All-New 2018 F90 BMW M5 Debuts - 600 HP, 750 Nm, M xDrive AWD

The all-new 2018 BMW M5 has just been unveiled by the company after numerous teasers and spyshots. For the first time ever, the BMW M5 will be all-wheel drive, courtesy of the company's newly-developed M xDrive system.

The 2018 BMW M5's engine is a thoroughly reworked version of its predecessor's 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, including newly-developed turbochargers, improved oil pan and a new oil supply system with a variable map-controlled pump. On top of that, the engine in the 2018 M5 receives modified cross-bank exhaust manifolds and a Helmholtz resonator between the two exhaust silencers.

Together, the engine outputs 600 hp between 5,600 to 6,700 rpm, while the peak torque of 750 Nm is available from just 1,800 rpm all the way up to 5,600 rpm. This marks a 40 hp and 70 Nm increase over the model it replaces. Transmission-wise, the F90 M5 replaces its predecessor's seven-speed dual clutch 'box with ZF's famed 8HP 8-speed torque converter automatic complete with M-specific software. From a standstill, the BMW M5 hits the 100 km/h mark in just 3.4 seconds. 

A major talking point of the new F90 M5 is its new M xDrive all-wheel drive system. The rear-biased system operates on an on-demand basis, driving the rear wheels most of the time, only sending power to the front as and when additional traction is needed.

The system is also calibrated to allow a few degrees of slip for sideways action. In conjunction with BMW's DSC system, drivers can adjust the threshold of slip before electronic intervention kicks in. There is also the option of locking the driveline to RWD mode with stability control switched off. Warning - only for experts in controlled conditions.

Working hand-in-hand with the new M xDrive system is BMW's DSC system with several selectable modes: 

• DSC + 4WD Mode - Allows certain amount of slip at the rear wheels when accelerating out of a corner for better agility. 
• DSC + 4WD Sport Mode (M Dynamic Mode) - More torque is sent to the rear wheels with the amount of permissible rear wheel slip is increased, allowing for controlled drifts.

For track junkies, the drive modes with the DSC system can be switched off, with the highlight being the pure rear-wheel-drive model (2WD). This mode is designed for drivers to fully experience what the BMW M5 has to offer with no electronic control systems to hold the car back. 

As standard, the 2018 BMW M5 comes with 275/40R19 tires up front and 285/40R19 tires at the rear, wrapping 19-inch five-double-spoke Orbit Grey alloy wheels all round. Optionally, customers can choose 20-inch seven-double-spoke wheels in black or polished black. BMW says that all the tires are ZR speed rated, suitable for the new M5's 305 km/h top speed with M Driver's Package. The standard BMW M5 maxes out at 250 km/h.

Other handling components include the BMW M compound brakes with six piston callipers fitted as standard, with M carbon ceramic brakes available as an option. 

Visually, the 2018 BMW M5 receives a redesigned front bumper with larger air intakes for better cooling. That aside, BMW has utilized aluminium for the side panels with BMW's signature M gills and front bonnet in order to shave some weight. Other M5-specific bits include the side skirts, M rear skirt and M rear spoiler. Unlike the regular G30 5 Series, the high performance M5 does not receive the air curtain vents at the sides of the front bumper. The signature side gills are also positioned higher than the vanilla 5 Series. 

Further BMW M5-specific hardware can be found inside, like the digital instrument cluster with M-specific design, sports seats and M-specific heads-up display. The highlight of the 2018 BMW M5's interior is the two red M1 and M2 buttons next to the paddle shifters on the steering wheel, allowing drivers to configure two individual setups for the M5, including selection of M xDrive, DSC, engine, transmission plus damper and steering characteristics. The buttons can also alter the appearance of M view in the HUD. Optionally, customers can opt for the BMW M multifunction racing-style bucket seats with integral head restraints and an illuminated M5 emblem. 

For the early birds, BMW is offering the 2018 M5 with the option of a "First Edition" model, limited to just 400 units worldwide. Production of the BMW M5 First Edition will start in spring 2018 and is expected to continue until June 2018 at the latest. The BMW M5 First Edition will carry a €19,500 premium over the regular M5. 

The BMW M5 First Edition will feature an exclusive colour called Frozen Dark Red Metallic, with Shadow Line trim that covers the kidney grille, M gills and four tailpipes in high-gloss black. Unlike the regular M5, the M5 First Edition will receive 20-inch seven-double-spoke alloy wheels in black, as standard. Inside, the BMW M5 First Edition gets a plaque on the centre console with the car's production number and multifunction BMW M seats. 

Those interested can place an order for the 2018 BMW M5 from September 2017, with deliveries expected to start in spring 2018.