• Updated BMW M5 features retuned chassis to further sharpen driving experience
• Revised suspension set-up with new shock absorbers
• Modernised styling package includes new front, side and rear design elements
• Interior features new high definition 12.3-inch centre control display
• New Setup and M Mode buttons provide simplified control of performance aspects
• Celebrated 4.4-litre V8 engine with BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology produces almighty 460kW and 750Nm
• Standard sprint achieved in 3.3-seconds; zero to 200km/h in just 10.8
• Pricing and specification details to be announced in the lead-up to local introduction

BMW New Zealand will introduce the latest iteration of the legendary M5 super sedan to the local market in October this year.

The new car will further elevate the renowned dynamic prowess of the model, thanks to extensive chassis tweaks, a new styling package and updated interior elements.

The M5 is the fourth new high performance M car to touch down in New Zealand after the M8, X5M and X6M in 2020, reflecting the importance of the country, the #1 market for BMW M globally in terms of M/MPA model split.

Exterior design: stylistic fine-tuning

As with the new BMW 5 Series, the M5’s front design is characterised by an updated kidney grille that drops down further into the front apron.

A one-piece high-gloss black surround design frames both elements of the grille, while M-specific double bars in combination with an M badge provide unmistakable hints of the vehicle’s pedigree, status and capability.

The front apron has bolder contouring and larger air intakes at the sides to deliver an aggressive look while adding to cooling performance. The expansive central air intake has a hexagonal shape and incorporates the oil cooler and the radar sensor for the Active Cruise Control (ACC) system.

New L-shaped daytime running light tubes add a dynamic flourish to the redesigned headlights, and new BMW Individual Shadow Line light module bases provide a dark-tinted accent to the BMW Laserlight system.

The aluminium bonnet, front side panels with signature M gills, streamlined M exterior mirrors and a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof join the BMW kidney grille’s double bars as hallmark design features.

The thinner walls of the M-specific twin tailpipes also create a greater sense of high-tech precision.

The muscular rear apron with large diffuser has also been restyled, as have the three-dimensional LED rear lights with refreshed light graphics that reframe the now-familiar BMW L shape.

M5 Competition set apart by black styling details

Additional black styling details underline the elite status of the M5 Competition.

The BMW kidney grille surround, mesh on the M gills, exterior mirror caps and the boot lid spoiler all have a high-gloss black finish. Black inserts are also integrated in the rear apron.

Black M5 Competition badges adorn the kidney grille, gills and the boot lid, while the door sill plates have an illuminated logo. The tailpipes of the standard M Sport exhaust system are additionally finished in black chrome.

Five new paint finishes are available for the new model including Brands Hatch Grey, Motegi Red metallic, Tanzanite Blue II metallic, Aventurine Red II metallic and matte Frozen Bluestone metallic finishes from BMW Individual.

Champagne Quartz metallic offered previously has been renamed Alvit Grey metallic.

Light-alloy wheel options now also include the 20-inch M double-spoke design in polished Orbit Grey familiar from the BMW M8.

Larger central display and new operating concept with M modes

The introduction of a new operating concept and a 12.3-inch centre control display mean the cabin of the new BMW M5 Competition is more driver-centric than ever.

The new screen makes it even easier to keep a clear eye on the myriad functions associated with the driving dynamics systems and BMW M xDrive all-wheel drive.

Two new buttons on the centre console – like those found in the new BMW M8 – provide more direct access to system settings and the various readouts in the instrument cluster and Head-Up Display.

At the press of the M Mode button, the driver can toggle swiftly between the ROAD and SPORT settings. In the default ROAD setting, all driver assistance systems are fully activated.

With the SPORT setting engaged, the active driver assistance systems (in the configuration set by the driver) only transmit alerts on speed limits and overtaking restrictions.

This mode allows all interventions in the braking and steering systems to be disabled, aside from those made by the collision warning with braking function and the Evasion Assistant.

SPORT mode also switches both the instrument cluster and the Head-Up Display to a special M View.

The Setup button takes drivers straight to the configuration menu. Pressing the button positioned above the M Mode button allows programming of an individual configuration for the powertrain and chassis options.

Simplified operation using the touchscreen display or iDrive Controller makes it straightforward for the driver to choose different settings for the engine, suspension, steering and M xDrive system.

The two red-painted M1 and M2 buttons next to the gearshift paddles on the M multifunction steering wheel enable rapid movement between the setups.

