edge of the front end,
air-channeling flaps developed on the race track ensure optimized aerodynamics.
The standard Adaptive Xenon headlights of the new BMW M5 generate the daytime
running lights with visually unique LED light rings. The indicator lights
positioned on the car's outer edges each consist of 10 LED units. LED accent
lights cut across the top of the customary BMW twin round headlights to perfect
the intent look - both during day and night-time driving - characteristic of all
BMW models.
The long wheelbase, set-back passenger compartment and High-gloss Black side
window borders clearly accentuate the stretched silhouette of the new BMW M5.
Muscular flared wheel arches spotlight the wide track. Wheels sitting flush with
the bodywork and a 13mm lowered suspension enhance the car's sporting presence
when viewed from the side. The unique 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in
double-spoke design also assist in defining its presence and road holding
dynamics. The lightweight construction of the optional 20-inch forged wheels is
highlighted by its five slim double-spokes. This design clears a line of sight
to the high-performance brakes with six-piston fixed calipers, hinting at the
precision with which the driver can modulate the car's braking prowess.
The front fenders carry a fresh take on the hallmark M gills. The
three-dimensional shaping, a wide chrome frame and the free-floating look of the
indicator bar, which bears the M logo, give the intakes an extremely deep-set
look. The aerodynamically optimized form of the exterior mirrors is emphasized
by a horizontal crease. The mirror caps are painted in body color, the mirror
base and lower edge in High-gloss Black.
The sills of the new BMW M5 also have a unique design of their own. A
particularly powerful bulge at the back end of the skirts and a crease rising
slightly to the tail divert the eye to the rear wheel arches - and therefore to
the drive axle of this high-performance sports sedan.
The design of the rear fascia provides an effective expression of the superior
sports performance of the new BMW M5. There are further design elements of the
2013 BMW M5 that focuses on the car's width through the dominance of horizontal
lines driving additional emphasis to an athletically formed rear fascia. The
tailored rear fascia of the M5 provides a fluid transition into the wide wheel
arches, drawing even more attention to the drive forces channeled through the
rear wheels.
A diffuser integrated into the lower edge of the rear fascia provides efficient
air flow out the rear of the car under floor section. A signature M feature of
the 2013 BMW M5 is the twin-pipe exhaust system, where tailpipes are positioned
wide to either side of the diffuser and have aerodynamically formed surrounds.
The subtle Gurney-style rear spoiler on the trunk lid also aids the car's
aerodynamics by providing additional down force at high speeds.
The L-shaped rear lights fit the brand's template down to the distinctive
night-time look. Three LED-powered light strips shape the face of the
characteristically homogeneous units, and the turn signals and brake lights are
also fed by LED units. The reflectors are arranged immediately below the rear
lights. This is higher up on the rear apron than normally located on the regular
BMW 5 Series Sedan and accentuates the car's powerful muscular form.
Design: BMW M5's Interior
The interior of the 2013 BMW M5 brings together the incomparable combination of
a driver-oriented cockpit design of a sports car, the spaciousness and luxurious
feel of a premium automobile. Customized M sports seats, Merino extended leather
upholstery, door sills with "M5" lettering, an M driver's footrest, exclusive
Aluminum Trace interior trim strips and the BMW Individual roof liner in
Anthracite are all standard equipment, as is the iDrive control system with a
10.2-inch Control Display. This screen is centrally positioned and like the
controls in the central section of the instrument panel, slightly oriented
towards the driver.
The instrument cluster with black-panel-technology includes classic circular
instruments in traditional BMW M car style, with red needles and white
illumination, as well as model-specific displays and the M logo on the rev
counter. The shift program currently selected and gear engaged are shown in the
center of the instrument cluster. Feedback from all the drive and chassis
settings selected at the touch a button are also displayed in the cockpit.
BMW M5's High-Revving V8 Engine with M TwinPower Turbo Technology
The new BMW M5 engine has the highest output ever generated by a BMW M car, and
at the same time provides the most efficient balance between performance and
fuel consumption. It is characterized by immediate throttle response, a linear
power curve and an unusually high and flat torque curve. The new engine produces
around 10 per cent higher output than the V10 engine of its predecessor and
torque is up by over 30 per cent. At the same time, fuel consumption and CO2 are
expected to be reduced by approximately 30%.
To achieve the performance levels demanded by the M5, the engineers at BMW M
started with the proven BMW M developed V8 engine from the BMW X5 M - X6 M
(internally known as the S63) and further developed it for its duty in the M5.
