BMW M5 (2011 – 2017) Review
BMW M5 (2011 – 2017) At A Glance
At a time when the motoring world seems focussed on green cars and low emissions, it's surprising that high performance saloons are still around at all. And yet if anything, there is more choice than ever. From the Audi RS6 to the mightily impressive Jaguar XFR, if you want a rapid large four-door car, there are plenty to choose from. Yet one name still stands out - the BMW M5.
It has a heritage stretching back to the mid 1980s and has become revered as one of the best - and fastest - cars on the road. This is the fifth generation of the M5 and it continues that tradition with even more power than before - 560PS to be precise - which makes it the most powerful production car BMW has ever built. The big news is that it's fitted with a twin-turbocharged V8 rather than the 5.0-litre V10 of the outgoing M5.
Purists will welcome the move back to a V8 (even if it is a turbocharged unit) and it also means a considerable improvement in fuel economy along with lower emissions. The outgoing M5 is only capable of 19.6mpg with a CO2 output of 344g/km - and that's according to the official BMW figures. This new model returns a claimed 28.5mpg meaning you'll spend far less time fuelling it up, while emissions are cut to a much more respectable 232g/km.
Being fitted with twin turbochargers means more low down torque, making the power of the new M5 more accessible in everyday driving. It's fitted with a new seven-speed automatic gearbox with two clutches to provide super-fast gear shifts. It's docile and relaxed at steady speeds, yet snappy and aggressive when you want it to be.
The M5 is not especially cheap to buy new with a price tag of £73,040 but it stands head and shoulders above any other performance saloon and is better than plenty of cars that cost considerable more. The key to its success is its all round ability. It's just as comfortable sitting in traffic or cruising on the motorway as it is tackling tight bends and twisting roads. Add to that the immense performance, a great V8 sound plus superb handling and it's easy to see why the M5 is such a success.
BMW M5 (2011 – 2017) handling and engines
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 18–26 mpg
For this, the fifth generation M5, BMW has reverted to a V8 engine instead of the V10 in the previous car. The 4.4-litre unit may be a smaller engine but it’s actually more powerful with 560PS – an increase of 53PS over the outgoing M5. The main factor behind this is that BMW has fitted a turbocharger. A twin-scroll turbocharger to be precise which also accounts for the big increase in torque – up from 520Nm to an incredible 680Nm.
It’s this big increase in grunt that makes the M5 feel more useable at low speeds. The torque is available from just 1500rpm so from low down it rapidly gains speed. Acceleration is thunderous yet also effortless and the M5 is as refined as it is fast. The 560PS peaks at 5750rpm up to 7000rpm and it’s when you work the engine that it really comes into its own.
The change from a V10 back to a V8 means the M5 sounds more aggressive, with the engine note less buzzy than before. Power never drops off all the way to the red line on the rev counter, while the turbo is seamless too with no lag and instant response – in fact you barely know it’s there apart from the amazingly rapid increase in pace when you accelerate.
But it’s the fact that the engine doesn’t have to be worked hard all the time that makes this M5 so enjoyable in everyday driving. You don’t have to be driving at high speeds to appreciate the noise it makes or the performance it offers. Of course it doesn’t hang about when you ask it to accelerate and it manages the 0-62mph sprint in just 4.4 seconds with 0-124mph taking 13.4 seconds in total apparently.
Perhaps the biggest improvement over the previous M5 comes in economy. While this may be a high performance saloon it still uses some of BMWs Efficient Dynamics systems including the automatic start/stop function and brake energy regeneration. These help fuel economy figures with a claimed average of 28.5mpg. That may not seem that impressive but compared to the previous M5 which managed a paltry 19.6mpg it’s a huge improvement. This M5 has a larger fuel tank – now 80 litres – which means a 50% increase in the distance between fill-ups.
Economy is further aided by the new seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M-DCT for short) which replaces the SMG gearbox. It can be left in standard D mode and goes along very nicely, thanks to a new low speed assistance function that keeps the car moving smoothly through heavy traffic with only a light touch on the accelerator. In fact, it’s amazingly docile and easy to drive.
Of course it also comes with a Sport mode which puts the gearbox into manual, allowing you to change gear using the lovely steering wheel paddle shifts. Unlike many other gearboxes, the M5 holds revs, even if you get to the red line, without automatically change up, giving you real control over it. There are three further settings so you can choose sporty, relaxed or an efficient driving style via a simple button just behind the gear lever. Putting it in the Sport + mode makes the gear changes suitably aggressive, while giving the steering more feel and making the electronically controlled dampers stiffer.
