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Otago Daily Times
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Otago Daily Times
M5 legend blends old and new
ROAD TEST It's a new era, and this is no error. That's the message from BMW on why it has chosen to configure the latest version of a famous performance weapon, the M5, with plug-in hybrid power. As much as the fanbase might have mixed views about why this super sedan had to change, they can be reassured of one factor. That for all the new degree of good electric brings out, this machine is still fabulously bad. Yes, you might think the engine — still a V8, mind — sounds a bit flat and reckon that the car, as a whole, is right at the outer edge in terms of complexity. On the other hand, the M5 remains a technical titan and still has a full out "driver's car" feel. And there's definite wonderment from discovering that, yes, it can actually be economical (for an M5). Plus it looks fantastic, not least in the test car's surely high-fuss Frozen Gray paint. This latest M5 is a fascinating blend of old and new. V8 petrol is all about thunderous, thumping thrust ... but historically is never great for thrift. And, in respect to emissions? Don't even go there. Electric delivers power aplenty, but is often damned for lacking soul. Plus, the harder you go, the faster it depletes. If full-on is your driving style, even the biggest batteries struggle to meet demand. For 40 years, since the original E28 version was launched using the 3.5-litre straight-six engine from the BMW M1, the M5 has ruled the high-performance sedan world by drawing energy from petrol alone. Yet it quite simply cannot survive in the here-and-now without heading down a different path. The beating heart of the beast offers familiarity with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine that on its own musters up to 436kW of power and 750Nm of torque, the latter from just 1800rpm. The trick this time round is that it operates in conjunction with a 145kW and 280Nm electric motor mounted inside the car's ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox. Maximum power and torque figures when the petrol engine and electric motor are operating in full accord are 535kW and 1000Nm. As much as keeping the serious petrol engine and adding serious electric involvement, with plug-in recharging, is a new turn, at least there are still eight cylinders for a car that otherwise continues very much as it always has, on its own terms, laying down its own "supercar in a sedan body" lore. With its electric motor powered by an 18.6kWh battery, this M5 can purportedly run for close to 70km on electricity alone, tipping a useful wink to eco awareness. The primary point of the electric assistance, though, is to make the M5 even faster, even more accelerative and even more stomping than before. Fully unleashed it is breathtakingly brutal, yet at the same time as it claims a 0-100kmh sprint time of 3.5secs, BMW can also "hand on heart" say the M5 is capable of returning a fuel consumption of 1.7 litres per 100km. The smaller print with this figure from the official WLTP test, is that to stand any chance of seeing it involves keeping its battery topped up all the time and adhering very strictly to the testing protocol. Not likely? In which case, the more relevant count might be the depleted battery consumption figure, of 10.3 litres per 100km. I saw something near that on test. I also saw old historic habit, with instant return results in the 20s. Well, it's an M5. Driving it for reasonable distance at relevant speeds in pure electric was always possible during the whole week of test, all the same. It all comes down to how well you acquaint yourself with the car's operating options. As simple as it is to set up shortcuts to allow it to be either an angel or a demon at the press of a button, it is nonetheless a highly complex car. There are so many permutations. As much as the M5 is very obviously a hotted-up version of the brand's regular 5-Series/i5, it nonetheless presents as something far more special; a precise and involving weapon. With the cabin, the performance thematic demands a red engine stop-start button, and BMW M Sport red, blue and purple flashes everywhere you look, from the touchscreen to the fabric of the seatbelts to the little illuminated logos inset into the front bucket seats. Being an M it also gets carbon-fibre galore. The cabin proper is roomy and comfortable; anyone brave enough to ride along in this rocket will find decent head and legroom in the back. Overall quality is extremely good. The big feature is of course that massive, curved twin-screen digital layout atop the dashboard — 31cm for the instrument display, and 38cm for the infotainment screen. M5s are not in any way "soft" cars, but the ride is very firm. On the move, jolting means the click-wheel "iDrive" controller is your go-to. Try stabbing at a screen and the chance of hitting the wrong prompts is high. The car's M-ness in respect to operability means it has paddle shifters in carbon fibre, M1 and M2 memory buttons on the steering wheels and buttons on the centre console that trigger "road", "sport" and "race" modes. The first two are legitimate for public environs. The latter really not. Fiddling with the driving modes also changes the suspension firmness, the steering weight, the throttle response, and whether you want extra snappy responses from the eight-speed automatic gearbox. On top of this, you can sort the instruments in multiple ways, all with M-specific graphics and details. I also set up the memory buttons for two extremes of operability; the first was basically tailored towards as extreme performance as I dared — so, basically, a lot of settings in sport and sport plus — and the latter was for relaxed hybrid-rich driving mode, which of course is the new territory. As new as an