Fresh from release, the latest F10 BMW M5 promises to unleash its wrath upon the performance luxury sedan market and take its place as the performance “Gold Standard.”
But until we’re actually able to test it against its competitors in real world scenarios and on track, let’s analyze the data.
One of the complaints (again) from the performance M purist is the loss of the lovely high revving V10 S85. “There’s no way the V8 will rev like that darn V10.” Well, the truth might amaze you.
The heart of the F10 M5 comes from the engine currently powering the X5M/X6M twins, internally known as the S63. For the first time in an M5, a high-revving 4.4-liter (4395cc) turbocharged V8 finds its way into the engine bay. BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology, twin-scroll turbochargers, high-precision direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and a cross-bank exhaust manifold guarantees legendary BMW M-car thrust with seamless lag-free power delivery from just off idle.
552 bhp from 5,750-7,000 rpm should rocket the M5 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds using BMW’s new Launch Control. 0-124 mph takes a scant 13 seconds!
So how about that torque? 680Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque from only 1500rpm. The S63 produces far more torque at 1,500 rpm than the S85 V10 could muster at its peak!! Furthermore, it carries that locomotive like torque straight through to 5, 750 rpm.
So until I can get behind the wheel of the new M5, we’ll just have to relegate ourselves to chewing over facts and figures on paper. Did I mention I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of this new M5??
Thanks to our friend Steve Davies over at Skiddmark for taking the time to compile the dyno graph of the S85 V10 vs the S63 Twin Turbo V8.
