New BMW M5 super sedan set for NZ lift off in October 2020

• Updated BMW M5 features retuned chassis to further sharpen driving experience
• Revised suspension set-up with new shock absorbers
• Modernised styling package includes new front, side and rear design elements
• Interior features new high definition 12.3-inch centre control display
• New Setup and M Mode buttons provide simplified control of performance aspects
• Celebrated 4.4-litre V8 engine with BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology produces almighty 460kW and 750Nm
• Standard sprint achieved in 3.3-seconds; zero to 200km/h in just 10.8
• Pricing and specification details to be announced in the lead-up to local introduction

BMW New Zealand will introduce the latest iteration of the legendary M5 super sedan to the local market in October this year.

The new car will further elevate the renowned dynamic prowess of the model, thanks to extensive chassis tweaks, a new styling package and updated interior elements.

The M5 is the fourth new high performance M car to touch down in New Zealand after the M8, X5M and X6M in 2020, reflecting the importance of the country, the #1 market for BMW M globally in terms of M/MPA model split.

Exterior design: stylistic fine-tuning

As with the new BMW 5 Series, the M5’s front design is characterised by an updated kidney grille that drops down further into the front apron.

A one-piece high-gloss black surround design frames both elements of the grille, while M-specific double bars in combination with an M badge provide unmistakable hints of the vehicle’s pedigree, status and capability.

The front apron has bolder contouring and larger air intakes at the sides to deliver an aggressive look while adding to cooling performance. The expansive central air intake has a hexagonal shape and incorporates the oil cooler and the radar sensor for the Active Cruise Control (ACC) system.

New L-shaped daytime running light tubes add a dynamic flourish to the redesigned headlights, and new BMW Individual Shadow Line light module bases provide a dark-tinted accent to the BMW Laserlight system.

The aluminium bonnet, front side panels with signature M gills, streamlined M exterior mirrors and a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof join the BMW kidney grille’s double bars as hallmark design features.

The thinner walls of the M-specific twin tailpipes also create a greater sense of high-tech precision.

The muscular rear apron with large diffuser has also been restyled, as have the three-dimensional LED rear lights with refreshed light graphics that reframe the now-familiar BMW L shape.

M5 Competition set apart by black styling details

Additional black styling details underline the elite status of the M5 Competition.

The BMW kidney grille surround, mesh on the M gills, exterior mirror caps and the boot lid spoiler all have a high-gloss black finish. Black inserts are also integrated in the rear apron.

Black M5 Competition badges adorn the kidney grille, gills and the boot lid, while the door sill plates have an illuminated logo. The tailpipes of the standard M Sport exhaust system are additionally finished in black chrome.

Five new paint finishes are available for the new model including Brands Hatch Grey, Motegi Red metallic, Tanzanite Blue II metallic, Aventurine Red II metallic and matte Frozen Bluestone metallic finishes from BMW Individual.

Champagne Quartz metallic offered previously has been renamed Alvit Grey metallic.

Light-alloy wheel options now also include the 20-inch M double-spoke design in polished Orbit Grey familiar from the BMW M8.

Larger central display and new operating concept with M modes

The introduction of a new operating concept and a 12.3-inch centre control display mean the cabin of the new BMW M5 Competition is more driver-centric than ever.

The new screen makes it even easier to keep a clear eye on the myriad functions associated with the driving dynamics systems and BMW M xDrive all-wheel drive.

Two new buttons on the centre console – like those found in the new BMW M8 – provide more direct access to system settings and the various readouts in the instrument cluster and Head-Up Display.

At the press of the M Mode button, the driver can toggle swiftly between the ROAD and SPORT settings. In the default ROAD setting, all driver assistance systems are fully activated.

With the SPORT setting engaged, the active driver assistance systems (in the configuration set by the driver) only transmit alerts on speed limits and overtaking restrictions.

This mode allows all interventions in the braking and steering systems to be disabled, aside from those made by the collision warning with braking function and the Evasion Assistant.

SPORT mode also switches both the instrument cluster and the Head-Up Display to a special M View.

The Setup button takes drivers straight to the configuration menu. Pressing the button positioned above the M Mode button allows programming of an individual configuration for the powertrain and chassis options.

Simplified operation using the touchscreen display or iDrive Controller makes it straightforward for the driver to choose different settings for the engine, suspension, steering and M xDrive system.

The two red-painted M1 and M2 buttons next to the gearshift paddles on the M multifunction steering wheel enable rapid movement between the setups.

They allow drivers to configure two individual setups, comprising their choice of M xDrive, DSC, engine, transmission, damper and steering characteristics, as well as the appearance of M View in the Head-Up Display.

TRACK mode – which is enabled by holding down the M Mode button – is new for the new M5 Competition and designed exclusively for use on race circuits.

This mode deactivates all comfort and safety functions of the driver assistance systems while also muting the audio system and switching off the central display to keep the driver’s attention on the road ahead.