As you’d expect, the M5 handles supremely well. It feels far more agile than you’d expect of a car this size and weight with great balance. Despite all that power and the rear wheel drive set-up, traction is superb as is grip. It’s helped by a system called Active M - an electronically controlled limited slip differential that intervenes rapidly at an early stage to control wheelspin and keep the car stable.
As a result, the M5 inspires huge confidence and while you never forget how powerful it is, it’s never unruly or fidgety. It really comes into its element on quiet tight and twisting roads, the kind that are unfortunately pretty rare in the UK. You can push it into corners with plenty of enthusiasm knowing that it will flatter you and take it all in its stride.
It can sometimes struggle for traction out of slow corners, in second gear, where you’ll find the DSC stability control light flashing on the instrument panel. It does seem a little intrusive, but in M Dynamic Mode (MDM ) the DSC will allow you a little bit of wheelspin before it intervenes which is a good compromise. Thank to huge six-piston caliper brakes, it stops as well as it goes too and even after plenty of hard driving, the brakes show no sign of fading, remaining strong and responsive.
While the M5 is a serious performance car, that doesn’t come at the expense of refinement. Thanks to the electronically controlled dampers, which come with a comfort setting for everyday driving, it’s very smooth and irons out bumps and potholes better than many non performance cars with ‘sports’ suspension. Even in the sportiest settings it’s never harsh meaning it’s easy to drive the M5 quickly yet still smoothly.
Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
---|---|---|---|
4.4 DCT | 29 mpg | 3.9–4.3 s | 231–232 g/km |
Real MPG average for the BMW M5 (2011 – 2017)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
75%
Real MPG
18–26 mpg
MPGs submitted
38
BMW M5 (2011 – 2017) interior
- Boot space is 520 litres
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4910 mm |
Width | 2119 mm |
Height | 1448–1456 mm |
Wheelbase | 2965 mm |
Like the exterior, BMW has gone for an understated look when it comes to the interior of the M5. This is still a premium saloon after all. Like the standard 5 Series it’s a high quality and impeccably finished cabin that’s comfortable and user friendly. Of course there are some special features to make it stand out such as the bespoke M Sport sears and a nice aluminium detailed trim across the dash, but there's not too much to distinguish it as a performance car.
The one big difference is of course the gearbox. The M5 gets a unique gear lever - the same as the one on the previous version. It's straightforward to use aside from the fact there's no 'P' mode - it automatically goes into park when you turn the ignition off, although this does take a little getting used to if you're familiar with a traditional automatic.
Like the standard 5 Series, the M5 is fitted with BMWs iDrive control system along with a superbly clear 10.2-inch display screen via which you can control everything from the sat nav to the stereo/radio and also the various car parameters. There are lots of settings and it can get a little daunting trying to set the car up depending on what kind of driving you're doing. Usefully on the steering wheel there are two M Drive button which can be pre-configured for specific settings, so you can have one with a comfort setting and an all out dynamic mode for the other.
There are six adjustable parameters: engine management, the Servotronic power steering, the M DCT Drivelogic gearshift programme, DSC mode, the electronically variable Dynamic Damper Control and the information relayed in the standard driver head-up display. The last feature has become a BMW trademark and is perfectly suited to the M5, giving you all the info you need right in front of you.
Of course the M5 isn't cheap but it does come well equipped for the money. Standard equipment includes the head-up display, DAB radio, sat nav, Bluetooth and parking sensors front and back. There is also a new real-time traffic information service which gives accurate traffic bulletins and diversion suggestions.
Standard equipment from launch (November 2011):
M5 standard kit includes Head-up Display, DAB digital radio, front and rear Park Distance Control, four-zone air-conditioning, xenon headlights, Adaptive Headlights, front seat heating, Professional Multimedia Navigation system and BMW Assist, a new real-time traffic information service which provides accurate traffic bulletins and diversion suggestions plus Bluetooth and USB audio interface.
Optional equipment includes a rear-view camera, High-Beam Assistant, Speed Limit information, Lane Change and Lane Departure warnings, Surround View and BMW Night Vision to ensure the driver is aware of anything and everything happening within the vicinity of the car. A Mobile Application preparation allows iPhone owners to receive web radio stations and display Facebook and Twitter posts on the Control Display.
