The 7th generation of the 7 Series has been released earlier this year and so far it has been quite successful. However, the car is still missing a few core features which are going to be added in the near future. With these features they are also going to release at least a couple of new trim levels with the 2018 BMW M5 and its Performance Package version. The previous M5 has been one of the most successful cars in its class but it wasn’t the best. With this new model BMW hopes to get back at the top of their class but this remains to be seen.
In detail
Just like with the new 5 Series, the upcoming M5 is going to get a brand new platform. The car will share most of its core with the regular model, so it will still make intensive use of aluminum as well as some carbon fiber inserts.
source:caranddriver.com 2018 BMW M5
For this model BMW will also add a full carbon fiber roof, for the model without the sunroof, as well as lightweight suspension components. Thanks to these upgrades the car is expected to be with up to 90 pounds lighter than before. The price has yet to be released but considering the latest rumors it is safe to assume it won’t change much over its predecessor.
2018 BMW M5 Design
Even though the 2018 BMW M5 hasn’t been released just yet, the car has both been spied testing with camouflage and it has even been driven by some automotive journalists. Thanks to that we do have a pretty good idea about its overall design. It seems it won’t change all that much over its predecessor.
source:caranddriver.com 2018 BMW M5 Design
As standard the car will come with 19 inch rims, a standard active quad-exhaust system as well as the usual BMW M-body kit. It will still look restrained in comparison with its rivals but this was always the point with the M5. Options are going to include a set of larger 20 inch rims and possibly a slightly more aggressive aerodynamic package.
Inside the cabin
Here the new M5 won’t be all that different from the new 5 Series. The two cars seem to share the same dashboard and roughly the same digital instrument cluster.
source:caranddriver.com 2018 BMW M5 Interior
However, the M5 definitely seems to boast a much larger head-up display and it is going to receive more supportive seats in the base configuration. Things like a frontal collision warning and avoidance system, an adaptive cruise control system and even a rear cross-traffic alert are all going to be standard.
BMW M5 Gallery
Under the hood
Despite what most rumors suggested at first it looks like the 2018 BMW M5 is going to boast a 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8. In fact it will be the same engine that has been used in its predecessor. This will get a different variable valve timing profile as well as a different engine management unit. While its official output is still unknown, BMW confirmed the car will make close to 600 horsepower and likely north of 550 lb-ft of torque. This would put it in the same range as most of its rivals. The old 7 speed dual-clutch gearbox on the other hand is going to be replaced by a ZF-sourced 8 speed automatic. Despite boasting a torque converter it seems BMW is quite confident the new gearbox is at least as fast as the one before it. This has been required because the car will come as standard with an all wheel drive system. This will still offer a rear wheel drive mode but it will give the driver more confidence as it will be able to adapt the driving settings depending on the driving conditions. A rear wheel drive model is still uncertain but it will likely be offered in Europe at some point in the near future.
