Electronic Arts and the BMW Group debuted
the all-new BMW M5 (fuel consumption combined: 10.5 l/100 km [26.9 mpg imp]*;
CO2 emissions combined: 241 g/km*) in Need for SpeedTM Payback, the
action driving blockbuster releasing this fall. This marks first time BMW has
revealed a car through a video game partnership, unveiling the new BMW M5 at
gamescom, Europe’s biggest trade fair for interactive games and entertainment.
The new BMW M5 builds on the traditional concept of a luxurious four-door
business sedan by appealing to drivers with a taste for high speed and
adrenaline. Need for SpeedTM Payback players will be among the first
to experience the new M xDrive all-wheel drive as they tear through the city
streets and diverse landscape of Fortune Valley this fall.
BMW took the
actual wraps off the 2018 M5 model – it had made an earlier debut in a video
game – that mavens had been waiting for since early this year.
The all-new,
sixth-generation M5 features the M-specific all-wheel-drive system, M xDrive.
This new system allows the M5 to reach new heights of dynamic performance and
delivers poise in all driving situations.
“Thanks to M
xDrive, the all-new BMW M5 can be piloted with the familiar blend of sportiness
and unerring accuracy both on the racetrack and out on the open road,” Frank
van Meel, Chairman of the Board of Management at BMW M GmbH,“while also
delighting drivers with its significantly enhanced directional stability and
controllability right up to the limits of performance when driving in adverse
conditions such as on wet roads or snow.”
The new BMW M5
is outfitted with a
twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 as with the last model, but it makes 600
horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque: an increase of 40 hp and 53 lb-ft of
torque respectively compared with the 2017 model.
The M5 is also
capable of a top speed of 189 mph when equipped with the M Driver’s Package.
Otherwise, the car is limited to 155 mph. All of this power and torque goes
through an 8-speed automatic to an all-wheel-drive system, the first for an M5.
The all-wheel
drive M5 does the zero-to-60 sprint in 3.2 seconds, helped in part by the
all-wheel drive that puts all of that horsepower on the ground and three
different drive modes that, including the sport mode that helps too.
As usual, the
M5 exterior looks very similar to that of the 5 Series, but a closer look
reveals larger grilles, a rear valance with a faux diffuser as well as the
normal vents in the fenders, as well as the subtle M5 badge on the side. Not
quite a “sleeper,” but more of a buttoned-down look.
“The BMW M5
has always embodied the perfect blend of mature business sedan and
high-performance components,” said Domagoj Dukec, vice president of Design BMW
i and BMW M.
BMW is
offering a “First Edition” special-edition model limited to a worldwide run of
400 vehicles with 50 units coming to the U.S. The 2018 BMW M5 First Edition
will be available starting spring of 2018. Pricing information will come closer
to launch.
The all-new
BMW M5 First Edition has exclusive Frozen Dark Red Metallic paintwork and
includes BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line trim with extended features.
This means that the kidney grille, the M gills and the four tailpipes of the
sports exhaust all come in high-gloss black. The M5 First Edition is fitted as
standard with 20-inch seven-double-spoke light-alloy wheels in black.
The interior
features Piano Finish Black applications are complemented by a plaque on the
center console indicating the car’s production number (“M5 First Edition
1/400”), pointing to the exclusivity of this BMW M5. The M5 First Edition comes
as standard with high-quality M multifunction seats. It is also available with
full-leather upholstery in Smoke White with red contrast stitching.
It also comes
available in a video game “Need for SpeedT Payback,” the action driving
blockbuster releasing this fall. This marks first time BMW has revealed a car
through a videogame partnership, unveiling the new BMW M5 at gamescom, Europe’s
biggest trade fair for interactive games and entertainment.
“The new BMW M5 is a stunning car,” said
Marcus Nilsson, Executive Producer at Ghost Games. “With immense horsepower and
torque combined with gorgeous design, our players are going to love getting
behind the wheel of the new M5. Whether it’s pulling off intense heist
missions, or outrunning cops in epic pursuits or just cruising the open world,
this car embodies performance, speed and desire, making it one of the pinnacle
rides in Need for Speed Payback.”
The M5 takes the BMW
M-series into new territory, with 441 kW/600 hp, peak torque of 750 Nm and 10.5
l/100 km fuel consumption combined/ 241 g/km CO2 emissions combined, which
promise supreme propulsive power and formidable performance. The new M xDrive
developed by BMW M GmbH is the most engaging all-wheel-drive system yet to
grace the high-performance segment and will be on display across various
terrains in Need for SpeedTM Payback.
“The M is not only
synonymous for the world’s most powerful letter, but has also become a synonym
worldwide for the prototype of the Ultimate Driving Machine. Take a look at the
new BMW M5: its power output, torque and acceleration, the M specific all-wheel
drive system M xDrive and its stunning design make our all-new toy the perfect
feature for Need for Speed,” said Frank van Meel, President BMW M Division.
“While the M5 won’t be officially released until next spring, Need for Speed players
can drive it first and exclusively in Need for SpeedTM Payback. We
at BMW M are really proud of this collaboration.”
“Young, enthusiastic and
100% devoted to their passion: This is not only true for BMW M fans but also
for millions of gamers around the globe, who love Need for SpeedTM.
BMW is joy and excitement for cars, whether it is in real life or digital,”
said Hildegard Wortmann, Senior Vice President Brand BMW. “With this
cooperation BMW can reach out to a new audience that is truly digital. This is
a perfect example for a fruitful cooperation in modern marketing with benefits
for everyone and a new milestone after the BMW M2’s debut in 2015’s Need for
SpeedTM.”
BMW and Need for SpeedTM
share a long tradition together. Already in 1999 the BMW M5 was part of the
first Need for SpeedTM. BMW was part of the history of Need for
SpeedTM ever since: Whether it was the BMW M3 in 2005’s Need for
SpeedTM Most Wanted, the BMW M3 GTR in Need for SpeedTM
Shift in 2009, and many other appearances of BMW M4, M6 and many alike. Just
recently the new BMW M2 entered the stage in 2015’s Need for SpeedTM.
Need for SpeedTM
is one of the world’s bestselling video game franchises.
Its latest instalment, Need
for SpeedTM Payback, will be available worldwide on November 10th
for Xbox One, PlayStation®4, and Origin™ for PC. Need for SpeedTM
Payback Deluxe Edition owners will get their three-day early access starting
Tuesday, November 7th. Players can also get into the action before launch
through EA Access and Origin Access, where members can play
for up to 10 hours starting Thursday, November 2nd with the EA Access and
Origin Access Play First Trial.
Once we test drive the new
Series 5 models we will update our report.
REVIEWED BY OUR STAFF
BRUCE HUBBARD
BRADLEY HUBBARD
BONNIE LYNCH
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