BMW M5 – Powertrain
Engine
In the RM1,010,800 BMW M5 lies one of BMW’s most up-to-date V8 engines. The twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine generates 600 PS from 5,600 to 6,700 rpm and a colossal 750 Nm of torque from 1,800 to 5,600 rpm.
The large displacement V8 engine that has a very linear power delivery also sounds ferocious thanks to a sports exhaust system, which can be quiet down for a civilized drive around the neighbourhood.
Transmission
In the BMW M5, the transmission is an eight-speed M Steptronic Sport transmission with shift paddles and Launch Control function. The M specific transmission also has three shift modes under the Drivelogic feature, offering comfort, sport and sport plus modes. To ensure durability and performance, the transmission features its own dedicated cooling circuit and radiator.
Chassis
The front suspension of the F90 BMW M5 features a double-wishbone setup, while the rear axle uses a five-link layout. Plenty of bracing and reinforcing members are strategically placed on the bodyshell to accommodate the high horsepower and allow the precise handling signature of the BMW M brand.
Adaptive M suspension with variable damper control is standard in the BMW M5. Ride comfort is commendable for this super sedan, as well as body control when one starts taking the bends with more speed.
Further rear wheel grip and agility is compounded by the fully-variable Active M Differential, where an electronic system variable controls the independent torque levels of the left and right rear wheels. Delivering more torque to the outside wheel with more grip enhances traction out of the corner.
The brakes feature BMW M Compound brake discs which are lighter than cast iron items. Each front disc is grabbed by a blue-painted six-piston caliper. Carbon-ceramic brakes are an option, costing RM95,000 and comes painted in gold.
Drivetrain
The F90 BMW M5 is now fitted with a fully-variable M xDrive all-wheel drive system. Predominantly rear-wheel drive, M xDrive can automatically deliver torque to the front wheels, with higher dynamic handling traits in the Sport and Sport+ driving modes.
Being a BMW M machine, drivers are given the liberty to configure the amount of front wheel grip, from regular 4WD, M Dynamic Mode - 4WD Sport to pure 2WD just like the good old days.
BMW says only with the M xDrive system that the F90 BMW M5 can properly channel 600 PS/750 Nm and accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and reaching 200 km/h in just 11.1 seconds.
