• BMW M5: Priced at $226,000
• V10, 5.0-litres, 373 kW, 520 Nm
• 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds
• 7-speed SMG Drivelogic transmission
• M Dynamic mode, MDrive, Electronic Damper Control, M Power mode, Head-Up Display
• In Australian dealerships in July 2005

BMW Group Australia has announced pricing and specification of the E60 generation M5.

This V10-powered 5.0-litre super sport sedan comes not only with a tuned chassis, understated yet aggressive body kit and ultra-desirable 19-inch light alloys wheels, but it is equipped with the latest incarnation of the BMW Head-Up Display system, reworked for the specific high-performance requirement of the M5.

Deliveries to Australia are expected to commence early in the third quarter of 2005. The M5 will be priced from $226,000, reflecting its status as a high performance driving experience.

Production of the BMW M5 commenced 20 years ago with the first 5 Series to wear the M5 badge being the E28 of 1985. It produced 210kW from its straight six-cylinder engine, for a top speed of 245 km/h – the fastest sedan of its time.

The E34 M5 arrived in 1988 with a 250 kW six-cylinder engine, and was replaced by the E39 M5 in 1999, which adopted V8 power for the first time, delivering 294 kW of power.

Now BMW redefines the super luxury sport sedan segment it created with a mighty 373 kW, naturally-aspirated V10-powered E60 M5. This new generation engine has its genesis in the world of Formula One engineering.

The M5 shares more than its cylinder configuration with the BMW V10 P84 Formula One engine. Its bedplate engine block design has its roots firmly in motorsport as does its magnesium-alloy composite construction.

Thanks to advanced engineering, state-of-the-art metallurgy and super-intelligent engine management the M5 V10 engine powers its way to 8,250 rpm, delivering 520 Nm of torque from 6,100 rpm.

The engine and relatively modest 1,755 Kg body weight allow the M5 to accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, though the theoretical top speed is in excess of 300 km/h.

The M5 drives through an all new and unique to M seven-speed SMG III Drivelogic sequential manual multi-mode gearbox, controlled through a choice of 11 shift programmes. The super fast-shifting gearbox (20 percent quicker than its predecessor) can be tailored by the driver to provide F1-style track-mode getaways or more refined and relaxed starts to cope with town traffic.

The M5 runs the full range of M GmbH high performance driver aids, from M Dynamic mode (increased slip in the Dynamic Stability Control System), Electronic Damper Control (driver switchable), M Power mode, which restricts the engine to around 300 kW at start up, M Differential lock, and MDrive, which allows the driver to configure the most aggressive and responsive settings for gearbox, chassis, and throttle. The driver-oriented Head-Up Display system adds M-specific information such as revs, shift light function, SMG gear engagement and road speed.

The very high level of standard specification comprises full Merino leather trim for the upholstery and door and dash trims, coloured to match or contrast with the exterior paint, Alcantara headlining, alarm system, climate comfort glazing, rear and side sun blinds, Park Distance Control, adaptive headlights, voice recognition, M sport seats (with adaptive seat width adjustment), Xenon headlamps, eight airbags, professional navigation, TV tuner, Bluetooth compatible communications and LOGIC7 studio quality HIFI.

The M5 comes in a range of colours including M exclusive shades such as Sepang bronze, Interlagos blue, Indianapolis red and Silverstone (silver).

There are a number of no cost options such as a discrete boot lid spoiler, Aluminium shadow trim, and fine wood trim in a variety of finishes. Anti-burglar protective glazing is also offered.

“The new M5 will deliver uncompromised driving thrills,” said John Kananghinis, General Manager, Marketing and Communications, BMW Group Australia.

“From its motorsport inspired, aggressive frontal styling to the silvered tips of its large diameter tailpipes, the M5 is all about hyper-performance. It is presented in typical M style, with comfortable body-hugging sports seats, eye-catching light alloy wheels, not to mention the unmistakable growl of the Formula 1-inspired V10 engine.