SAY hello to the new BMW M5, the most powerful version ever and this incredible machine is also the first plug-in hybrid M5 too.
Combined, its 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, 145kw electric motor and 18.6kWh battery produce a supercar-rivalling 727bhp and 1,000Nm of torque.
It’s astonishingly fast, able to blitz 0-62mph in just 3.5 seconds, and with the optional M Drivers Package it will keep charging all the way to 190mph.
But fitting the engine and hybrid system into a big five-door family saloon adds weight.
And the fact the new M5 tips the scales at 2,510kg has been a huge topic of discussion.
But the majority of those complaining about the weight have not driven it, because if you did, then you would understand how incredible a job the BMW boffins have done to mask that weight.
When cornering hard on uneven surfaces or under heavy braking, sure, you notice the weight, but you really have to be pushing the M5 to the max.
It comes with Adaptive M Suspension with electronically controlled dampers and Integral Active Steering, which can steer the rear wheels by up to 1.5° and this improves directional stability at high speeds, as well as agility and comfort when manoeuvring.
When driven sensibly it’s a very comfortable long-distance cruiser, and if you keep the battery charged it’s economical too.
BMW quote a 148.7mpg figure.
To see results that that you’d need to have he battery fully charged too, but 40mpg is a more realistic hybrid figure.
But with the battery depleted, and aggressive driving, the M5 can be a thirsty big beast.
And it does have a very useful 45-mile electric-only range too.
But step on the gas and the M5 has the power to annihilate the Autobahn with ease.
It will explode into life, pinning you back in your seat as it relentlessly slams through all of its eight gears at an alarming rate, making wonderful noises out of the twin-exit dual exhausts.
But my one complaint is that it could be louder, even fitted with the M Exhaust — I’d love to hear more roar from that big V8.
Behind the steering wheel are two discrete M1 and M2 buttons that allow you to quickly switch between different set-ups for engine, chassis, steering and brakes, so choose M2 for manic and M1 for the full maniac mode.
You can also switch the M5’s all-wheel-drive M xDrive system from 4WD to 2WD, however this is best suited to track driving as you wouldn’t be long burning through a set of rear tyres.
My test car came fitted with the optional M Carbon-Ceramic Brakes with gold painted calipers that are incredible, doing a phenomenal job of bringing the big Beemer to an abrupt stop.
It also came with M Performance Parts that add carbon door mirror, boot spoiler and exhaust tips — even the roof is carbon fibre.
Inside, the cabin is superb as you’d imagine from a flagship BMW.
There’s curved dual screens, carbon trim everywhere and the Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System would blow your ears off.
The sports seats are superb, heated and air-cooled, the M badges lights up at night, and there’s heated seats in the back as well.
But the M5 doesn’t come cheap, with the saloon starting at £111,405 and the Touring model a couple of grand more, starting at £113,405. And that’s before ticking any boxes.
Sun Newspaper Irish Motoring Editor
