BMW India likely to kick-start 2018 with M5 launch; sports sedan spied

German luxury carmaker BMW had all-new 5 Series sedan in India in June 2017. Now the company is reportedly planning to launch it performance sibling the M5 in India. The pictures of new BMW M5 on Indian soil has been leaked already and reports say BMW India will be launching the performance sedan in January 2018.

The model spotted in India is reportedly heading to Pune for homologation at Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). The go-faster version of the 5 Series is powered by a heavily reworked 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 motor tuned to churn out 591bhp of power. The torque figure has been raised to 750Nm, 70 Nm over the previous M5. The car is now equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission as opposed to the previous M5's 7-speed dual clutch transmission.

In contrast to the previous models, the M5 is available for the first time with all-wheel drive. The system is biased towards rear for driving dynamics which the M brand stands for. The sedan accelerates to 100kmph in 3.4 seconds and to 200kmph in 11.1 seconds. The top speed is limited to 250kmph while it can accelerate up to 305kmph with the optional M Driver's Package. BMW was able to reduce the weight of the new M5 by about 40 kg over the outgoing model.

On the appearance, the new M5 is visually differentiated from standard 5 Series models by a range of BMW M division styling kit. These include redesigned front bumper with enlarged air openings. The front wings are made of aluminium for weight reduction. The hood is also made of aluminium, while the roof consists of a very light and stable carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). M-specific rear apron and the M rear spoiler, coupled to purposeful sill panels adds the sporty touch at the rear.

On the inside, there is a new multi-function steering wheel, M-specific digital instruments and electrically adjustable seats. Dimensionally, the new M5 is bigger than any other previous M5 models with length growing by 55mm to 4965mm, width up by 12mm to 1903mm and height increased by 16mm to 1473mm.

Image source: MotorOctane