BMW M5 (2011 – 2017) models and specs
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4910 mm |
Width | 2119 mm |
Height | 1448–1456 mm |
Wheelbase | 2965 mm |
Miscellaneous | |
---|---|
Kerb Weight | 1870 kg |
Boot Space | 520 L |
Warranty | 3 years |
Servicing | 15000 miles |
Spare Wheel | |||
---|---|---|---|
Standard | Run-flat tyres |
Costs | |
---|---|
List Price | £75,185–£97,865 |
Insurance Groups | 48–50 |
Road Tax Bands | L |
Official MPG | 28.5 mpg |
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
---|---|
Adult | - |
Child | - |
Pedestrian | - |
Overall | - |
Saloon | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
4.4 M 30 Jahre Edition DCT 4dr | £91,915 | 28.5 mpg | 3.9 s |
4.4 M LCI Competition Pack DCT 4dr | £97,865 | 28.5 mpg | 4.2 s |
4.4 M LCI DCT 4dr | £75,185 | 28.5 mpg | 4.3 s |
Model History
- June 2011: New BMW M5 revealed
- June 2012: M5 M Performance Editions announced
- May 2014: M5 30 Yahre Edition launched
- July 2016: BMW M5 Competition Edition announced at at £100,995 OTR
June 2011
New BMW M5 revealed
The fifth generation BMW M5 was seen for the first time at The Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2011. It features the most potent engine ever devised by BMW’s high-performance M division along with race-bred chassis technology that includes, for the first time, an Active M differential and electronic damping control. The unique exterior design has been dictated by the technical requirements of the car, while the luxurious sports car-like cockpit offers an extensive range of innovative driver assistance systems and mobility services.
For the first time an M5 features a turbocharged engine– a high-revving 4,395cc V8. Developing 560PS from 5750-7,000rpm, it is the most potent series-production engine ever to emerge from BMW’s high-performance M division.
Incorporating the company’s M TwinPower Turbo technology, twin-scroll turbochargers, high-precision direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and a cross-bank exhaust manifold, it guarantees the legendary BMW M-car thrust with seamless lag-free delivery from little more than tickover speed - thanks to 680Nm of torque from only 1500rpm.
Compared with the previous V10-engined M5, maximum power is up by around 10 per cent and peak torque by more than 30 per cent. As a result, the latest M5 can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 4.4 seconds, and 0-124mph in only 13 seconds. The voluntarily limited top speed is 155mph. With BMW’s seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission Drivelogic and Efficient Dynamics technology, including engine Auto Start-Stop and Brake Energy Regeneration, the M5’s fuel consumption has been reduced by more than 30 per cent to 28.5mpg, while CO2 emissions drop to 232g/km.
The new M5 Saloon will be available in the UK in November 2011, priced at £73,040 on-the-road.
4395cc V8 twin turbo engine: 560PS 5750-7000rpm; 680Nm. 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. 0-62mph 4.4 seconds; top speed 155mph; combined mpg 28.5; CO2 emissions 232g/km (Band L £445); Emissions Group EU5; Insurance Group 47
Length: 4910mm
Width (body only): 1891mm
Height: 1456mm
Tyre size: Front 265/40ZR19 Rear 295/35ZR19
Luggage capacity 520 litres
Kerb weight: 1945kg
Braked towing weight: 2000kg
Fuel tank capacity: 80 litres
June 2012
M5 M Performance Editions announced
Solely for UK market with just thirty available costing £95,140 OTR. Three new 'Frozen' paint colours introduced to the UK for the first time; BMW Individual Japan Red with a Frozen Red wrap, BMW Individual Frozen White and BMW Individual Frozen Blue. All are on sale now. To complement the striking exterior colours, all M5 M Performance Editions come with Full Black Merino leather upholstery.
Floor mats with contrast piping, an Alcantara steering wheel, BMW Individual Piano Black interior trim with a ‘One of 30' laser cut designation, front headrests with M stitching and door sills with ‘BMW M Performance Edition' designation complete the look of the interior.
The new BMW M5 M Performance Edition features BMW's latest 560hp TwinPower Turbo V8 engine complete with race-bred chassis technology including an Active M differential and electronic damping control. Combining track-car dynamics with supreme touring comfort, the new BMW M5 M Performance Edition includes £22,075 worth of additional equipment as standard.
