BMW F10 M5 First Drive Review - Insideline: Better Overall Than E60 M5

[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

BMW F10 M5 First Drive Review - Insideline: Better Overall Than E60 M5

32
COMMENTS

Tweet

The first drive reviews of the F10 M5 have begun rolling in. Edmunds Insideline has just posted their first impressions of BMW's newest M5. Their verdict? They call the F10 M5 a better overall sport sedan compared to the E60.

The more interesting comments are posted below, but head over to Insideline for the full review.



You can find all official F10 M5 specs, details, and links to other reviews at:

[Official M5 Info/Review List Thread]
[S63Tu Engine Specs]

It's down on displacement, more efficient and cleaner-burning, yet somehow it's still a ridiculously fast sport sedan that gives up nothing to its V10 predecessor.

Compared to the previous M5, power rises from an even 500 horses to 560 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. The maximum torque rating remains unchanged at 501 pound-feet, but its arrival starts at a mere 1,500 rpm compared to the V10's late 6,100 torque peak. BMW claims the extra power drops the M5's 0-62-mph time from 4.7 seconds to just 4.4 seconds.

But even that doesn't describe how much faster the new car feels on the road. That huge spread of torque means the effective rev range is much broader than the old car's. The V10's midrange pull was never as weak as detractors made out, but a big overtaking maneuver always meant dropping a couple of gears. Not any longer.

So, a win-win situation then? Almost. All that power means fewer trips to the redline because, well, you don't really need to bother. It's less work, but there's less reward. More importantly, the V8 doesn't sound anywhere near as special as the old V10.

The new dual-clutch setup is smooth, quick, and makes the engine feel much more responsive than it does in the X5 M and X6 M, both of which make do with a traditional torque-converter-equipped automatic gearbox. But if you enjoyed the slightly scary sensation of the old M5 banging through the gears flat out, you might be surprised to find this one changes without much drama.

But just because this M car is easier to drive slowly doesn't mean it's not huge fun to drive fast. It might have had to bow down to the engine downsizing trend, but the M department hasn't rolled over completely.

The steering is still hydraulically assisted rather than electrically driven, as on the other 5 Series cars. And you won't find a set of run-flat tires under the arches, just proper high-performance rubber. There's even a set of six-pot fixed calipers behind the front wheels, replacing the old M5's sliding caliper brakes.

Compared to the old V10 M5 and the current standard 5 Series, this one has a grittier feel to its steering. It gives you a far clearer sense of what's going on down at the front wheels and feels much more precise just off center as you first tip the M5 into a bend. You need that precision, too, because at just 2.6 turns lock-to-lock, the new rack is quick (if not as swift as a normal 5 with active steering) and points the nose into corners with much more enthusiasm. And that's despite a 253-pound increase in curb weight to 4,123 pounds.

The ride is surprisingly good whichever damper mode you choose. Traction is impressive, too, in part thanks to a brand-new fully active M differential, which uses sensors around the car to decide how to apportion the torque across the rear axle for maximum bite.

If some of the M5's wilder character traits have disappeared in the metamorphosis from E60 to F10, then so have the rough edges. The brakes feel stronger, the performance is more usable and, if the engine is slightly less exciting, the improved chassis and much longer touring range makes up for it. It's all about efficiency these days, remember?

It's a shame the V10 had to go. We're unlikely to see an engine like that again. But the new 2012 BMW M5 is more than just a great engine, it's a better overall sport sedan.

[/size]



Head over to Insideline for the full review.

Share this story

OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Rare Look at BMW M3 Carbon Edition From China

Black and Yellow - A Dakar Yellow M3 Nighttime Photo Session

Latest BMW M4 Coupe F82 Spy Pics and Updated Info (Nearly 8000 RPM)

[SleepyE90]

Originally Posted by Insideline

Compared to the previous M5, power rises from an even 500 horses to 560 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. The maximum torque rating remains unchanged at 501 pound-feet, but its arrival starts at a mere 1,500 rpm compared to the V10's late 6,100 torque peak. BMW claims the extra power drops the M5's 0-62-mph time from 4.7 seconds to just 4.4 seconds.

Is this a joke? The S85 V10 only made 384 lb ft of torque (6100rpm).

Other than that, the F10 is a beast and I can't wait to get behind the wheel of one. BMW may have fazed out a great N/A engine but the FI one that replaced it sure is worthy.

[Moo]

How did it lose 2 cylinders and gain 253 lbs?

Is that the same direction M3/4's are headed toward?

[宝马.e90]

The first of many (great) reviews. Love the comment about the steering and feedback from the road. Looks like the F10 M5 is going to be another winner (like there was an doubt...).

Originally Posted by SuperlativE90

Is this a joke? The S85 V10 only made 384 lb ft of torque (6100rpm).

Other than that, the F10 is a beast and I can't wait to get behind the wheel of one. BMW may have fazed out a great N/A engine but the FI one that replaced it sure is worthy.

Yeah, the E60 M5 only had around 380 lb ft...don't know what's up with that comment.

[graves4r6]

It has newer technology and of course it's better...than E60 M5..

[numba1guju]

Originally Posted by SuperlativE90

Is this a joke? The S85 V10 only made 384 lb ft of torque (6100rpm).

Other than that, the F10 is a beast and I can't wait to get behind the wheel of one. BMW may have fazed out a great N/A engine but the FI one that replaced it sure is worthy.

they probably confused it for Newton meters of e60? lol

[Sedan_Clan]

I'm not surprised that the car drives well.

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

Originally Posted by Moo

How did it lose 2 cylinders and gain 253 lbs?

Is that the same direction M3/4's are headed toward?

I don't doubt it. Seems like BMW worked it's magic with the M5. Now do it with the next M3.

[宝马.e90]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

I'm not surprised that the car drives well.

Can't wait for the Top Gear/Fifth Gear reviews.

(*goes back and watches the E60 review.*)

[BCA]

Originally Posted by Moo

How did it lose 2 cylinders and gain 253 lbs?

Is that the same direction M3/4's are headed toward?

From what I understand, the E60 and previous 5ers were largely based on the 3 series platforms, whereas the F10 is based on the F01 7 series platform. That has a lot to do with the weight gain and the comments that the F10 feels like a boat compared to the E60.

I would guess that the F80 M3/4 will not see nearly as significant a weight gain. Let's hope that there isn't any weight gain! Wishful thinking, I know...

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by 宝马.e90

Can't wait for the Top Gear/Fifth Gear reviews.

(*goes back and watches the E60 review.*)

You and I both! I have my DVR set to record. Schwinggg!

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

Originally Posted by BCA

From what I understand, the E60 and previous 5ers were largely based on the 3 series platforms, whereas the F10 is based on the F01 7 series platform. That has a lot to do with the weight gain and the comments that the F10 feels like a boat compared to the E60.

I would guess that the F80 M3/4 will not see nearly as significant a weight gain. Let's hope that there isn't any weight gain! Wishful thinking, I know...

Scott claims there will be extensive use of CF. We'll see.

[Rez]

Wow, who is the idiot writing this review, he does not even know the cars he is comparing

[bavarian19]

nice!

[GOLFFRR]

^^+1

[E9292121]

(*goes back and watches the E60 review.*)

Which S??E??

[宝马.e90]

Originally Posted by E9292121

Which S??E??

YouTube. Official channels too.

Every time I watch the review, I keep telling myself the M button is just full of awesomeness

[宝马.e90]

Originally Posted by MERCSUk153

I think for me the key is that it has hydraulic steering and no runflat tires!
Now only if they can do something about the weight.

I've been wanting to test drive a F10 for this reason. I've driven an E60 and although I prefer the steering of the 3er, I still found the E60 5er still enjoyable. Is the F10 worse than the E60? How does it compare?

[Crisp]

Originally Posted by E9292121

Which S??E??

Just google it or write on YouTube "e60 m5 top gear". That's how I find it. Love that video.



---------------------------

Not too happy with the new M5 though. I like the E60 body better because it looks much more aggressive. The S85 is a dream.
I'm not too worried about fuel economy when I'm looking at a $100k 500hp+ car honestly. It's nice if the economy is there but not at the expense of response/power/sound.

I guess third party tuners will take over and bring this beast up to 600-650hp easily so that should be enough to win me over eventually. For now, the M5 still holds a special place for me

[Crisp]

Originally Posted by 宝马.e90

I've been wanting to test drive a F10 for this reason. I've driven an E60 and although I prefer the steering of the 3er, I still found the E60 5er still enjoyable. Is the F10 worse than the E60? How does it compare?

I have an e60 now and brought it in for service 2 days ago. I've been riding in an F10 535i x drive.

The steering is so freaking light. It feels like they are going towards the Lexus feel. I thought my steering was light on the E60, but this thing is on a different level.

I prefer the steering on a 3rd also. Much crisper and more responsive, but they are completely different cars.

I think the F10 was more of a move towards luxury than performance. The car feels too smooth and numb compared to the E60. It depends what you prefer.

I have also driven the F10 535i at an auto-x event. Thought the same.

On a side note, it got a lot more attention and compliments on the road....I was surprised since it's only a 5 series, no exhaust, nothing flashy on it. (lol)

[Q4P]

I believe it's a better car overall and I love the way it looks and the TQ bump that it has received. I dislike the extra weight, worse exhaust noise and engine sound that it has received.

My overall feelings will be displayed when I get a chance to drive it and feel the steering response, I hope it's not like a regular 5 series, but I honestly doubt that it is.

[aajami]

Originally Posted by Moo

How did it lose 2 cylinders and gain 253 lbs?

Is that the same direction M3/4's are headed toward?

Most likely. The only car company that's really waging a war on weight is VAG. Many of the newer models coming out underneath the VW, Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini flags are lighter than the outgoing models they're replacing.