Arriving directly from the Shanghai Motor Show, the highly anticipated BMW Concept M5 was unveiled to a showroomful of journalists eager to preview the next generation in a long line of high performance saloons from the BMW's specialist division. The Munich Automobile showroom being the first stop after Shanghai speaks volumes about the close relationship that the world's first M specific showroom shares with the M headquaters back in Germany.

For 25 years now, the fascinating combination of supreme driving comfort experienced in a premium upper midrange sedan and the handling characteristics of a high-performance sports car has been described by one single unmistakable model designation - BMW M5. In 1984, with the first generation of this model, the BMW M GmbH laid the foundation stone for a completely new vehicle category. The BMW M5 was the first car of its kind to offer racing-oriented high performance in a sedan that could be driven without restrictions in everyday road traffic. This unique concept developed into a remarkable success story spanning four model generations.


A new high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo Technology guarantees typical M power output. The eight-cylinder power unit delivers a spontaneous and even acceleration, which remains constant up to the highest load and is characteristic of the M feeling, in a previously unequalled dimension. At the same time, both performance and efficiency have been significantly increased in comparison to the previous engine. Numerous drivetrain innovations and other enhancements have lead to a reduction in fuel consumption and emission levels by more than 25 percent. The new engine and a seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic and M-specific suspension and steering create the ideal prerequisites for an unrivalled driving experience.

The suspension technology especially developed for each model is an equally crucial constituent part of the well-balanced overall concept of any M automobile. It is constructed using comprehensive know-how obtained from motor racing and then tuned within the framework of extensive tests carried out on the Northern Loop of the Nürburgring. Exclusive M suspension components include, inter alia, the wheel suspension systems, specific axle kinematics as well as exceptionally effective and weight-optimised brakes, which also remain stable even under high levels of strain. In addition, the BMW Concept M5 features innovative rear differential technology also developed by the BMW M GmbH.

The Active M Differential optimises vehicle stability using targeted variation of locking torque between the right and left drive wheels.
Active control of the multi-plate lock inside the rear differential is highly accurate and fast. This ensures that wheel spin is prevented even on slippery road surfaces and in the event of differing friction coefficients between the right and left wheels, in narrow bends or during sudden lane changes. The thereby optimised traction facilitates the highest level of vehicle stability and dynamics during acceleration out of bends even under the most demanding conditions.

The BMW Concept M5 reflects a highly advanced stage in the development of a high-performance vehicle based on the new BMW 5 Series Sedan. The specific design features are directly aligned to the technical requirements, the suspension technology is precisely harmonised with the engine’s performance characteristics. With this precisely defined development strategy, the latest embodiment of the incomparable M feeling strives steadily towards series maturity.

The BMW Concept M5 will be on display for public viewing at the Munich Automobiles showroom located at 30 Teban Gardens Crescent, from May 21 to 22. This coincides with the first-ever Munich Automobiles BMW Service Centre Open House over the same weekend.