They allow drivers to configure two individual setups, comprising their choice of M xDrive, DSC, engine, transmission, damper and steering characteristics, as well as the appearance of M View in the Head-Up Display.

TRACK mode – which is enabled by holding down the M Mode button – is new for the new M5 Competition and designed exclusively for use on race circuits.

This mode deactivates all comfort and safety functions of the driver assistance systems while also muting the audio system and switching off the central display to keep the driver’s attention on the road ahead.

In addition, the instrument cluster switches to M View and the Head-Up Display dispenses with readouts from the driver assistance systems. Automatic activation of the hazard warning lights in response to emergency braking is suppressed and the collision warning system is also deactivated.

M multifunction seats exude luxurious feel and support for dynamic driving

M multifunction seats with integrated head restraints, an illuminated M5 logo and extended functions are key highlights of the luxurious and sport-focused M5 Competition cabin.

The seats are trimmed in merino leather upholstery with multi-way electric adjustment, while the black/midrand beige option is now also available as per other new generation BMW M models including the M8, X5 M and X6 M.

Imposing power from high-revving V8 powerplant

The V8 unit under the bonnet of the BMW M5 Competition goes about its business in race car-derived, high-revving style with imposing muscularity and supreme power delivery.

Peak torque of 750Nm arrives from as low down as 1,800rpm and is sustained at this elevated level all the way to 5,860rpm. Maximum output of 460kW is achieved at 6,000rpm.

Engine characteristics can be changed at the touch of a button from the basic EFFICIENT mode to SPORT and SPORT+, resulting in even more willing response to movements of the accelerator.

The BMW M5 Competition completes the standard sprint in just 3.3 seconds and races to 200km/h in a staggering 10.8 seconds.

The BMW M5 Competition’s M Sport exhaust system features a dual-branch and flap-controlled design that produces a soundtrack to match the towering performance characteristics.

The eight-speed M Steptronic transmission enables extraordinarily short shift times and fast, precise responses to every nudge of the accelerator.

The Drivelogic rocker switch on the gear selector allows three modes to be chosen for efficient, sporty or dynamically intense track driving – the latter involving extremely rapid gearshifts. The driver can use both the selector lever and the shift paddles on the steering wheel to intervene manually.

Bespoke engine mounts provide immediate response, sharper turn-in

Bespoke engine mounts with a stiffer spring rate are among the special features of the BMW M5 Competition.

The drive unit’s firmer connection to the vehicle’s structure is clearly perceptible, resulting in even more rapid engine response and immediate transmission of its power to the drivetrain.

The M5 also turns into corners with noticeably greater directness and precision thanks to the additional stiffness in the mounts.

High performance meets everyday usability

The highly advanced M xDrive system and centralised intelligent control for the Active M Differential help negotiate the dynamic tightrope between full everyday usability and exceptional road or track performance.

As an alternative to variable all-wheel drive mode (4WD) with rear-biased baseline setup, the M5’s handling characteristics can be altered by varying degrees, culminating in 2WD mode.

This pure rear-wheel drive setting with no DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) treats accomplished drivers to completely unadulterated driving pleasure.

The M Servotronic steering can also be adjusted in its response, with a choice of COMFORT and SPORT modes, as can Variable Damper Control (VDC).

VDC can be set to COMFORT for impeccable everyday usability, SPORT to enhance sporty driving on country roads and give an ideal handling profile for laps at the track or SPORT+ to maximise dynamic performance on smooth asphalt, with wheel and body movements minimised.

As well as a seven-millimetre drop in ride height and other well-conceived tweaks to the suspension and springs, the BMW M5 Competition’s setup benefits from further upgrades which take into account the car’s extra power.

Its talents are showcased most prominently on the race track. New shock absorbers from the BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupé both improve on-the-limit handling and bring extra comfort to the driving experience.

Bumps and ruts in the road surface are passed through the body – and therefore to the passengers – to a far lesser degree, and this is achieved without blunting the car’s sporting edge and precision at high or low speeds.

The BMW M5 Competition leaves the factory with forged, bi-colour, 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in a Y-spoke design and mixed-size tyres (front: 275/35 R 20, rear: 285/35 R 20).

M Compound brakes fitted as standard

The brake system is headlined by M Compound brakes that feature perforated, inner-vented brake discs and six-piston fixed calipers bearing the M logo at the front and single-piston floating calipers with an integrated parking brake at the rear.