M5 with ability to run wholly in electric is, even when it is pulling fully or mainly from the battery, it still feels brisker than any everyday EV. The only commonality is that it is totally quiet. I found I could escape our sub-division wholly in electric mode and then involve the engine coming up to the 100kmh sector our lane feeds into. You would wonder if this might be a bit of a stress for the engine, not least given this would be an engagement coming at the start of day, but BMW's engineers have clearly thought about that and refined the drivetrain accordingly so that the engine isn't rudely awakened from dormancy. Even then, the engagement is pretty seamless; you are more aware of the engine's background roar as it awakens rather than any jolting as two become one. Once the engine warms, it is even smoother. The engineering is pretty amazing, really. Another neat tweak is that it will pre-position in a gear to allow it to deliver a punch of 450Nm of torque for brief periods, if that is all you want. You can also charge the battery pack as you drive. That's worth considering because the car can only charge at up to 7kW on AC power, it takes hours to replenish. In briefing for the M5, M boss Franciscus van Meel admitted a multitude of options were considered — including smaller engines with fewer cylinders and a non-plug-in hybrid system — before concluding the V8 was integral to the appeal of the car and that a useful electric range was desirable in Europe especially. The challenge from then was to make the hybrid system powerful enough, and the chassis of the M5 competent enough, to overcome the significant weight gain of a plug-in hybrid system — some 500kg. The car's mass is significant at 2510kg. That's a full-on SUV count for a four-door sedan, whose heritage has been built on not just massive "kapow", but also scalpel-sharp handling and precision. Conceivably, the kilo count is why it has so much wallop, but to be fair, the car carries its tonnage really well. Yes, there are occasions when you are aware of it being a giant paperweight, but unlike the heavier-again XM, it escapes feeling ponderous and, when driving hard, it still feels fleet and intuitive. The mass is only really noticeable when braking hard and, even then, the car keeps very good balance and turn-in. What you become grateful for is how well planted and resolutely stable it feels. Even when surfaces are poor and the ride is set to the almost circuit-tuned sport plus mode it doesn't jump around. Fans of predecessor M5s will be pleased the V8 is still able to sound off loudly, with a satisfying snarl at lower revolutions, but be disappointed it lacks the jagged chatter of the old mill. They could well also need convincing about why a car that was complex enough in previous forms is much, much more so now. Even so, the M5 is a legend. There's nothing to say this one is not worthy of the badge. AT A GLANCE BMW M5 Overall rating: ★★★★★ Design and styling: ★★★★ Interior: ★★★★★ Performance: ★★★★★ Ride and handling: ★★★★ Safety: ★★★★★ Environmental: ★★★★ SPECIFICATIONS: Price: $244,900 ($254,600 as tested with BMW individual paint $7100, trailer tow hitch $2600). Powertrain: 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 and electric motor, maximum combined power 550kW, maximum combined torque 1000Nm. Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, four-wheel drive with 2WD option. Safety rating: Five-star Ancap. Wheels and tyres: Alloy wheels, 285/40 R20 front, 295/40 R21 rear tyres. Fuel and economy: Premium unleaded fuel, 1.7L/100km on WLTP3 cycle (10.3L/100km on petrol alone), tank capacity 68 litres. Emissions: 38g per kilometre on combined cycle. Dimensions: Length, 5096mm; width, 1970mm; height, 1510mm. By Richard Bosselman
Khaleej Times
07-04-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Art Dubai 2025: Andy Warhol's BMW M1 Art Car speeds into Dubai
The fusion of pop art and performance engineering is racing into the UAE as BMW Group Middle East announces an exclusive showcase of Andy Warhol's iconic BMW M1 Art Car at this year's edition of Art Dubai, running from April 16 to 20. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the legendary BMW Art Car Collection, the appearance of Warhol's one-of-a-kind M1 will mark its debut in Dubai, making it one of the standout cultural events of the year and a must-see for both art aficionados and automotive enthusiasts. In just 28 minutes, with 6 kilograms of paint and bold, expressive brushstrokes, Warhol transformed a BMW M1 prototype into a rolling canvas of speed, motion, and modern art. Rather than relying on motifs from pop culture—as he often did in his portraits of Marilyn Monroe or Campbell's soup cans—Warhol opted for direct expression, allowing his gestures and paint to capture the raw dynamism of the car itself. The car, designed by legendary automotive stylist Giorgio Giugiaro, went on to race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1979, finishing 6th overall and 2nd in its class, driven by Manfred Winkelhock, Hervé Poulain, and Marcel Mignot. Poulain, also the visionary behind the BMW Art Car initiative, likened Warhol's painting process to 'a live dance performance.' 'Andy Warhol's BMW M1 Art Car is a true masterpiece that bridges the worlds of art and automotive excellence,' said Karim-Christian Haririan, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East. 'Bringing this car to Art Dubai underscores our commitment to creativity and cultural dialogue, both regionally and globally.' The showcase is part of the BMW Art Car World Tour, a celebration of 50 years of the brand's unique collaboration with world-renowned artists. From Alexander Calder and Roy Lichtenstein to Esther Mahlangu and Jeff Koons, the Art Car Collection reflects the evolution of contemporary art and BMW's continued investment in cultural engagement.
