"The 4,395cc V8 slotted into the new M5's nose is related to the one in the X5 M and X6 M. It's not a direct swap, though — new heads have been fitted, revised twin-scroll turbochargers are nestled in the engine's vee, the intercoolers have been reworked and new pistons raise the compression ratio from 9.3:1 to 10.0:1. Boost pressure climbs to a maximum of 22 psi, partly as a result of a reshaped exhaust that poses less exhaust restriction."
I like this and they are so right about this. Screw envorviromentalists
"Yeah sure, that's all very nice, but there's only one reason for buying a car like the 2012 BMW M5 and that's for driving absurdly fast. And 30 percent efficiency improvement or not, the M5 delivers."
Feels Like an M5
But just because this M car is easier to drive slowly doesn't mean it's not huge fun to drive fast. It might have had to bow down to the engine downsizing trend, but the M department hasn't rolled over completely.
The steering is still hydraulically assisted rather than electrically driven, as on the other 5 Series cars. And you won't find a set of run-flat tires under the arches, just proper high-performance rubber. There's even a set of six-pot fixed calipers behind the front wheels, replacing the old M5's sliding caliper brakes.
Compared to the old V10 M5 and the current standard 5 Series, this one has a grittier feel to its steering. It gives you a far clearer sense of what's going on down at the front wheels and feels much more precise just off center as you first tip the M5 into a bend. You need that precision, too, because at just 2.6 turns lock-to-lock, the new rack is quick (if not as swift as a normal 5 with active steering) and points the nose into corners with much more enthusiasm. And that's despite a 253-pound increase in curb weight to 4,123
But just because this M car is easier to drive slowly doesn't mean it's not huge fun to drive fast. It might have had to bow down to the engine downsizing trend, but the M department hasn't rolled over completely.
But just because this M car is easier to drive slowly doesn't mean it's not huge fun to drive fast. It might have had to bow down to the engine downsizing trend, but the M department hasn't rolled over completely.
A good summary but a bit of sad / uncomfortable in it?
"If some of the M5's wilder character traits have disappeared in the metamorphosis from E60 to F10, then so have the rough edges. The brakes feel stronger, the performance is more usable and, if the engine is slightly less exciting, the improved chassis and much longer touring range makes up for it. It's all about efficiency these days, remember? 2012 BMW M5 First Drive
It's a shame the V10 had to go. We're unlikely to see an engine like that again. But the new 2012 BMW M5 is more than just a great engine, it's a better overall sport sedan."
"How's it drive? Well it goes like stink, that's for sure. It feels even faster than the factory's quoted 4.4-second 0-to-62-mph time, but that number is clearly very traction-limited. On Southern Spain's slippery roads, the M5 easily roasts its tires in first and second and third and sometimes fourth - and it sure feels like the engine computer doesn't even bother to allow full boost in first gear. It'd be pointless anyway. It's very, very fast."
![First Drive: "Best M5 Ever" [Reviews by Autocar, Automobile Magazine, Autoweek, AutoExpress, WhatCar, BMWblog, Pistonheads]](http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/iconimages/f10-m5-discussion/first-drive-best-m5-ever-reviews-autocar-automobile-magazine-autoweek-autoexpress-whatcar-bmwblog-pistonheads_ltr.gif)
31Likes
Linear Mode