For this added value 20-inch M Double-spoke Matt Black alloy wheels, Dark Chrome exhaust, side gills and kidney surround, M Sport multi-function seats with lumbar support, powered bootlid operation, sun protection glass, split-folding rear seats, comfort access and soft close doors add to the already impressive standard equipment list. A reversing assist camera, High-beam assistant, Internet, BMW Professional 12-loudspeaker system, telephone USB audio interface, mobile application preparation and speed limit display complete this exclusive model.
May 2014
M5 30 Yahre Edition launched
The BMW M5 30 Jahre Edition (30 years of the M5) will be produced in a limited run of just 300 vehicles worldwide. Only 30 cars will come to the UK. Developing 600PS and peak torque of 700Nm, the M5 30 Jahre Edition sprints from zero to 62mph in 3.9 seconds.
The foundation for these upgrades was provided by the Competition package – itself a car that already came with a power upgrade. Conceived to appreciably enrich the handling characteristics of the BMW M5, it can be ordered as an option for the regular model and is part of the special edition’s standard specification. The Competition package comprises modifications including a revised chassis set-up with firmer spring/damper tuning and a 10mm drop in ride height.
It gets BMW Individual Frozen Dark Silver metallic paint while the kidney grille surround, gills with ‘30 Jahre M5’ badge on the front wing, door handle inserts and twin exhaust tailpipes all come in black chrome. The same is true of the 20-inch bi-colour M light-alloy wheels. It is on sale now and costs £91,890 OTR.
July 2016
BMW M5 Competition Edition announced at at £100,995 OTR
End of line M5 special, with just 200 M5 Competition Editions offered for sale worldwide. Power and torque have been increased to 600hp and 700Nm, making to a 0-62mph time of just 3.9 seconds. Standard fitment of the Competition Package, with its even more sportingly focused chassis, ensures the additional power is put to effective use.
Identifiable by the fitment of carbon fibre BMW M Performance Parts and a black kidney grille. The 20-inch alloy wheels are painted Jet Black, and just two exterior colours are available: Mineral White and Carbon Black. Inside, occupants benefit from Full Black Merino leather upholstery with Opal White contrast stitching, along with further selected details including the unique “1/200” engraving to the interior trim.
Model |
Power Hp |
Torque Nm |
0 – 62mph Seconds |
Top Speed Mph |
Combined Mpg |
CO2 Emissions g/km |
BMW M5 Competition Edition Saloon |
600 |
700 |
3.9 |
155* |
28.5 |
231 |
* Electronically limited |
M Competition Package is standard equipment. This consists of stiffer responses from the springs and electronically controlled dampers, along with thicker anti-roll bars. The Active M electronically controlled multi-plate limited slip differential, which intervenes rapidly and precisely at an early stage to control wheelspin and keep the car stable, is re-calibrated for an even more sporty response. Once again, there are three Drive Control settings to choose from: Comfort for normal road use, Sport when a more dynamic driving style is preferred and Sport Plus for the most extreme driving, such as on a race track. Six-piston caliper brakes are mounted within 20-inch M Double-spoke 601M light alloy wheels, finished in high gloss Jet Black.
What to watch out for
Report of 2014 BMW F10 M5 requiring a new DME unit at 66,000 miles at a cost of £1,600 after the engine earning light kept coming on intermittently. Owner told told by the dealer/MSport people that a DME fault is ‘not uncommon’. Following a complete software upgrade as part of the replacement (in the price) the offending yellow engine light has disappeared. Moreover, the car is much more responsive in terms of acceleration and smoothness. Owner had not notices the gradual fall off in performance. The Digital Motor Electronics (DME) Unit controls all key aspects of the engine's operation, ensuring optimum reliability, maximum performance and the lowest possible fuel consumption and emissions. By managing key engine functions it ensures optimum reliability, maximum performance and the lowest possible fuel consumption and emissions. Its sensors continually all factors affecting the operation of the engine. The data is then evaluated by a microprocessor and translated into commands for the fuel injection and ignition systems. The DME system receives up to 1,000 separate items of data input per second, including engine speed, air intake volume, air temperature and density, coolant temperature, throttle position, accelerator position and vehicle speed. DME verifies all incoming data by comparing it with the reaction of the rest of the system. If a defective sensor delivers unrealistic data, DME replaces this with preset standard values. If a spark plug fails, DME immediately cuts fuel flow to this cylinder in order to prevent engine damage. DME looks after the electrical power system too, with sensors measuring the charge and condition of the battery as well as current electrical power consumption. By maintaining optimum battery charge levels and thus avoiding flat batteries, it prevents damage to the battery and guarantees maximum battery life, thereby helping to ensure the engine always starts readily.