ELCOME to the latest
instalment of the M5 versus
E63 battle for the title of
world’s hottest sedan.
However, this duel now plays
out with revised terms. BMW,
like Mercedes-AMG did before
it, has decided to join the
four-wheel drive fraternity
where its 441kW and 750Nm
must be converted into sure-
footed progress. Bavaria and
Affalterbach are on an equal,
twin-turbo V8 footing.
Visually, the team within the M Division have
created a subdued fighter. Wider wheels, mildly flared
shoulders, more intakes, myriad aero aids, LED eyes
and four sizeable tailpipes sum up the mean, but not
menacing visual DNA. The M5 is still more sleeper than
boisterous brawler, unlike the 450kW/850Nm E63 S,
but it’s easy to spot the details that reveal the sixth-gen
F90’s intent.
However, and it’s been well documented, the biggest
difference between the old and new M5 is the M
xDrive system, which introduces four-wheel drive
to the once Master of Slide. With the exception of
the X5M and X6M, this is the first M-car capable of
pushing and pulling you out of trouble. However, don’t
think that’s resulted in a softening of the formula. The
company says it makes the F90 “faster, sharper and
safer”. Allaying our fears is the fact that you can send all
the grunt rearwards, it’s just that the front axle is there
to help assist getting all the oomph to the road more of
the time. Transitioning between four- and two-wheel
drive modes is progressive, smooth and imperceptible.
While a transfer case takes care of the fully
variable north-south torque split, the M Differential
masterminds the distribution of forces east-west. Those
who prefer an extra portion of tail-happiness are invited
to connect the M Dynamic Mode (MDM) with 4WD
Sport, casting a wider-meshed safety net. The next step
to oversteer nirvana is triggered by a stab of the DSC
button. You’re afforded three choices: 4WD, 4WD Sport
and 2WD. Yes, it all seems a bit complicated – and that’s
before you start playing with the steering, suspension
and drivetrain settings.
However, it’s time to put the theory into practice. Due
to a long absence of rain at Estoril Circuit in Portugal,
the dusty, dry tarmac is sanded down to primer, so grip
is limited. Even with all the stability nannies at full alert,
the rear ends of these super sedans on steroids keep
wriggling, fidgeting and twitching under pressure. The
lack of traction is somewhat aided by the ultra-high-
performance tyres. After all, both the Pirelli P Zeros on
the BMW (275/35 ZR20, 285/35 ZR20 front to rear) and
the Continental SportContact 6s on the AMG (265/35
ZR20, 295/30 ZR20 front to rear) need a hot, grippy
surface to demonstrate their superglue talents.
With no DSC and 4WD in Sport, the new M5 is at
its very quickest. The exit speed out of fast corners is
W
40 january 2018 motormag.com.au