2014 BMW M5 details

2014 BMW M5

BMW has given its updated-for-2014 M5.For the new model year, the M5 gets a subtle styling touch-up, with a revised M6-inspired grille and lightly updated lighting at both ends.There's an updated cabin with the M6's three-spoke steering wheel and the new touchpad iDrive system.

Unlike the more-pedestrian versions of the 5-series, the refreshed M5 doesn’t receive new front and rear bumpers, and, subsequently, changes will be recognized only by the initiated. Among them are a new grille with glossy twin spokes and an M5 logo, which recalls the original M5; there now are full LED headlights, and the taillights receive new, and less cluttered, inner workings. The interior benefits from a new, slightly retro-styled three-spoke steering wheel—the same that’s found in the M6—which replaces the previous, slightly bloated tiller. There are a few more chrome strips inside, and the knob of the iDrive system now recognizes handwriting inputs, much like upper-crust Audis.

The list of standalone options includes night vision with pedestrian detection, LED headlights, 20-inch wheels, an upgraded stereo system, a heads-up display, a rear-seat entertainment system, carbon ceramic brakes and the aforementioned six-speed manual transmission.

The standard M5 boasts 560 horsepower from its 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8, and the new Competition Package ups that to a preliminary 575 hp, with shifting options remaining the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or the six-speed manual.

Under the hood, the revised M5 keeps the usual high-revving 4.4-liter V-8 unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology that delivers a total of 560 horsepower between 6,000 and 7,000 rpm, and peak torque of 502 pound-feet between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm. The rev limiter intervenes at 7,200 rpm.

In assessing the 2014 BMW 5 Series, it's helpful to have some background. The development of its chassis and body structure was performed in conjunction with the flagship 7 Series. As a result, the 5 is more grown-up, with the longest wheelbase ever to be found on today's 5 Series. The proportions and overall impressions of this current 5 Series aren't radically different from those of its predecessors, but if you liked the smaller footprint of the previous iteration, the new 3 Series might be worth your consideration. In contrast, the 5 Series sedan's architectural limitations make the spacious Gran Turismo variant an enticing proposition for anyone who needs a 5 Series with SUV-like cargo space.

Inside, the M5 gets a new M sports steering wheel, chrome trim on the dash and a touchpad surface on the iDrive controller. There are also a host of additional BMW ConnectedDrive features such as apps, driver assistance systems and new infotainment features, as well as a greater selection of trim and paint options via the BMW Individual personalization range.

The M5 comes standard with dual front, front-side and full-length side curtain airbags, electronic stability and traction control systems, active head restraints and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The 2014 BMW M5 gets new exterior colors, including Pyrite Brown Metallic and Frozen Blue Metallic. The M5 also gets optional adaptive LED headlights for the new model year.