Return of the Muscle Car: BMW Concept M5

• BMW delivers knockout blow: 5.0-litre, 500 bhp, 500 Nm, 5 seconds 0-100 km/h
• World’s first high-revving V10-powered super sedan
• World’s first 7-speed SMG transmission

BMW’s just-revealed Concept M5 is a V10-powered muscle car for the 21st Century, boasting Formula 1 technology, wrapped in a discrete, distinctive, and comfortable four-door body.

On display at the Geneva Motor Show from today, the BMW Concept M5 offers a clear indication of the production model expected on sale in Europe later this year.

Unlike the three previous generation M5 models, the new E60 M5, as expressed by the Concept M5, is the first to have a completely bespoke engine, an all-new 5.0-litre V10 designed to generate 500 bhp (368 kW) and 500 Nm of torque.

BMW M engineers suggest the high-revving V10 engine should rocket the Concept M5 to 100 km/h in under five seconds, with 0-200 km/h achieved in 13 seconds.

The fourth generation BMW luxury super sedan to boast the M5 badge majors on useable performance via naturally aspirated means.

The engine features high-pressure VANOS, individual throttle butterflies and electronic engine controls designed with knowledge gleaned from years of Formula 1 engine development.

The new V10 will effortlessly deliver seemingly inexhaustible power with supreme driving comfort, in line with BMW’s Sheer Driving Pleasure requirements.

Just as BMW’s V10 Formula 1 engine is designed for maximum track attack effort, the V10 in the Concept M5 will deliver similar road-burning dynamics coupled with the luxury and comfort expected of one of the world’s most admired mid-size sports sedan.

And just as Geneva show goers will see the V10-powered Concept M5 for the first time this weekend, Grand Prix fans will see and hear the new BMW P84 V10 Formula 1 engine for the first time at Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit.

Not content with establishing a new engine benchmark for high performance sedans, BMW Concept M5 also shifts up a gear to introduce the world’s first 7-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox for rapid shifting and ultimate driver control. The new transmission also features Formula 1 derived electronics technology.

Building on the benefits of the regular E60 range, complete with its all aluminium front-end body construction, aluminium engine, and aluminium suspension, BMW engineers were able to save a substantial amount of weight, hiking the Concept M5’s power-to-weight ratio.

Subtle enhancements to the already aerodynamically efficient E60 add modified front and rear air dams and side sills, lower suspension, side air vents and the now trade-mark BMW M quad-pack chrome tailpipes to present a powerful and imposing visual presence.

The Concept M5 runs on unique 19-inch light alloy wheels, nine-and-a-half inches wide at the rear and shod with 285/35 ZR19 tyres. The front wheels are eight-and-a-half inches wide with 255/40 ZR19 tyres and are controlled by a new Servotronic steering system.

Braking is suitably beefed up to cope with the Concept M5’s added performance.

Driving dynamics are enhanced via the latest generation of Dynamic Stability Control and the adoption of a variable M-type limited slip differential, as seen in the E46 M3 Coupe.

The E28 BMW M5 six-cylinder created the hyperformance luxury sedan class in 1982, and since that time, three generations of M5s have generated ever-increasing levels of desire and enjoyment for 35,000 M5 buyers.

Initially cars were hand-built in Munich, but later cars were built on the assembly line at Dingolfing.

Details of final production specification for international markets are still to be determined. Australian market arrival timing, pricing and specification will follow soon after.