BMW India has launched the 2015 M5 at Rs 1.35 crore (ex-showroom India). While we wait for the launch of the M3 and M4 that will happen in a couple of days, the company has started the power onslaught with the M5 sedan. The car will be brought through the CBU (Completely Built Unit) route and will be available across dealerships in India.
Among the styling changes there is an M5 badge on the kidney grille, adaptive LED headlights as standard, subtle revisions on the tail lights and new seven-spoke alloy wheels. The interior gets garnished with good servings of chrome and also additional storage space.
It will be powered by the same M TwinPower 4.4-litre V8 engine churning out 552bhp and 680Nm of torque. This engine will be mated to a seven-speed double clutch transmission (M DCT) sending power to the rear wheels. The performance, as a result, is blistering quick with the M5 hitting the 0-100kmph mark in 4.3 seconds and thereby on to achieving a limited top speed of 250kmph.
Unfortunately we don’t get the competition pack in India which adds about 15bhp to the overall power and many mechanical changes over the standard car.
The BMW M5 is one of the most capable four-door performance saloons in the world and it is a hoot to drive. The M5 serves the purpose of those who want the practicality of a sedan with the power of a sportscar and it makes a lot of sense to buy an M5 over a sportscar in India at least. We shall soon come up with a first drive review of the new M5, until then watch this space.