Internally designated as the S63Tü this new engine uses similar M Twin Power
technology combined with the reverse flow V8 layout. The result is that the
high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo Technology lends a whole new
intensity to the powerful thrust at the higher rev ranges for which M cars are
known. The 4.4-litre engine develops a peak output of 560 hp (412 kW) at 5,750 -
7,000 rpm (versus 555 hp at 6,000 rpm for the S63), while its maximum torque of
500 lb-ft (680 Nm) is on tap between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm (versus 500 lb-ft from
1,500 to 5650 rpm for the S63). The rev limiter intervenes at 7,200 rpm (up 200
rpm from the S63 engine). The rev band, which offers extremely dynamic
acceleration between peak torque and the availability of maximum output, is
therefore almost three times as wide as that of the V10 engine in the previous
generation M5.
As in the V-8 engine of the X5 M, the two twin-scroll turbochargers are placed
(along with the catalytic converters) in the V-space between the two cylinder
banks. This layout results in an unusually compact engine where the intake is
moved outboard and the exhaust inboard - the opposite of conventional V-engines.
The lengths of intake and exhaust tracts are thereby reduced and their diameters
increased, reducing pressure losses - especially on the exhaust side. A further
advantage of the layout is the short distance between the cylinders' combustion
chambers and the primary catalytic converters; this leads to quicker warm-up of
the catalysts after the engine is started and therefore lower start-up
emissions.
Throughout each of its four previous generations, the heart of the BMW M5 has
been its high-revving, high output-per-liter engine fed by individual throttle
plates. The new M5 engine introduces VALVETRONIC variable valve control system
for the first time on a BMW M engine - effectively providing 16 individual
throttles.
VALVETRONIC is BMW's patented fully variable valve control system that
eliminates the need for conventional throttles. Engine power is instead
controlled directly by varying the amount of lift of the intake valves. Throttle
losses in the gas cycle are minimized with this system, which has a positive
impact on both the efficiency and torque. VALVETRONIC has also sharpened the
responsiveness of this engine compared to the V10 engine it replaces.
M TwinPower Turbo Technology also shapes the development of the V8 engine's
soundtrack. The concept of crossover exhaust manifolds plays a key role in
delivering a multi-layered collage of sound. The twin-tailpipe exhaust system of
the new BMW M5 runs largely in a straight line and has a large cross section.
The two exhaust gas ducts feed into a single muffler from which the customary M
twin tailpipes extend out through the far left and right-hand sides of the rear
apron.
7 Speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic
The new V8 engine M TwinPower Turbo engine is mated to a newly developed 7 speed
double-clutch transmission designed to handle the high torque and high revving
nature of the engine. The M DCT with Drivelogic System developed especially for
the new M5 has been tuned to the performance characteristics of the engine. It
delivers exceptionally fast and clean gear changes in both automatic mode (D)
and manual mode (S). No clutch pedal is required for manual gearshifts and the
driver can keep their foot on the accelerator during gear changes. The driver
uses the model-specific M gear selector to choose between D and S mode and to
engage reverse. The transmission offers a sequential shift pattern for the
manual gearshift mode. Alternatively, the driver can also change gears manually
using the shift paddles on the steering wheel - the right-hand paddle upshifts,
the left-hand paddle for downshifts. Comfort is further enhanced by the new Low
Speed Assistance function, which smoothes power delivery in stop-and-go traffic
with a light touch of the accelerator pedal.
The driver can also adapt the shift characteristics to their requirements in
manual mode. S1 mode generates comfortable and smooth gear changes. In S2, the
gear changes are completed noticeably faster and accompanied by significant
shift kick at higher revs. S3 is the one to choose for maximum driving dynamics;
it enables even sportier gear changes and is require to initiate the Launch
Control function. When the stability control system is switched off, Launch
Control allows the driver to achieve maximum acceleration from a standstill as
permitted by conditions. During a launch control acceleration, each gear change
takes place automatically and at the optimum engine speed.
Active M Differential
The Active M Differential in the new M5 is an electronically controlled
multi-plate limited-slip differential programmed to optimize traction, stability
and sporting character.
The rear axle's multi-plate limited-slip differential works with high precision
and speed. Its control unit is connected with the Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) system via FlexRay high-speed data transfer technology and constantly
cross-checks the data collected by its sensors with the feedback from DSC. It
then uses this information to calculate the locking force required to deliver
optimum traction and stability. The data recorded by DSC sensors is also passed
on if the stability control system is switched off. The locking force within the
differential can be varied continuously between 0 and 100%. The ABS system
retains full functionality in all situations.
