BMW slices M5 price for all-new model

BMW has announced that its all-new M5 super sedan will arrive in Australia in the second quarter of 2018 priced from $199,900 plus on-road costs, representing a $29,640 reduction compared with the previous model.

The all-paw M5 now undercuts its main rivals, the $209,611 Mercedes-AMG E63 4Matic and the $248,726 Audi RS6 Avant.

When it lands, the M5 will be the first M-fettled passenger vehicle to sport a selectable all-wheel drive set-up which, combined with an Active M limited-slip differential, offers three drive modes.

The default 4WD mode has rear-biased all-wheel drive that can also distributes torque to the front axle or across the rear axle as required. Switching to 4WD Sport gives the drivetrain a heavier rear-wheel torque bias.

For those who cannot fathom a non-rear-drive M5, the xDrive system can also decouple the front axle for pure rear-drive excitement.

BMW has made the switch to all-wheel drive because the updated 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8’s torque output is too much for rear wheels alone.

The new engine has an extra 18kW of power, with 441kW delivered between 5600 and 6700rpm. Torque is up 70Nm, peaking at 750Nm between 1800 and 5600rpm.

Drive is fed to the wheels via a new eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission.

Fuel use is rated at 10.5 litres per 100km, while emissions stand at 241 grams of CO2 per km.

To compensate for the extra weight of the all-wheel-drive system, carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) has been used to replace the aluminium roof, which – combined with BMW’s latest lightweight architecture – brings the kerb weight of the new M5 down to 1855kg, 15kg lighter than its predecessor.

The extra power and lower weight mean the M5 can complete the sprint from zero to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 305km/h with the M Driver’s package optioned.

The new M5 is 0.8s faster to 100km/h than the previous M5, and equals the time set by the 450kW/850Nm Mercedes-AMG E63 S.

BMW’s Driver Assistant Plus package is fitted as standard to the M5. This contains active cruise control with idle stop, steering and lane control assistant, lane keeping assistant with active side collision protection, front and rear cross-traffic warning, crossroads warning, evasion aid and rear collision prevention.

As with the G30 5 Series released earlier this year, the M5 also comes with BMW’s latest iDrive6 multimedia entertainment system.

The M5 is distinguished by two-tone 20-inch light alloy wheels, unique bodykit and quad-exit exhaust pipes, and will be available in non-metallic Alpine White colour with the choice of six other metallic hues.

Two option packages – the Indulgence package and Innovations package – are available for $8000 and $3650 respectively, while an M carbon engine cover, M carbon ceramic brakes, Apple CarPlay, BMW night vision, electric sunroof and a 16-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system will be made available as individual options.

At launch, BMW will also offer an exclusive First Edition variant, limited to 400 units globally, five of which will be coming Down Under.

Priced at $229,900 plus on-road costs, the First Edition gains a Frozen Dark Red metallic paint job, with the 20-inch alloys finished in Jet Black hue.

Chrome accents also get the black treatment, including the kidney grille, M side gills, exhaust pipes, rear M spoiler and body colour door handles.

Inside, it gains Merino leather upholstery finished in Smoke White with red contrast stitching and Piano Black interior trim.

Other extra specification includes an M carbon engine cover, model designation signet on the centre console trim, 16-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, front seat ventilation, four-zone climate control, rear seat Entertainment Professional package, TV function, gesture control, automatic soft close door function, rear and rear side window roller sunblinds, ambient air and interior floor mats in black with white border piping and red stitching.

Power output in the First Edition remains the same as the M5 at 441kW/750Nm.

To the end of October, BMW has sold 1120 G30 5 Series cars since the new model went on sale in March – a 138 per cent increase over the same period last year.

It trails only the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (1640) in the $70,000-plus large car segment, and is well ahead of other rivals including the Audi A6 (272) and Jaguar XF (218).

2018 BMW M5 pricing*

Launch Edition (a)	$199,900
First Edition (a)	$229,900

*Excludes on-road costs