As well as the standard blue painted finish, the calipers can now be finished in high-gloss black or high-gloss red as an option.

Optional M carbon ceramic brakes are recognisable by gold calipers with M logo (six-piston fixed calipers at the front, single-piston floating calipers at the rear).

The carbon ceramic brakes withstand wear exceptionally well, are 23 kilograms lighter, provide even greater braking performance and thermal stability and improved fade resistance.

Local arrival

The new BMW M5 Competition will launch in New Zealand this October with full pricing and specification details to be revealed in the lead-up to launch.

- Ends -

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2019, the BMW Group sold over 2.5 million passenger vehicles and more than 175,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2019 was € 7.118 billion on revenues amounting to € 104.210 billion. As of 31 December 2019, the BMW Group had a workforce of 126,016 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

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Munich. Premium automobile manufacturer BMW is consistently moving ahead with the electrification of its drive portfolio and now presents its latest plug-in hybrid models at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. At the same time, BMW also announces the market launch of an additional sports activity vehicle (SAV) with electric drive. The globally popular BMW X3 will likewise be produced in a plug-in hybrid variant as of December 2019. This makes it the first model of the brand to be offered with both a conventional combustion engine and a plug-in hybrid system – with the addition of a purely electrically powered version in 2020.

Once again in 2018, the BMW Group further consolidated its status as a pioneer and market leader in the field of electrified automobiles (source: IHS Markit New Registrations 2018 Report 04. 01. 2019). With a market share of more than 9 per cent, the company leads the worldwide ranking of established premium providers of vehicles that are purely electrically powered or run on plug-in hybrid systems. In 2018 the BMW Group was the market leader in the premium segment of electrified vehicles in both Germany and in China. With a share of more than 16 per cent, the company also once again led the overall European market for electrified vehicles. BMW Group achieved a new worldwide sales record in 2018 with more than 140 000 units of electrical and plug-in hybrid vehicles sold – an increase of 38.4 per cent over the previous year. As one of the four future-oriented ACES topic areas (Autonomous, Connected, Electrified and Services/Shared), electromobility is one of the key elements of the company’s strategy NUMBER ONE > NEXT. The aim of the BMW Group is to have put more than half a million electrified vehicles of its brands on the road by the end of 2019.

With the purely electrically powered BMW i3 (BMW i3: combined power consumption: 13.1 kWh/100 km*; BMW i3s: combined power consumption: 14.6 – 14.0 kWh/100 km*), the BMW i8 Coupé (combined fuel consumption: 1.8 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions from fuel: 42 g/km*) and the BMW i8 Roadster (combined fuel consumption: 2.0 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.5 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions from fuel: 46 g/km*), the plug-in hybrid variants of the BMW X5 and the BMW X3, the BMW 2 Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series and BMW 7 Series, the BMW X1 xDrive25Le produced in China for the local market, the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 (combined fuel consumption: 2.5 – 2.4 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 13.7 – 13.4 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 56 – 55 g/km*) and the purely electrically powered MINI, the BMW Group will have 12 electrically powered models in its programme by the end of 2019. Not only is the sheer number of vehicles available unique but also their variety – from the premium compact segment through to the mid-range, upper mid-range and luxury performance segment, and also including the sports car and sports activity vehicle categories. By 2025 the BMW Group will have increased the selection of its brands’ electrically powered vehicles to at least 25 models.

World premiere: the BMW X3 xDrive30e with plug-in hybrid drive.

BMW starts production of another SAV with plug-in hybrid drive in December 2019, thereby further expanding its range of electrically powered vehicles. Seeing its world premiere at the 2019 International Geneva Motor Show, the BMW X3 xDrive30e combines the versatile properties of a premium mid-range sports activity vehicle with cutting-edge BMW eDrive technology. Its robust characteristics, sporty driving performance figures and all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive – also active when running on electric power alone – are combined with outstandingly low levels of fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Due to the use of the very latest battery technology, the BMW X3 xDrive30e achieves an electrically powered range of up to 50 kilometres*. Thanks to BMW eDrive technology, its combined fuel consumption is reduced to up to 2.4 litres per 100 kilometres*, with CO₂ emissions of up to 56 grams per kilometre*.

