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Two of the most exciting new car unveils at the recently concluded Auto Expo in Greater Noida came from BMW’s portfolio. The new M5 and the new i8 Roadster are literally hot off the production lines from the Munich headquartered luxury carmaker. The i8 Roadster, for example, was premiered at the Los Angeles Auto Show in the US barely a couple of months before making it to the Auto Expo 2018. For the new sixth generation M5 too, it is just about four months since the global launch; and it has now been launched in India.
All-new BMW M5
M cars deliver both subtle and instantly recognisable design changes to the basic design of the car lines they represent. The exterior of the all-new BMW M5 conveys power, elegance and aerodynamic refinement. Distinctive air inlets, a large kidney grille with double slats and an aluminium bonnet identify it from the front and distinguish it from the regular 5 Series. For the first time, the BMW M5 features a roof made from extremely lightweight, high-strength carbon fiber reinforced plastic. The redesigned rear diffuser, side skirts, the M rear apron and M rear spoiler, play their part in giving the all-new BMW M5 its commanding appearance. The M sport exhaust system with four tailpipes underlines the high-performance appeal, delivering a distinct sound that can be modified via the integrated exhaust valve mechanism.
The interior focuses squarely on the driver. There is a double-spoke design M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons, the M emblem and chrome detailing adds more class. The M specific pedals and foot rest in stainless steel underline sporty aspiration and blend in with the exclusive business interior.
The M specific digital instrument cluster exhibits the technological prowess of the all-new BMW M5. The new M multifunction sport seats get illuminated M5 logo and M Seat belts.
The new M5 smashes the predecessor’s performance benchmark with a new high level. The M TwinPower Turbo 8-cylinder petrol engine in the all-new BMW M5 is a high-revving power unit that delivers its exceptional output of 600 hp at 5,600 – 6,700 rpm and a tremendous peak torque of 750Nm. The boost in performance propels the all-new BMW M5 from 0 to 100 kmph in just 3.4 seconds for the ultimate adrenaline kick.
The new 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic features extremely short shifting times and numerous shifting options from very athletic and dynamic to comfortable and fuel-efficient. The innovative M xDrive drivetrain system in the all-new BMW M5 combines agility and precision provided by standard rear-wheel drive with the traction-enhancing benefits of an all-wheel drive. The driver can choose from different configurations based on combinations of DSC modes. Purists can opt for classical rear-wheel drive by deactivating the all-wheel-drive system.
For safety, the all-new BMW M5 comes with head and side airbags for driver and front passenger as well as head airbags for rear seats as standard. Additional standard equipment includes Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Automatic Stability Control (ASC), M Dynamic Mode (MDM), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Dry Braking function and Active M Differential. DSC with M xDrive further enhances the safety aspect.
i8 Roadster
The BMW i8 Coupé was already a huge hit globally, showcasing the potential for a hybrid system that literally delivers sportscar performance while also offering the frugality and efficiency of a small car. The i8 Roadster is now set to capture hearts with its ability to go topless; allowing occupants to enjoy the great outdoors while remaining smug knowing that they are spewing lesser emissions from the tailpipe.
The new i8 Roadster’s soft-top opens in 15 seconds. It is still capable of doing 0 to 100 kmph in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 kmph. Due to its body style, the Roadster, unlike the Coupé, features frameless gullwing doors. To save weight and increase rigidity, the windscreen frame has also been made from carbon-fibre.
The inherent weight penalty of the new BMW i8 Roadster over the new i8 Coupe has apparently been limited to approximately 60 kg. The plug-in hybrid model features a further developed BMW eDrive technology, claimed to enable longer range and more time in pure-electric mode.
The i8 Roadster features the same plug-in hybrid drive system with optimised BMW eDrive tech also found in the Coupé. Cell capacity of the lithium-ion high-voltage battery is up from 20 to 34 Ah, gross energy capacity up from 7.1 to 11.6 kWh. Electric motor with peak output raised by 12 hp to 143 hp. Peak torque is 250Nm. Driving with the electric motor alone is possible at up to 105 kmph (previously 70 kmph). Pressing the eDrive button pushes the pure-electric driving threshold up to 120 kmph. The all-electric range is now 53 km. The 3-cylinder petrol engine, which part of the combined hybrid system has an unchanged output of 231hp.
The new BMW i8 Roadster has model-specific tuning for the springs, damping and Dynamic Stability Control.
Like the Coupé, the Roadster too comes with Dynamic Damper Control as standard fitment.
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