In 1984 the world was introduced to the E28 BMW M5, an executive saloon car with sportscar levels of performance. Since then the M5 has evolved, becoming bigger, faster and more technologically advanced with each passing generation and in doing so, has become one of the most revered products within the automotive realm. The current F90 generation M5 was recently updated, now offering even more performance and luxury.
Related: Dialled up to 11: The BMW M5 Competition
At the time of writing, there were more than 40 M5 variants for sale on AutoTrader. Here are 3 things that you need to know about this product.
1.Updated styling
The updated version of the M5 arrived locally in the fourth quarter of 2020 and while it does not appear much different, there have been several changes made cosmetically. Up front there is a reshaped bumper with larger lower air intakes, tweaked LED headlights with Dynamic Laster Matrix Beam technology and a new gloss black kidney grille with M-specific bars. The side profile is similar apart from new 20-inch alloy wheels and gloss black accents while the rear section features a new bumper, larger exhaust exits, a black rear apron and revised LED taillamps with an 'L-shape' design. There have been two new exterior colours added to the M5 line-up, namely Brands Hatch Gray and Motegi Red.
2.More performance
The M5 was not exactly short on performance before the update, however, progress has been made in the suspension department where the brand has taken the same shock absorbers used in the M8 Gran Coupe and fitted them to the M5. The suspension tweaks are said to provide improved handling and comfort.
The Competition variant is the only M5 model sold locally, meaning that its 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine produces 460 kW and 750 Nm of torque. The power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed torque converter automatic. The M5 retains its ability to be put into rear-wheel drive mode, should the mood strike. When in four-wheel drive mode, the car sprints to 100km/h in a claimed 3.3 seconds, to 200 km/h in 10.8 seconds and will top-out at 305 km/h.
3.Improved interior
The M5 has also received a raft of updates inside, where the central screen now measures 12.3-inches versus 10.25-inches previously. The updated iDrive system now works with the M Mode buttons, which when pressed will now bring up a variety of configuration options in the central display. There is also now a ‘Track’ mode, allowing the driver to experience the full performance potential of the M5 when in a controlled environment. BMW has also introduced a new interior option in the form of a leather Merino Midrand Beige/Black upholstery.
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