The National
03-04-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Andy Warhol's painted BMW M1 to make first regional appearance at Art Dubai
In May 1979, Andy Warhol travelled to Germany on a special assignment. The US artist was invited by BMW to take part in their Art Car series. Warhol would paint the fourth car in the collection, a prototype BMW M1. Six kilograms of paint and 28 minutes later, the prototype was transformed into a priceless artwork, with Warhol's signature vibrancy. That car is now heading to Dubai. The BMW M1 Art Car will be a highlight at Art Dubai, which will take place at Madinat Jumeirah from April 16 to 20. The display is organised by BMW Group Middle East. It will coincide BMW Art Car Collection's 50th anniversary. The initiative began in 1975, with US sculptor Alexander Calder's design of the BMW 3.0 CSL. The collection is continuing and now features 20 cars. Some of the most famous artists of the past half a century have taken part in the project, including Roy Lichtenstein, David Hockney and Jenny Holzer. Most recently, Julie Mehretu put her mark on a BMW M Hybrid V8 in 2024. Warhol's 1979 M1, however, has endured as one of the collection's most striking works. 'I have tried to give a vivid depiction of speed,' Warhol said in 1979. 'If a car is really fast, all the contours and colours will become blurred.' The car's arrival in Dubai is its first visit to the region, part of a world tour of BMW Art Cars. 'The BMW Art Car collection embodies our commitment to creativity, innovation, and cultural expression,' Karim-Christian Haririan, managing director of BMW Group Middle East, said. 'Andy Warhol's BMW M1 Art Car is a true masterpiece that bridges the worlds of art and automotive excellence, and we are thrilled to bring this iconic work to Art Dubai 2025. This moment not only celebrates 50 years of BMW Art Cars but also highlights our ongoing support for the arts and our role in shaping creative conversations worldwide.' BMW Group Middle East will also be hosting a talk at Art Dubai. The session will examine the car industry's intersection with art and design. Speakers will include Hans Ulrich Obrist, artistic director of London's Serpentine Galleries; Stephanie Rosenthal, director of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi; Azu Nwagbogu, founder and director of the African Artists' Foundation; and Thomas Girst, head of cultural engagement at the BMW Group.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Formula 1 Team Owner and Broadcaster Eddie Jordan Has Died
Eddie Jordan, a race-winning Formula 1 team owner, manager, and broadcaster, has died, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali announced Thursday on X. He was 76. Jordan began his racing career as a driver, working his way up from the Irish karting scene to Formula 2 before making a brief stop at the 1981 24 Hours of Le Mans in a BMW M1. After his career as a driver stalled out, Jordan founded his first racing team in 1979. His teams competed in British Formula 3 and Formula 3000, bringing up future F1 drivers Martin Brundle, Jean Alesi, and Johnny Herbert. Formula 1 followed, in 1991. His Jordan Grand Prix team gave a Mercedes sports car driver named Michael Schumacher his first F1 ride; that ended with a DNF on lap one, but Schumacher had been so impressive in practice and qualifying that he had signed with eventual champions Benetton one race later. Jordan Grand Prix scored points in every season it entered and won four times. The first win came with Damon Hill in 1998. A year later, Heinz-Harald Frentzen won twice and brought the team to a high of third in the constructor's championship. The team's final win came with Giancarlo Fisichella under unusual circumstances in 2003: controversy over official F1 timing after a race-ending red flag meant that the race was decided in court later in the week. It was one of just three points-paying finishes for the Jordan Grand Prix team that year. The team was eventually sold to Midland, who later sold it to Spyker. Force India owned the team for most of the intervening years before it became Racing Point, then finally, Aston Martin F1. After selling the team, Jordan worked as a broadcaster in England; he also served as Adrian Newey's manager, and last year he helped the legendary designer negotiate a deal with the Aston Martin team that traces its roots back to his own Jordan Grand Prix. Jordan had announced a prostate cancer diagnosis in December of last year. He died in South Africa on Thursday. He is survived by his wife and four children. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car
Sharjah 24
24-02-2025
- Automotive
- Sharjah 24
Elite Cars winners of Classic Cars Festival shine in Dubai Mall
The display highlights four exceptional cars selected by the festival's jury in the 'Elite Cars' category, for the first time, which combine rarity, historical value, and a design that reflects the spirit of craftsmanship and uniqueness. The winning cars on display include: a 1978 BMW M1, a 1953 Cadillac Eldorado, and two 1955 Mercedes SL300 Gullwing. The rarest BMW cars The 1978 BMW M1 is one of the most prominent sports cars in the history of BMW. It was developed in cooperation with the Italian company Lamborghini with the aim of producing an advanced racing car to participate in sports car championships. The exterior was designed by renowned designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, inspired by the 1972 BMW Turbo. Cadillac's timeless splendour The 1953 Cadillac Eldorado is one of the most iconic luxury cars in Cadillac's history. It was introduced as a limited edition to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary, with only 532 units produced. The car features a unique and elegant design, including a wraparound windshield and low doors, as well as wire wheels as standard. A symbol of power and luxury from Mercedes The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 'Gullwing' is one of the most famous sports cars in history, thanks to its design inspired by the W194 racing car and its unique gullwing doors. It was first introduced at the New York International Auto Show, and was equipped with a 3.0-liter, 215-horsepower, six-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection, making it the first production car to adopt this technology.
