BMW M5 2018 pricing and spec confirmed

BMW Australia has fired off a warning shot to its rivals, announcing that the bahn-storming M5 will be priced sharply from $199,900 before on-road costs when it arrives in the second quarter of next year.

Two variants will be on offer initially, with the range-opening, market-specific Launch Edition restricted to 50 units, while the $229,900 First Edition will be limited to five examples.

Both will be powered by the same 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine, which produces 441kW of power from 5600rpm to 6700rpm and 750Nm of torque from 1800rpm to 5600rpm.

These outputs, combined with a switchable 'M xDrive' all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed 'M Steptronic' automatic transmission, allowing the M5 to dash from standstill to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 305km/h (when the 'M Driver's Package' is fitted).

Comparatively, the Mercedes-AMG E63 and E63 S are priced from $209,900 and $239,990 respectively, with the $40,000-cheaper M5 matching the latter in the triple-digit sprint despite its 9kW/100Nm deficits. Additionally, the E63 S also falls shorts in the terminal velocity stakes, by 5km/h.

Standard equipment in the 1855kg M5 includes bi-colour 20-inch alloy wheels (275/35 front, 285/35 rear), adaptive LED headlights, LED daytime running lights (DRLs), bootlid spoiler, carbon-fibre roof panel, rear 'Active M' differential, dynamic damper control and an 'M Sport' exhaust system.

Inside, a 10.25-inch 'Navigation Professional' touchscreen multimedia system, full-colour head-up display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone charging, full-leather 'Merino' upholstery, power 'M' sports seats, 'Walknappa' leather-trimmed instrument panel, 'Anthracite' roofliner, paddle shifters and a leather 'M' steering wheel feature.

Inside, the M5 has a 10.25-inch 'Navigation Professional' touchscreen multimedia system.

Driver assist and safety technologies extend to adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, auto emergency braking, pedestrian detection, steering assist, lane control assist, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear cross-traffic alert, crossroads warning, evasion aid, rear collision prevention, park assist, front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree cameras, lane departure warning and lane change warning.

Three driving modes – '4WD', '4WD Sport' and '2WD – are available, with each adjusting engine, transmission, 'M xDrive', steering, suspension, traction and stability settings.

Two option packages for the Launch Edition are offered, with the $8000 'Indulgence Package' including soft-close doors, massaging front seats, TV functionality and two high-resolution 10.2-inch rear passenger displays with Blu-Ray drives.

The 9,900 First Edition will be limited to five examples.

Meanwhile, the $3650 'Innovations Package' features roller sunblinds, ventilated front seats, four-zone climate control, an 'Ambient Air Package' and gesture control.

Other Launch Edition options include 'M' carbon ceramic brakes, Apple CarPlay, 'Night Vision', electric glass sunroof (no cost, replaces carbon-fibre roof), a 16-speaker Bowers & Wilkins 'Diamond' surround-sound system and an 'M Carbon' engine cover, with the last two standard on the First Edition.

The dearest M5 variant also features the 'Indulgence Package' and 'Innovations Package' but misses out on gesture control and massaging front seats.

However, the First Edition is headlined by its 'BMW Individual' highlights, including 'Frozen Dark Red' metallic paintwork, 'Jet Black' 20-inch alloy wheels, extended 'High Gloss Shadow Line' exterior trim, 'Piano Black' interior trim and 'Smoke White' full-leather 'Merino' upholstery with red contrast stitching, as well as an 'M5 First Edition 1/400' interior build plate.

Claiming a fuel consumption figure of 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle test, the four-door, five-seat M5 pair emit 241 grams per km of carbon dioxide.

Will the price-leading BMW M5 become the benchmark in its segment? Tell us what you think in the comments below.