2018 BMW M5, M550i xDrive, & MotoGP Safety Car Explained – Video
The new BMW M5 (fuel consumption combined: 10.5 l/100 km [26.9 mpg imp]*; CO2 emissions combined: 241 g/km*) takes BMW M GmbH into new territory, with M xDrive all-wheel drive featuring in the high-performance sedan for the first time. This change of tack sees the M5 exploring new dynamic dimensions and offering greater everyday practicality in all driving conditions. The new car is committed to building on the tradition of a concept – the luxurious four-door business sedan with a taste for the race track – first glimpsed in 1984 with the original BMW M5.
The new M xDrive developed by BMW M GmbH is the most emotionally engaging all-wheel-drive system yet to grace the high-performance segment. It works with a central transfer case with multi-plate clutch and distributes drive fully variably between the front and rear axle, as required. Another ingredient in the car’s supreme traction in all road and weather conditions is the Active M Differential at the rear axle, which also works fully variably and has a locking effect between 0 and 100 per cent.
The new BMW M5—and therefore the next MotoGP Official Safety Car—will be the first to utilize BMW M’s newly developed M-specific all-wheel drive M xDrive. Designed to transfer the new M5’s 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque from the car to the track with maximum traction in all conditions, the M5’s optimized driving dynamics are as close to perfect as possible for a vehicle that needs to maintain control over some of the world’s fastest racing motorcycles on world-class Grand prix tracks.
More power from the 4.4-liter M TwinPower Turbo v8 engine is complemented by the lighter weight derived from components such as the carbon fiber reinforced plastic roof. Being able to effectively and efficiently put the power down to the pavement lets the new M5 go from zero to 62 miles per hour in just 3.4 seconds.
To prepare the newest MotoGP Official Safety Cars, BMW M in Garching fine tunes regular M5s and adds specific BMW M Performance parts such as side sills, rear diffusor, rear spoiler, front kidney grille, door mirror caps ,and air breather slats. The BMW M Performance sport exhaust system is perfect for the safety car since it is made of titanium with carbon exhaust tips, and was designed for use on the racetrack.
The first ever BMW M550i xDrive will take the spot as the top of the line performance vehicle in the current BMW 5 Series line-up. Boasting a mighty M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology engine developing 456 hp* and 480 lb-ft*, the abundant torque reserves and high-revving characteristics serve up to an outstanding blend of performance and uncompromised everyday usability. Adding to this state-of-the-art engine are BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive with rear-wheel bias and a bespoke M Performance chassis set-up, help create the fastest and most agile BMW 5 Series to date.
The first ever BMW M550i xDrive is also the first M Performance model to be powered by a specifically modified M Performance TwinPower Turbo 4.4 liter 8-cylinder engine. This V8 unit is equipped with two twin-scroll turbochargers and features a High Precision Injection system, Valvetronic fully variable valve lift and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing control. This technology adds up to an output of 456 hp* at 5,500 rpm* and peak torque of 480 lb‑ft* from just 1,800 rpm* propelling the BMW M550i xDrive from 0 to 60 mph in under 4.0 seconds and then on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.