BMW M5

The M5 is the most powerful and sporting the BMW 5 Series. It has a V10 engine with 507 HP. So far, only buy with saloon bodywork, for € 98,500 - since 2007, will be available with bodywork family (Touring) for about € 101,500.

There are many models of the size of the M5 with a motor this power. In Spain, there are only two similar models for sale: the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG and the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG. Are more powerful, faster and consume slightly less (comparative), but they cost ten percent higher. Among the models with an engine over 450 hp and with any-body, which are sold in Spain, the M5 is the most affordable, after the Corvette Z06.

It has external dimensions slightly different from other versions of the Series 5 is 1 cm longer (4.86 m saloon and Touring). The boot measures 500 liters in two types of bodywork.

Take an atmospheric gasoline engine with ten cylinders in V 90 º. It reaches maximum power of 507 hp at 7750 rpm and 520 Nm of torque at 6100 rpm. It has distribution in the variable intake camshafts and the exhaust (bi-Vanosa), but no distribution Valvetronic (more information).

With this engine, the M5 accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.7 s (0.1 s plus the Touring) and has an average consumption of 14.8 l per 100 km (the Touring version, 0.2 l more). The maximum speed is limited electronically to 250 km / h.

Although the technical BMW announces 250 km / h, the maximum speed is more real. The maximum speed is obtained when a button is pressed to reach the maximum power to 507 hp, for normal use, you may choose to travel with a reduced maximum power to 400 hp.

It has rear. The gearbox (SMG III) is seven-speed automatic. The driver can choose between eleven programs running (Drivelogic) that are distinguished because they change more or less quickly and rush about the marches. Six of these programs are available if you select the manual drive-by cams on the steering wheel, and five if you select the automatic.

As in the SMG II, there is a procedure ( 'Launch Control') for maximum acceleration booted without a wheel skates. It has a variable differential lock that, according to BMW, "offers a high level of stability and traction, especially accelerating the departure of fast curves.

There is a button on the steering wheel that activates what BMW calls "MDrive. When pressed, you can change (depending on the program chosen by the driver) of the motor response to each movement of the accelerator, the hand, the hardness of the buffer, the operation of the Stability Control (DSC), the power level (400 or 507 hp) and the support given by the side cushions of the seats (if fitted).

The "MDrive" also modifies the information projected onto the windshield in normal appearing data speed, speed control, check control messages and navigation. Pressing the MDrive only shows the engine speed and engine speed, which will blink when it comes to gear.

Externally, the M5 is different from other versions of the Series 5 for the bumpers, the side skirts and, like the M3, a grating in front fins to facilitate ventilation of the motor vain. It also has a mirror of different design, Quad exit exhaust and tires 19 ".

After driving for about 200 km, the feeling is that the M5 is a car capable of going fast in all areas and also to transport the driver and passengers very gently, without effort from the driver. When driving slowly, by city, at low revs, any passenger who is not fixed in detail, would only be evidence of its potential for noise from the engine, it is not annoying. The suspension in its softest position is comfortable. The engine does not transmit vibrations can be conducted and in the vicinity of 1,500 rpm with great smoothness (plus driving impressions).

Among the items of equipment that has serial are six airbags, stability control (DSC), leather trim, M sport front seats and heated with electric adjustment, climate control, cruise control, variable damping hardness ( EDC), xenon headlights with headlight self, radio with CD player and alloy wheels of 19 inch M.

Optionally you can have rear side airbags, multicontorno seats, heated rear seats, leather upholstery, integrated, "Head Up Display", antiglare rearview mirror with automatic, sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity and browser for mobile phones, among other things.

The M5 can not lead, at the moment, many pieces of equipment that they may have other versions of the Series 5. You can not have night vision (in other versions have a range of up to 300 m), an improved iDrive with eight programmable buttons, USB connection and auxiliary audio sources to an external device or warning of involuntary change lanes ( "LDW" ). Nor could it have active steering.

The 5 Series of LDW alerts the driver through a vibration in the steering wheel, which is leaving the lane (which has not always turned on for intermittent). A camera installed on the windshield, at the height of the interior mirror, recognizes the lines of the road. Operates at a speed exceeding 70 km / h.

Neither is yet available of the programmer or other active speed with braking function. The first maintains the distance to the vehicle front and has a "Stop & Go", which stops and restarts automatically.

The second can also preparing the brakes for maximum braking power if it detects an obstacle and consider the intervention of the driver (that visual and audible warning) to stop the vehicle, the maximum deceleration that can provide on its own is 4 m / s ².