The plug-in hybrid system in the BMW X3 xDrive30e consists of a 4-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and an electric motor. Both drive units put their power on the road – or unsurfaced terrain – via an 8-speed Steptronic transmission and the intelligent all-wheel drive system. Their joint system output of 185 kW/252 hp can be increased by up to 30 kW/41 hp by temporary use of the electric motor's peak output. The BMW X3 xDrive30e takes just 6.5 seconds (provisional figure) to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h.

The latest BMW plug-in hybrid model is fitted with a lithium-ion battery which is positioned under the rear seat in order to save space. With a luggage volume of 450 litres, the transport capacity of the BMW X3 xDrive30e is at the level of those model variants which are fitted with a conventional engine.

Other world premieres in Geneva: BMW 330e Sedan, BMW X5 xDrive45e and the plug-in hybrid models of the new BMW 7 Series.

The leading role of the BMW Group in the area of electrification is also reflected in its current engine range. At the 2019 International Geneva Motor Show, BMW presents the second generation of plug-in hybrid models in as many as three vehicles segments.

The new BMW 330e Sedan is especially impressive due to an increase in electrically powered range as compared to its predecessor model of some 50 per cent to up to 60 kilometres*, a level of fuel consumption that has been reduced to up to 1.7 litres per 100 kilometres* and CO₂ emissions reduced to 39 grams per kilometre* – all combined with the sports sedan’s hallmark driving pleasure. The system output of its plug-in hybrid drive amounts to 185 kW/252 hp – with the possibility of a temporary increase by an additional 30 kW/41 hp using the standard XtraBoost. As a result, the new BMW 330e Sedan does the sprint from standing to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds (provisional figure).

Increased output, efficiency and electrically powered range are also offered by the latest version of the BMW X5 with plug-in hybrid drive. The new BMW X5 xDrive45e is now fitted with an in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine adapted on a model-specific basis combined with an electric motor – with a system output that is now increased to 290 kW/394 hp. 5.6 seconds (provisional figure) is all it takes the sports activity vehicle to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h. Its electrically powered range is now approximately 80 kilometres*, almost three times that of its predecessor. As such, day-to-day commuter runs can easily be covered on electric power only, thereby reducing local emissions to zero. With its 69-litre fuel tank, the BMW X5 xDrive45e is also perfectly suited to use over long distances. Its progressive plug-in hybrid drive technology reduces combined fuel consumption to up to 2.1 litres per 100 kilometres* and CO₂emissions from fuel to up to 49 grams per kilometre*. The qualities of the BMW X5 xDrive45e as a travel vehicle are likewise borne out by its versatile luggage compartment: here the storage volume of 500 to 1 716 litres is only very slightly less than that offered by variants of the SAV that are powered by conventional means. The ground-breaking all-round properties of the BMW X5 xDrive45e are complemented with the intelligent all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive. This transfers the power of both drive units to all four wheels, providing sports-style driving pleasure on the road and supreme off-road performance over unsurfaced terrain.

In the plug-in hybrid models of the new BMW 7 Series, the sporty flair, travel comfort and feel-good ambience of a luxury sedan are combined with the ability to enjoy locally emissions-free and virtually noiseless mobility. Their electrically powered range has been increased by almost 30 per cent as compared to the predecessor models, now at a distance of between 50 and 58 kilometres*. The model range comprises the BMW 745e (combined fuel consumption: 2.3 – 2.1 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 15.6 – 15.1 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 52 – 48 g/km*), the long version BMW 745Le (combined fuel consumption: 2.3 –2.2 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 15.7 – 15.6 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 53 – 50 g/km) and the BMW 745Le xDrive (combined fuel consumption: 2.6 – 2.3 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 16.3 – 15.8 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 59 – 52 g/km*) with extended wheelbase and intelligent all-wheel drive. Its drive system now comprises an in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine adapted on a model-specific basis together with an electric motor. By setting the drive experience switch to SPORT mode, the driver can tap into a system output of 290 kW/394 hp. The new BMW 745e accelerates in 5.2 seconds from zero to 100 km/h, while the new BMW 745Le takes 5.3 seconds. Meanwhile the new BMW 745Le xDrive reaches the 100 km/h mark from standing in 5.1 seconds.

BMW 530e Sedan and BMW 225xe Active Tourer with further developed lithium-ion batteries and increased electrically powered range.

