The 2013 BMW M5 armed with a more muscular and efficient V8 engine and a smoother, dual-clutch transmission, raises the bar set by its formidable predecessors, offering bracing handling, prodigious power and improved fuel economy.
Overcoming a challenge can sometimes push you to higher levels of achievement, and such is the case with the 2013 BMW M5. One of BMW's goals has been to make this model more fuel-efficient for our greener times. Mission accomplished, and in the process, BMW has somehow managed to enhancethe M5's athletic personality.
At the heart of the M5's successful evolution is its new engine. Gone is the previous generation's normally aspirated and high-revving 5.0-liter V10; in its place is an updated version of the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 used in other M products such as the X5 M. Compared to the previous V10, output has increased from 500 to 560 horsepower and torque has leapfrogged from 383 to 501 pound-feet. The end result is a car that launches like a cannon shell out of the hole, yet overall fuel economy is 30 percent better, BMW claims.
Paired with this new power plant is BMW's seven-speeddual-clutch automated manual transmission (DCT). Smooth and responsive, this gearbox is a vast improvement over the clunky single-clutch SMG setup seen in the outgoing model. Hard-core BMW enthusiasts in North America will also be pleased to see that one can still purchase the M5 with a six-speed manual transmission; for everywhere else in the world, the M5 comes with the DCT only.
Naturally, there are M division changes to go with all this new hardware. Compared to the regular 5 Series, BMW has added more powerful brakes plus various measures to stiffen the chassis. Out back, there's a new electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential. The 2013 BMW M5 also looks the part with a deeper front chin spoiler, larger air intakes, chrome-trimmed vents in the front fenders, a subtle rear spoiler and sizable quad exhaust pipes.
Motivating the rear-wheel-drive 2013 BMW M5 is a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that generates 560 hp and 501 lb-ft of torque. This power is directed by a seven-speed, dual-clutch automated manual transmission (DCT). A six-speed manual transmission is offered as a no-cost option. According to BMW, the M5 should accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds with the DCT; a manual-equipped car is said to be a hair slower at 4.3 seconds.