In addition, the instrument cluster switches to M View and the Head-Up Display dispenses with readouts from the driver assistance systems. Automatic activation of the hazard warning lights in response to emergency braking is suppressed and the collision warning system is also deactivated.

M multifunction seats exude luxurious feel and support for dynamic driving

M multifunction seats with integrated head restraints, an illuminated M5 logo and extended functions are key highlights of the luxurious and sport-focused M5 Competition cabin.

The seats are trimmed in merino leather upholstery with multi-way electric adjustment, while the black/midrand beige option is now also available as per other new generation BMW M models including the M8, X5 M and X6 M.

Imposing power from high-revving V8 powerplant

The V8 unit under the bonnet of the BMW M5 Competition goes about its business in race car-derived, high-revving style with imposing muscularity and supreme power delivery.

Peak torque of 750Nm arrives from as low down as 1,800rpm and is sustained at this elevated level all the way to 5,860rpm. Maximum output of 460kW is achieved at 6,000rpm.

Engine characteristics can be changed at the touch of a button from the basic EFFICIENT mode to SPORT and SPORT+, resulting in even more willing response to movements of the accelerator.

The BMW M5 Competition completes the standard sprint in just 3.3 seconds and races to 200km/h in a staggering 10.8 seconds.

The BMW M5 Competition’s M Sport exhaust system features a dual-branch and flap-controlled design that produces a soundtrack to match the towering performance characteristics.

The eight-speed M Steptronic transmission enables extraordinarily short shift times and fast, precise responses to every nudge of the accelerator.

The Drivelogic rocker switch on the gear selector allows three modes to be chosen for efficient, sporty or dynamically intense track driving – the latter involving extremely rapid gearshifts. The driver can use both the selector lever and the shift paddles on the steering wheel to intervene manually.

Bespoke engine mounts provide immediate response, sharper turn-in

Bespoke engine mounts with a stiffer spring rate are among the special features of the BMW M5 Competition.

The drive unit’s firmer connection to the vehicle’s structure is clearly perceptible, resulting in even more rapid engine response and immediate transmission of its power to the drivetrain.

The M5 also turns into corners with noticeably greater directness and precision thanks to the additional stiffness in the mounts.

High performance meets everyday usability

The highly advanced M xDrive system and centralised intelligent control for the Active M Differential help negotiate the dynamic tightrope between full everyday usability and exceptional road or track performance.

As an alternative to variable all-wheel drive mode (4WD) with rear-biased baseline setup, the M5’s handling characteristics can be altered by varying degrees, culminating in 2WD mode.

This pure rear-wheel drive setting with no DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) treats accomplished drivers to completely unadulterated driving pleasure.

The M Servotronic steering can also be adjusted in its response, with a choice of COMFORT and SPORT modes, as can Variable Damper Control (VDC).

VDC can be set to COMFORT for impeccable everyday usability, SPORT to enhance sporty driving on country roads and give an ideal handling profile for laps at the track or SPORT+ to maximise dynamic performance on smooth asphalt, with wheel and body movements minimised.

As well as a seven-millimetre drop in ride height and other well-conceived tweaks to the suspension and springs, the BMW M5 Competition’s setup benefits from further upgrades which take into account the car’s extra power.

Its talents are showcased most prominently on the race track. New shock absorbers from the BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupé both improve on-the-limit handling and bring extra comfort to the driving experience.

Bumps and ruts in the road surface are passed through the body – and therefore to the passengers – to a far lesser degree, and this is achieved without blunting the car’s sporting edge and precision at high or low speeds.

The BMW M5 Competition leaves the factory with forged, bi-colour, 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in a Y-spoke design and mixed-size tyres (front: 275/35 R 20, rear: 285/35 R 20).

M Compound brakes fitted as standard

The brake system is headlined by M Compound brakes that feature perforated, inner-vented brake discs and six-piston fixed calipers bearing the M logo at the front and single-piston floating calipers with an integrated parking brake at the rear.

As well as the standard blue painted finish, the calipers can now be finished in high-gloss black or high-gloss red as an option.

Optional M carbon ceramic brakes are recognisable by gold calipers with M logo (six-piston fixed calipers at the front, single-piston floating calipers at the rear).

The carbon ceramic brakes withstand wear exceptionally well, are 23 kilograms lighter, provide even greater braking performance and thermal stability and improved fade resistance.

Local arrival

The new BMW M5 Competition will launch in New Zealand this October with full pricing and specification details to be revealed in the lead-up to launch.

- Ends -

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2019, the BMW Group sold over 2.5 million passenger vehicles and more than 175,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2019 was € 7.118 billion on revenues amounting to € 104.210 billion. As of 31 December 2019, the BMW Group had a workforce of 126,016 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupView

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmwgroup/

For further press/media information contact:

Lucy Houghton
Pead PR

Telephone: 09 918 5555

Mobile: 021 132 1190

Email: bmw@peadpr.co.nz