The world is only just getting used to the G30 5 Series which, by all accounts is a technical masterpiece woven in with fire breathing V8 monster that just happens to have four-doors.
But with the Munich automaker approaching its release timeframe, the new M5 will soon see the light of day, unencumbered by camouflage strangulation it’s put up with up till now. Naturally, the car has been spotted again at the Nurburgring circuit for its testing routines, but this time with a little less of the disguising material applied to give the world some crucial peeks at the future car.
The first detail being the enlarged air intakes on either corner of the front bumper. Where the current F10 M5’s equivalents were less pronounced, BMW is clearly adapting the same design language it applied to the newer M2 and facelifted M3/M4.
While the G30 itself is quite visually similar to the F10 5 Series, the new M5 will reportedly gain a more coupe-like profile with a more sloping roofline over the standard sedan. It will still have a proper boot, though, unlike other cars that have adopted a similar lift back design.
In footage captured at the Nurburgring, the grumble of the twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine can be clearly heard and sounds rather similar to the motor in the current M5. It’s most likely the same engine carried over from the F10, albeit modified slightly to improve power and fuel efficiency.
In its current form, the engine produces 412kW and 680Nm, both figures are expected to have been increased in the new M5 and put to the road with all four wheels instead of just the rear two as part of BMW including an optional xDrive package. Four-wheel steering is another feature that could see an introduction too, perhaps as standard.
Inside, the M5 isn’t expected to differ too greatly from the G30 5 Series save for some sportier touches here and there. It will still have the digital instrument cluster, refined dashboard design with fewer buttons, and a larger touch-enabled infotainment screen with iDrive.
Elsewhere, the all-new 5 Series’ autonomous functions are likely to also be included in the next M5, using a 48-volt electrical system to enable features such as its advanced pre-collision safety suite and self-driving functions.
Mercedes-AMG also recently unveiled their equivalent, the E 63 that’s available in either sedan or Estate and powered by a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 lifted from the AMG GT. Power, up to 450kW, is delivered to all four wheels as well through Benz’s 4Matic system. Until Audi introduces an all-new RS6, the space will be dominated by an M and AMG fist fight.
For more on BMW vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
