In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of BMW M today, BMW subsidiaries around the world are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the BMW M, the sub-brand of the carmaker associated with high-performance models and motorsports.
In Malaysia, the event is celebrated with the arrival of 5 new models by BMW Group Malaysia – the new M3 Competition and M4 Competition Sedan and Coupe (both with the M xDrive for the first time), M5 and M5 Competition, and showing BMW M’s electric future, the i4 M50.
“In the 50 years of BMW M, we have presented a portfolio of iconic, powerful vehicles which have defined premium performance cars in their times. The sub-brand of the BMW Group has strengthened our experiences and achievements as a complete premium automaker, delivering our promise of ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ across the bookends of our product offering. M is an exemplification of our engineers’ passion for combining authentic motorsports functionality with the latest innovations in premium and luxurious vehicles. Today, we are thrilled to be celebrating five remarkable decades of M with the introduction of five new high-performance premium models for our loyal customers, fans, as well as premium motorsports enthusiasts in Malaysia,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
M3 Competition Sedan/M4 Competition Coupe
The new M3 models are powered by the same M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder petrol engine which can produce up to 510 bhp/650 Nm, and an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic.
M3 Competition Sedan
They are now equipped with M-specific xDrive which is a more advanced development of the BMW xDrive used in other models. It has so far been available for the M5 and M8 and now extends to these two models. Originally developed for BMW’s Sport Activity Vehicles (SAVs) that began with the X5 in the late 1980s, the system intelligently channels power to all four wheels, enhancing traction on wet surfaces and shortening acceleration times as grip is greater.
M4 Competition Coupe
The system has rear-wheel bias and goes into all-wheel drive when traction levels are low. However, the driver also has control over its characteristics via three different driving modes – 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD mode. There’s also an Active M Differential at the rear axle that more efficiently splits engine power between the two rear wheels for better driving dynamics.
M5 Sedan/M5 Competition
As for the M5, these two models are of the latest sixth generation. Besides the newly redesigned kidney grille, M-specific double bars and an M badge, there’s also a ‘BMW M 50 Years Emblem’ in the units currently offered.
M5 Sedan
Both versions have various M-specific exterior features and equipment such as M rear spoilers as well as a new three-dimensional element on the LED rear lights. Exclusive to the M5 Competition is the M Sports exhaust system with a slim finish, and an exclusive M5 competition badge.
Inside, the latest M5s have a larger 12.3-inch Control Display with touchscreen functionality. This gives the driver greater readability to be aware of the status of the car’s systems. Also new is the two-button operating concept in the centre console.
Under the bonnet is the familiar 4.4‑litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, tuned to produce 600 bhp/750 Nm for the M5 Sedan, and 625 bhp/750 Nm for the M5 Competition. Power gets to all four wheels through an 8‑speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and M xDrive which also includes a 2WD setting for only rear-wheel drive.
M5 Competition
While the M5 Sedan has a top speed limited to 250 km/h, the M5 Competition can reach 305 km/h with the standard inclusion of the M Driver’s Package. The M5 Competition also comes with new shock absorbers (similar to the M8 Gran Coupe) and a retuned chassis which is 7 mm lower than the sedan.
First M-badged battery electric vehicle
The i4 M50 is the first M-badged battery electric vehicle and shows that the brand’s future will still be able to claim to be ‘The Ultimate Driving Machine’ even if they don’t have big combustion and powerful engines. The two BMW M eDrive motors powering all four wheels generate a total system output of 400 kW (544 ps) with maximum torque of 795 Nm. This gives a claim 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.9 seconds with the top speed capped at 225 km/h.
i4 M50
Compatible with both AC and DC charging modes, the i4 M50 can be fully charged in 8 hours and 15 minutes with an 11-kW AC charger. With a higher powered 200 kW DC charger, the time is said to be 31 minutes (from 10% to 80%). The battery pack has its own warranty of 8 years or maximum of 160,000 kms.
The anniversary version imported to Malaysia has the M Aerodynamics package, M rear spoiler in body colour and black rear diffuser insert. Inside, M interior trim with carbonfibre trim finishers, M Anthracite Headliner, and M Sport seats are standard , along with M seatbelts, instrument panel in Sensatec, and electric glass roof.
Also included is the unique BMW IconicSounds Electric system which provides an ‘emotive experience’ by recreating the sporty ‘M’ engine sound (Click here to read more about this feature). Because it has low noise levels, BMW has included Acoustic Protection and Active Protection for Pedestrians, besides the other advanced active and passive safety systems.
Priced at RM952,759 (OTR w/o insurance & options*), BMW Group Malaysia has introduced Malaysians to the New BMW M5. Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia said, “The fascination for BMW M has lived for more than forty years; its legacy carried on and renewed by people who express their passion for motorsports through the driving experience of these exceptional vehicles, and this is evident in the BMW M5 – which has long made history as a powerful premium business sedan. The BMW M5 still dominates the segment it competes in and is a statement of supreme engineering skill and innovative driving intelligence.”
Hoelzl added that the New BMW M5 already has several accolades to its name, most notable is ‘World Performance Car 2018’ at the 2018 New York International Motor Show, making the win the seventh time BMW has received a World Car Award from the ‘World Car of the Year’ organisation.
“This new luxurious performance sedan has also set not one, but two Guinness World Records for the longest drift and the longest twin-vehicle drift. BMW instructor Johan Schwartz completed a sustained drift of 374.2 kilometres on a skid pad, setting a new world record for the longest drift in eight hours. Schwartz then collaborated with BMW Performance Centre Chief Driving Instructor Matt Mullins to perform a twin vehicle drift over a distance of 79.3 kilometres in one hour.” said Hoelzl.
For the first time, the New BMW M5 powers through to new territory with the M xDrive all-wheel drive system with various modes customisable to suit the driver’s needs. The various M xDrive modes (4WD, 4WD Sport, 2WD) take the driving dynamics of the New BMW M5 to a whole new level. The 2WD mode even switches the car to rear-wheel drive for the ultimate driving experience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6J8IfLsgVs
Here’s a great video on the new M5 from SoL (Supercars of London)
More on the new BMW M5 – Form driven by function.
In its design, the newly developed front bumper trim with larger air intakes is tasked to keep the cooling systems and brakes sufficiently supplied with cooling air, especially when put to the test on the race track. Aluminium is used to manufacture the bonnet; whose precise lines carve an eye-catching sculpture and extend visually in the shaping of the roof. The roof, meanwhile, is made from extremely lightweight, high-strength carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).
The rear diffuser has also been redesigned. Together with the side skirts, the M rear apron and M rear spoiler do their bit in giving the New BMW M5 its powerful sporting appearance, and the exterior mirrors have a dynamic, M specific design. The hexagonal central air intake in the front end not only separates itself sculpturally from the side air intakes, as it also incorporates the oil cooler, further reinforcing the form following function concept.
Sublime drive power and supreme shift comfort.
The 4.4-litre V8 engine with BMW M TwinPower Turbo Technology is now more potent than ever, and the high revving power unit in the New BMW M5 delivers an exceptional output of 600 hp at 5,600 – 6,700 rpm, while the tremendous peak torque of 750 Nm is on tap from just 1,800 rpm and remains constant all the way up to 5,600 rpm. In comparison to the outgoing model, maximum torque has been increased by 70Nm. The engine characteristics can be changed with the push of a button from the default Efficient setting to either Sport or Sport Plus, resulting in an even more willing response to movements on the accelerator.
The car’s impressive performance does not stop there. The New BMW M5 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. A whole range of enhancements have also been implemented by BMW M engineers to endow the twin-turbo V8 with its phenomenal performance capabilities. These include newly developed turbochargers and a higher maximum injection pressure of 350 bar, which allow for shorter injection times and improvised atomisation of the fuel for sharper engine response as well as more efficient mixture preparation.
Further improvements encompass the lubrication and cooling systems, including an oil pan with a small front sump and indirect charge air cooling, which exceeds the efficacy of its predecessor despite taking up less space. The oil supply system uses a fully variable, map-controlled pump and has been designed for outings on the race track, where it has been made to handle high levels of longitudinal and lateral acceleration.
Furthermore, the twin-turbo V8’s power is channelled to the road via the newly developed M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. This is achieved by bringing the front wheels into play when the rear wheels are unable to transmit any more power to the road and an additional tractive force is required. This then allows the car to be controlled with ease by the driver, paving the way for an extraordinary experience of the business sedan’s phenomenal performance.
For those on the more ambitious spectrum, they can configure the M xDrive at any time to suit their needs. The driver can choose from five different configurations based on combinations of the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) modes (DSC on, MDM, DSC off) and M xDrive modes (4WD, 4WD Sport, 2WD).
In the basic setting with DSC and 4WD activated, the system permits a certain amount of slip at the rear wheels when accelerating out of corners, giving the New BMW M5 its sporting agility. In the M Dynamic mode (MDM, 4WD Sport), M xDrive allows easily controlled drifts. The three M xDrive modes with DSC switched off were conceived to satiate the appetites of keen drivers primarily for use on the track. Drivers can choose from three configurations including pure rear-wheel drive (2WD). This mode gives drivers the freedom to pick their own drift angle and offers connoisseurs driving dynamics in their purest form.
Power is transmitted through the new eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, which is operated sequentially via the new, short gear selector in S mode, or manually via paddles on the steering wheel. The D button allows the driver to choose between three Drivelogic modes; Mode 1 for efficient and comfortable driving, Mode 2 for shorter shift times, and Mode 3 for extremely short shift times in a racing set-up. The short shift times and optimal ratio spacing will keep even the most demanding driver happy. The wide ratio spread of the eight-speed M Steptronic unit helps to optimise fuel efficiency as well.
A new dimension in driving dynamics.
The team tuning the New BMW M5 chassis only had one goal in mind – unbeatable driving dynamics with maximum directional stability. This took place in part on the company’s own race circuit in Miramas in the south of France, and the world’s toughest test track, the Nϋrburgring Nordschleife.
Sophisticated stiffening elements in the front and rear structures ensure the body structure is extremely rigid and provides instantaneous feedback. The driver can also choose from Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus modes for the Variable Damper Control (VDC) system, which has M-specific tuning and M Servotronic steering. The two M1 and M2 buttons on the M leather steering wheel can be used to store two set-ups combining the driver’s preference of engine, transmission, suspension and M xDrive modes, the DSC mode and Head-Up-Display settings. The preferred set up can then be activated with just a press of the relevant button.
The New BMW M5 is fitted standard with M compound brakes, which are lighter than the conventional grey cast iron offering and therefore also reduces the car’s weight. With blue-painted six-piston fixed callipers at the front and single-piston floating callipers at the rear, plus perforated, inner-vented brake discs all around, the M compound brakes have the speed shedding power to befit the car’s dynamic potency.
As an alternative option, BMW Group Malaysia offers a step up with the M Carbon Ceramic Brakes, which are identifiable by callipers painted in gold. The M Carbon Ceramic Brakes shave another 23 kilograms off the New BMW M5’s weight, provide even better deceleration and are considerably more resistant to fading. Standard offering in terms of wheel option for the New BMW M5 are 20” M Double-Spoke style 706M light alloy wheels.
The Driver at the core.
The New BMW M5 sets the benchmark for interiors in the executive sedan segment. This includes innovative infotainment concept as well as outstanding functionality with features such as BMW Navigation Professional 10.25” with Touch Display capability, BMW Head-Up Display with M-Specific Content as well as the full suite of BMW Driver Assistance systems as part of the BMW ConnectedDrive features.
All switches and buttons can be operated with optimum ergonomic convenience, and all of the New BMW M5’s functions are sited directly in the driver line of sight. The large digital instrument cluster has an M-specific design and keeps the driver informed on the driving dynamic mode, M xDrive all-wheel-drive system’s setting and Drivelogic option currently engaged.
For sporty drivers, the variable rpm pre-warning field and shift lights that show the best time to change gears when in manual shift mode, which can be reflected into the M-specific Head-Up Display. Virtually all the driving dynamic systems can be configured using the central touch display, buttons on the centre console or M sports steering wheel, and the central information display offers Gesture Control. The red starter button stirs the New BMW M5’s engine to life.
The New BMW M5 comes standard with the new M multifunction bucket seats trimmed with Merino leather which further emphasises the car’s luxurious sporting appeal. The driver and front passenger seats are also fitted with multifunction adjustments, but the most prominent are the visually integrated and illuminated M designations embossed on the headrests to denote the speciality of the premium sedan from BMW M. Seat and upholstery choices include a two-tone combination of Aragon / Black and complete Black matched with interior trim finishers in Aluminium Carbon structure with Dark Chrome highlight.
Additional equipment for added luxury.
BMW Malaysia also offers step-up options to the standard offerings on the New BMW M5 in the form of the Performance Pack, Advance Safety Pack and Entertainment Pack.
Complete Premium Ownership Experience.
Customers of the New BMW M5 can also enjoy the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:
BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme.
BMW 2-Year / 24 Month Tyre Warranty Programme for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services.
BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline.
The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW White Card Elite.
BMW Service Online.
The New BMW M5 is available in a variety of exterior colours – Marina Bay Blue metallic, Donington Grey metallic and Singapore Grey metallic. The New BMW M5 will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from Friday, 1st June 2018.
BMW, in collaboration with Electronic Arts’ Need for Speed gaming franchise, has chosen to unveil the latest M5 concurrently with its installment called Payback. A marked improvement over its predecessor, the new car features more elegant lines and curves that overshadows the car it replaces.
Under the hood is a 4.4-litre V8 engine that is outfitted with BMW’s M TwinPower Turbo technology. Power is rated at 600bhp and an incredible 750Nm of torque. Due to the immense power at its disposal, the car is able to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds and reach a limited top speed of 249km/h.
The engine is mated to an 8-speed tranmission which sends power to the wheels via the M xDrive AWD system that works intelligently by shifting power based on which wheel needs it most. In normal conditions, the M5 behaves like a rear-wheel-drive car, its only when the rear wheels reach their traction limit does power get diverted to the front ones.
Shifting characteristics can be altered through the gearbox’s Drivelogic shift lever located on the gear selector. Doing so, will adjust shift times according to the set limits. Drivers can still shift gears on their own by selecting manual mode and engaging the paddle shifters.
Damper settings can be altered by choosing between three driving modes: Comfort, Sport, SportPlus. There’s also electronically controlled shock absorbers and M Servotronic steering with modes that are named identical to that of the damper settings. The steering is able to adapt based on steering input and is said to offer decent feedback to the driver.
Should the driver engage the M Dynamic mode (MDM, 4WD Sport), the car’s characteristics are altered to a reveal an M5 that has a sharper throttle response and is more agile around corners. More torque is sent to he rear wheels, allowing the car to break traction and execute playful drifts while ensuring that the driver maintains adequate control.
Another nifty feature, is the car’s head up display that is able to project vital driving information to drivers while on the move. Other worthy mentions include red lacquered buttons M1 and M2 next to the shift paddles on the M multi-function steering wheel that control the driving settings for xDrive, DSC, engine, transmission, damper and steering.
Drivers will be able to toggle between 4WD and 2WD modes depending on their preference. BMW boasts that its engineers placed great emphasis on driving dynamics during chassis development. And as such, the car is said to be extremely agile and rewarding to drive.
“The M is not only synonymous for the world’s most powerful letter, but has also become a synonym worldwide for the prototype of the Ultimate Driving Machine,” said Frank van Meel, President BMW M Division.
He later added, “While the M5 won’t be officially released until next spring, Need for Speed players can drive it first and exclusively in Need for Speed Payback. We at BMW M are really proud of this collaboration.”
Though many might consider the M5 in Payback to be a marketing ploy, BMW and Need for Speed have enjoyed a great partnership together dating back to 1999. The E39 M5 was featured in the first Need for Speed installment and remained a mainstay for all future editions of the game.
Though the M5 won’t be launched for quite a while, check out the picture gallery below as well as the game trailer featuring the M5 and let us know what you think of BMW’s latest chariot of the gods.
