After the big reveals of the 5 Series sedan and wagon, as well as the M550i, next up in the BMW’s pipeline is the 2018 BMW M5. The new version of the popular sport sedan model is expected to show up at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show this September. However, before the extravaganza commences in Frankfurt, we decided to put together a little compilation of everything we know so far regarding the upcoming M5 Sports sedan.
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Exterior
The new M5 will reportedly be built with plenty of lightweight aluminum, carbon fiber and high-strength steel in mind. But, still, the overall weight of the new model will be somewhere around 4,000 pounds, which isn’t significantly less than the outgoing model’s 4,122 pounds. But why is it that in spite of all these lightweight materials, the 2018 M5 will only weigh about 100 pounds less than its predecessor? Well, BMW is rumored to be using a brand-new all-wheel drive system that will without a doubt be adding to the overall weight. But, more on that later.
In terms of design, we don’t expect to see any drastic changes. Instead, all the usual M sport variant design features like the heftier wheels, signature front and back styling and a bevy of M badges are all expected to appear. But, right now, there isn’t much info on the design aspect of the 2018 BMW M5. Some teasers of the exterior, however, might appear over the summer, ahead of the Frankfurt debut.
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Engine and Powertrain
According to the rumor that has been going around the interwebs, the 2018 BMW M5 will be powered by a reworked version of the current twin-turbo V8 engine that will increase the output to about 600 horsepower. If this is true, the new M5 could hold its own with the likes of Mercedes-AMG E63 S, which offers 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.
Moreover, the power would be sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This would mean that BMW will deviate from the M5’s usual rear wheel drive system. There is a very strong probability of this happening, all in an effort to appeal to the M5 enthusiasts in the snowier regions, but also to compete with Audi and their Quattro AWD system that is represented across its lineup. Nevertheless, expect the new M5 to still include its M Dynamic Mode system that by decoupling the front differential, allows you to send the power to the rear wheels as well. The likelihood of a six-speed manual transmission option is very slim. Mostly, because the take rate just isn’t high enough.
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Performance
In terms of performance, the increase in output could lead to an under-four second 0-60 mph time. Considering that the current model manages to do the same in 4.4-seconds, this would be quite a feat. The reason we are so optimistic for the 2018 M5’s improved performance is because the new M550i races from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, so the M5 needs to do even better than that. Our only concern is that the 2018 BMW M5 weight reduction won’t be significant enough to drastically impact the performance. But, we’re sure BMW will find a way to do so anyway.
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2018 BMW M5 Release Date and Price
The new 2018 BMW M5 will be showcased at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show which runs from 14th – 24th of September. The official release date could follow later in the year or even at the beginning of 2018. The prices are expected to stay more of the same. The outgoing model of the BMW M5 is currently starting at about $95.000.