M5-Specific Chassis
Each component in the suspension and chassis of the new M5 has been developed
based on the extensive race expertise of BMW M engineers. Specially tuned axle
kinematics and newly developed suspension components boasting impressive
strength and minimized weight meet both the requirements of everyday road
driving and the specialized demands of track use. Reinforced chassis mountings
at the front and rear axles ensure that dynamic forces are passed evenly through
to the body structure. The result is that the BMW M5 continues the BMW M
tradition of engineering a chassis that is faster than the engine. As with every
BMW M car, the engineers carried out the fine-tuning during extensive testing on
the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit.
Dynamic Damper Control (DDC) electronically controlled dampers are standard on
the new BMW M5. DDC uses electro-hydraulic damping force adjustment to provide a
set-up suited to the driving situation and the wishes of the driver. The damper
settings can be adjusted at the touch of a button. In "Comfort" mode the dampers
respond adaptively to the condition of the road surface and the driver's style.
"Sport" mode activates a noticeably stiffer damper set-up, while "Sport Plus"
allows further stiffening of the suspension to achieve maximum longitudinal and
lateral acceleration in ultra-dynamic driving situations.
At the touch of a button, the driver can also select from three settings for the
M-specific Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering. "Comfort" mode requires
only a small amount of steering force when parking or maneuvering, but still
provides the M brand's hallmark direction-changing precision at higher speeds.
"Sport" ensures the driver enjoys more intensive feedback across all speed
ranges. "Sports Plus" is the highest level of steering dynamics that can be
selected where the driver is called on to use even greater force with the
steering wheel.
The 2013 BMW M5 also uses BMW's most advanced Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that includes Cornering Brake Control (CBC),
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Brake Assistant, brake fade compensation, a Brake
Drying function and Start-off Assistant. The DCS system has three levels of
operation. The default is "DSC On" which provides the greatest level of
stability and traction control. M Dynamic Mode (MDM) can be activated to
override the basic setting by pressing the DSC button on the center console.
This mode allows for very spirited driving - as on a race track - while still
providing a safety by raising the intervention thresholds of DSC. "DSC Off" mode
can also be activated at the touch of a button for complete deactivation of the
system.
High-Performance Brake System of the 2013 BMW M5 Sedan
The high-performance braking system of the new BMW M5 guarantees outstanding
stopping power matching the overall performance of the car. The typical BMW M
compound rotors have been further improved for the 2013 BMW M5. These rotors
thermally separate the central hub (constructed of aluminum) and the vented and
cross drilled cast iron rotor disk. As a result, the rotors are free to expand
and contract without warping. Six-piston fixed-calipers are radically bolted to
the pivot bearing. Together, the brake system provides exceptional braking
performance, fade resistance and pedal feel.
The standard M5 wheel and tire combination is a 19 in. M specific light alloy
wheels fitted with 265/40 R19 tires in the front and 295/40 R 19 tires at the
rear. 20 in. forged M light-alloy wheels can be ordered as an option.
M Drive Buttons
On the left-hand steering wheel spoke, the driver has two M Drive buttons which
can be used to call up a pre-configured set-up for the car. For example, the
driver can save a sporty configuration using the "M1" button and a
comfort-biased set-up via the "M2" button. The set-up selected will remain
activated until it is either cancelled by pressing the button again or the
driver switches to another M Drive setting. Once the system has been switched
off - as when the engine is started - it reverts back to a default configuration
focusing on efficiency and ride comfort.
The M Drive system in the new BMW M5 allows the driver to adjust no fewer than
six parameters: the engine management, the responses of the Servotronic steering
system, the M DCT with Drivelogic shift program, the DSC mode, the responses of
DDC and the information in the Head-Up Display. The desired settings for the
engine, chassis systems and Head-Up Display can be configured in any combination
via the iDrive menu. Plus, the driver can also save the current set-up
configuration selected earlier using the buttons on the center console by
holding down one of the two M Drive buttons for a few seconds. For safety
reasons, a set-up involving the DSC settings "MDM" or "DSC Off" requires
confirmation from the driver - by pressing the M Drive button again - before it
can be activated. The set-up configuration selected is shown by a clear symbol
displayed in the instrument cluster.
Head-Up Display
The M Drive configuration also includes the information shown on the standard
Head-Up Display and projects important information onto the windscreen directly
in the driver's field of vision. A full spectrum of colors is used to display
graphics and symbols and the all-color capability means road sign symbols can be
reproduced very realistically. In addition to a digital speed read-out, the
M-specific version of the Head-Up Display also shows the gear currently engaged
and a color rev counter symbol, complete with Shift Lights.
The new BMW M5 has arrived in authorized US BMW Centers in the Summer of 2012 as
a 2013 model.
BMW M5: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications