BMW’s M series has long since been pitted against Mercedes AMG to determine whose king in the high performance sports saloon segment. In 2012, the rivalry is renewed with BMW augmenting the performance of the M5 to combat AMG’s standards. With impeding upgrades in the departments of torque, power, and handling, the M5 hopes to outclass its rival and win over the hearts of car aficionados everywhere.
With so much speculation already circulating about each model, every aspect of these two cars will be painstakingly analyzed to determine a champion. One factor that continues to come up in discussions revolves around the cars’ engines. Mercedes’ super saloon will come outfitted with a monster 5.5-liter twin turbo V8 which can produce 550 brake horsepower and 590 pound feet of torque. To combat that kind of performance, BMW engineers set out to one up the Benz by giving the new M5 a 4.4-liter direct injection V8. Incredibly, the smaller engine kicks up 560 horsepower which is more than both the E63 and 2010 M5 (with a V10 engine) can boast.
If power alone isn’t your cup of tea, then look closer at the 2012 M5′s other superb features. With performance at a premium, super saloons are notorious for getting poor gas mileage. Not true with the new BMW which some have claimed will get an estimated fuel economy of 28.5 miles per gallon. The M5 improves on the 2010 model’s fuel economy by 25% and is superior to the E63′s quoted 9.8 liters/100 km (24 mpg). To achieve this impressive feat, engineers have thrown some fuel saving gizmos which switch the engine off during long stops and regenerate energy while braking. Who said you can’t have performance and fuel efficiency?
Although all M series vehicles are electronically limited to 155 mph, sources say that this beastly saloon could propel itself at upwards of 200 mph making it a seriously fast car. Combine those speeds with the M5′s acceleration that can do 0-60 sub 4.5 and you’ve got a regular cheetah on wheels.
With all that dominance packed into one car, most folks are sure that the BMW will fetch a hefty sum. No word has been given as to the price but most automotive junkies think this M5 will be the most expensive M in the series’ twenty seven year history. Regardless of whether you have the coin to purchase one of these brilliant rides, the M5 is still a triumph in engineering. Be on the lookout for this and other new BMWs hitting the American market shortly.
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