Having launched the new BMW M5 earlier this year, Alfardan Automobiles, the official BMW Group importer in Qatar continues to make a statement with this high-performance sedan. Customers in the country have seen the M5 exploring new dynamic dimensions and offering greater everyday practicality in all driving conditions.
Featuring M xDrive all-wheel drive for the first time in the high-performance segment this car takes BMW M GmbH into new territory. The new M xDrive 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.
Providing ample power for the new BMW M5 is a 4.4-litre V8 bi-turbo engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. The M engineers have carried out significant revisions to the outgoing model’s power unit. For example, newly developed turbochargers, ultra-efficient indirect charge air cooling and increased fuel injection pressure together help to raise output and, above all, torque. The engine develops 441 kW/600 hp at 5,600 – 6,700 rpm, while a monumental 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque is placed at the driver’s disposal from as low down as 1,800 rpm and remains there until 5,600 rpm.
The character of M xDrive can be adjusted as desired. The driver has five different configurations to choose from based on combinations of the DSC modes (DSC on, MDM, DSC off) and M xDrive modes (4WD, 4WD Sport, 2WD). In the basic setting with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) activated and 4WD, the system permits slight slip through the rear wheels when accelerating out of corners – and therefore plays its part in giving the new BMW M5 its sporting agility. In M Dynamic mode (MDM, 4WD Sport) M xDrive allows easily controlled drifts.
The three M xDrive modes with DSC switched off have been conceived to sate the appetites of keen drivers and primarily for use on the track. Here, the driver can choose from three configurations up to and including pure rear-wheel drive (2WD). This mode allows the driver to pick their own drift angle and treats connoisseurs to driving dynamics in their purest form.
The new BMW M5 includes revisions to its bodywork over the regular BMW 5 Series to satisfy its challenging dynamic brief. The M engineers have redesigned the broader front side panels and front bumper trim to include larger apertures for the air feeding the cooling systems and brakes.
Also new is the rear diffuser. The exhaust system’s quartet of tailpipes are a visual pointer to the power generated by the BMW M5 and also lay on a suitably sporting soundtrack for the job in hand, courtesy of their flap control system. The driver can use a button to adjust the engine sound as desired.
Rabih Ataya, General Manager of Alfardan Automobiles, said: “Following our launch of the new BMW M5 at the Losail Circuit earlier this year, we have seen this exciting model really make a statement in Qatar. We have been receiving a lot of inquiries from new and existing customers for this high-performance sedan and our overall M performance range. We look forward to continue to offer our customers only the best that BMW has to offer.”
The new model was also used as the official safety car at the MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix that took place at Losail Circuit Sports Club from the 16th to 18th March 2018. Since 1999, BMW M has always taken the lead whenever the world’s best motorcycle pilots take to the race track. In addition to custom-made and compulsory safety devices, the BMW M GmbH engineers have donated an extensive line of BMW M Performance accessories to the Safety Car, creating not only eye-catching accents but also fulfilling functional requirements for aerodynamics, cooling and lightweight construction.
The exciting BMW M5 is currently available in Qatar showrooms for customers to see first-hand its dynamic design and supreme power.