BMW Group Malaysia recently unveiled the latest BMW M5 at Bukit Kiara Equestrian for the BMW Malaysian Open 2012. This fifth generation M5 is now powered by a 4.4-litre V8 engine working in tandem with two TwinScroll turbos and putting out 560PS and 680Nm (arriving at just 1,500rpm!) of torque. While some purists might lament the downsizing trend, do bear in mind that these numbers are a 10% and 30% improvement over the previous M5’s V10. This all-business über saloon dispatches the Zerotohundred sprint in a scant 4.3 seconds – well within supercar territory.
Badgery serves as a subtle reminder to the power this 5-series possess...
Fins as standard.
Compared to the E60 M5, this new F10 M5 is sleeker – looking much more refined, and sophisticated; to put into perspective, from xXx to Bond. Its front retains the signature BMW kidney grille and larger air inlets, helping to cool the V8 powerplant. The design of the front bumper looks very similar to the 1M, and does help to add some muscle to the F10’s sleek profile. On the rear, an integrated diffuser has been added to optimize underbody airflow along with the addition of the signature M-range dual twin-tailpipes. Look harder and you will also notice a discreet rear spoiler. There are two wheel designs to choose from – the one you see in our pictures are the standard 19 inch Style 345 ones, while 20 inch Style 343M are offered as an option.
19 inch Style 345 wheels.
Dual twin-tailpipes look really good.
In this age where fuel prices just keep on increasing, it is perhaps good news that the new M5 consumes over 30% less fuel than its predecessor. BMW claims that fuel consumption is an average of 9.9L/100km. Fuel tank capacity swells to 80 litres and extends the travel range by a good 50%. Other EfficientDynamics trickery like Brake Energy Regeneration and Auto Start/Stop are included as standard to help further improve not just on consumption levels, but also on emissions.
2012 BMW F10 M5: twin-power V8 making 560PS and 680Nm. Not slow, then...
Unveiled alongside the F10 M5 was the new Z4; now offered in two flavours – sDrive20i and sDrive28i M Sport. While the exterior is widely unchanged, it is under the hood where things have changed rather dramatically. Both Z4 variants now feature BMW Group’s new 2.0 litre mill, paired with twin-scroll turbos, mated to an 8-speed autobox and produce 184PS/270Nm and 245PS/350Nm; good for Zerotohundred runs of 7.2 seconds and 5.7 seconds in the sDrive20i and sDrive28i respectively.
Like the M5 and in-line with BMW’s Efficient Dynamics vision, the new Z4 also introduces Brake Energy Regeneration as a standard feature. All-aluminium crankcases are used to reduce weight and lower front-axle loads, improving agility and handling over their predecessors. Add up the above, and the new Z4 has lower fuel consumption and higher efficiencies; a claimed 6.8L/100km and a low 159g/km carbon emissions.
Retail prices for the new M5 and Z4 variants are as below (OTR, without insurance):
> BMW M5 - RM898,800 (without BMW Service Inclusive + Repair)
> BMW Z4 sDrive20i - RM358,800 (with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair)
> BMW Z4 sDrive28i M Sport - RM488,800 (with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair)
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...but definitely a nice car. sleeker than the previous e60. If only Malaysia did not charge crazy price for 5 litre engine.
