The all-new BMW M5 Touring got a bird’s-eye-view of Dubai before it even set foot (err…wheels) in the city.
The company’s local dealer AGMC put the super wagon on a platform that was hoisted by a helicopter (watch the video here). After the helicopter safely landed the M5 in a field, it was removed from a special platform and driven to a designated area for a special event.
The latest addition to BMW’s line-up comes as the luxury carmaker expands its offering in the high-performance segment and at the same time pushes ahead with the electrification of its model range.
Under the hood
The new BMW M5 Touring combines standout dynamics on the road and track with variable-use interior space for everyday jobs, leisure activities and trips away. This is the third current BMW M car to be powered by an M Hybrid drive system, in which a high-revving V8 engine is boosted by an electric motor with extremely rapid power delivery. Together, the engine and motor generate maximum output of 727 hp and peak torque of 1,000 Nm.
Power transfer via the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, the M xDrive all-wheel drive system, the Active M Differential and the M-specific chassis technology are all tuned precisely to the performance characteristics of the M Hybrid drive system. The new BMW M5 Touring accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds.
Exterior design
A particularly high proportion of surfaces painted in body colour and a black solid finish for the roof create a puristic appearance to go with the familiar proportions of a Touring model. A model-specific side frame design incorporating prominently flared wheel arches teams up with muscular shoulders and a long roofline to headline the athletic appearance of the new BMW M5 Touring – and set it apart emphatically from the new BMW 5 Series Touring.
The sculptural front end is shaped by large air intakes and a newly designed BMW M kidney grille, which is showcased as standard by BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting. At the opposite end of the car, slim rear lights extending into the car’s flanks, vertical reflectors positioned to the outer edges of the rear end and a two-section split diffuser with two pairs of exhaust tailpipes integrated to the left and right emphasise the width and powerful stature of the new BMW M5 Touring.
Best of two worlds
The M Hybrid drive system in the new BMW M5 Touring brings together a 4.4-litre V8 engine and an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. As well as the latest version of M TwinPower Turbo technology, the combustion engine also benefits from a cross-bank exhaust manifold and optimised oil separation. It develops maximum output of 585 hp and peak torque of 750 Nm.
The electric motor is from the latest, fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology and produces maximum output of 197 hp. Its nominal torque of 280 Nm increases to effective torque at the transmission input of 450 Nm with the help of the pre-gearing stage patented by BMW. The power generated by the electric motor – on tap the moment the driver pulls away – and the intelligently controlled interplay between the engine and motor ensure delay-free response and linear power delivery into the upper reaches of the load and rev ranges. The standard top speed of 250 km/h can be raised to 305 km/h by specifying the optional M Driver’s Package.
The sports exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps conjures up an emotionally engaging drive system sound. Depending on the configuration and operating mode selected, the power delivery of the electric motor will also gain an acoustic accompaniment courtesy of BMW IconicSounds Electric. Driving on electric power alone at speeds of up to 140 km/h is possible. The high-voltage battery of the new BMW M5 Touring provides 18.6 kWh of usable energy. This makes an electric range of 61 – 67 kilometres achievable in the WLTP test cycle. Moreover, the Combined Charging Unit supports AC charging at up to 11 kW.
The M5
The launch of the M5 Touring comes weeks after the seventh-generation M5 made waves. It was also the first time executive BMW model got an electrified drive system.
The M Hybrid drive system in the BMW M5 brings a 4.4-litre V8 engine with classical high-revving character together with an electric motor, whose performance characteristics are tuned specifically for the BMW M5 and which is integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. Moreover, the combustion engine benefits from cutting-edge M TwinPower Turbo technology, a cross-bank exhaust manifold and optimized oil separation. It develops maximum output of 585 hp and peak torque of 750 Nm. The maximum output of the electric motor is 197 hp. It has nominal torque of 280 Nm, but a pre-gearing stage allows effective torque at the transmission input to be increased to 450 Nm.
The eight-cylinder engine can spin to a maximum 7,200 rpm as the new BMW M5 treats its driver to the sensation of relentless power development into the upper reaches of the load and speed ranges. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h as standard, but the limiter can be raised to 305 km/h if the optional M Driver’s Package is specified.
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