The latest progress in the field of battery cell technology has also led to an extension of the options for locally emissions-free driving in the plug-in hybrid models of the BMW 5 Series and BMW 2 Series. Although its dimensions remain unchanged, the new lithium-ion battery for the plug-in hybrid model of the BMW 5 Series Sedan now has a gross energy content that has been increased from 9.2 to 12.0 kWh. This means an increase in electrically powered range by more than 30 per cent to 64 kilometres*. The BMW 530e Sedan now achieves a combined fuel consumption of at least 1.7 litres per 100 kilometres* and CO₂ emissions of at least 38 grams per kilometre*. As an additional model variant, the all-wheel drive BMW 530e xDrive Sedan will also be included in the programme worldwide from July 2019 onwards. The latter achieves an electrically powered range of up to 57 kilometres*. Its combined fuel consumption is at least 1.9 litres per 100 kilometres*, while CO₂ emissions are at least 44 grams per kilometre*.

In the BMW 225xe Active Tourer, state-of-the-art battery cell technology paves the way to further reduced consumption figures as well as an increase in the electrically powered range of more than 25 per cent to up to 57 kilometres*. While retaining the same dimensions as before, its lithium-ion battery now has a gross energy content that has been increased from 7.7 to 9.7. The combined fuel consumption of the BMW 225xe Active Tourer is at least 1.9 litres per 100 kilometres*, its combined power consumption is at least 14.7 kWh per 100 kilometres and its CO₂ emissions level is at least 43 grams per kilometre*. The hybrid-specific all-wheel drive system contributes to the BMW 225xe Active Tourer's sporty and versatile driving properties. Its standard and optional fittings include numerous modern driver assistance systems as well as the current innovations in the field of intelligent connectivity and digital services – for increased convenience when charging the high-voltage battery and an even more intense electrical driving experience.

Cutting-edge battery technology, new operating system and innovative digital services for an optimised electric driving experience.

In addition to the very latest battery technology, the plug-in hybrid variants of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan, the new BMW X5 and the new BMW 7 Series also feature a new display and operating system as well as innovative digital services for an even more intense electric driving experience. Their standard fittings include the BMW Live Cockpit Professional with newly designed screens in the instrument panel and the Control Display, which also provide clearly laid-out details of the battery charge state, electrically powered range and operating mode of the plug-in hybrid system. The buttons used to select the drive mode are now integrated in the drive experience switch unit. Here, a press of the button is all that is needed to activate the modes SPORT for a particularly dynamic set-up and ADAPTIVE for a set-up that is geared towards the relevant driving style and situation, as well as the three operating modes HYBRID, ELECTRIC and BATTERY CONTROL. HYBRID mode serves as the standard setting that ensures a balanced set-up and optimised interaction between the combustion engine and electric motor. It also possible to select ELECTRIC mode as the standard setting via the iDrive menu. The HYBRID button is pressed twice to activate this operating mode in an efficiency-optimised version (HYBRID ECO PRO). The coasting function is one of the factors that contributes to a further reduction in fuel consumption.

The technology of the intelligent energy management system has likewise been further optimised. Since this is now linked to the navigation system, the interaction between combustion engine and electric motor can be adapted more precisely to the route and driving situation. In the new BMW 330e Sedan and the new BMW X5 xDrive45e, a control unit that draws on navigation and sensor data is also able to optimise brake energy recuperation efficiency in HYBRID ECO PRO mode. When approaching a junction or a vehicle driving ahead, for example, recuperation can be put to particularly intensive use for the purpose of deceleration.

During the charging process, the fully digital instrument panel provides graphically displayed information on the battery's current charge status and therefore the car’s potential electrically powered range. The graphic display – designed individually for each vehicle – also shows the amperage available at the charge station being used, as well as indicating when the battery is fully charged.

New digital services help make it more attractive and convenient to charge the high-voltage battery when out and about. For example, the navigation system shows the driver nearby hotels, restaurants, cafés and sights or cultural facilities when a public charging station is being selected. Customers are also given a forecast as to the occupation status of charging stations. In addition, BMW enables ChargeNow customers to reserve an enabled charging station for a limited period based on in-car activation.

A distinctive sound created especially for electrified BMW models is used for the purpose of acoustic pedestrian protection, emitted via a speaker system. The sound design in the low speed range radiates a vibrant acoustic presence, though without impairing the acoustic comfort of vehicle occupants.