By: IOL Motoring Staff
Munich - Back in 1984, BMW started development on what was set to become a four-door icon.
Granted, the 210kW M1-derived 3.5-litre straight-six fitted to the very first M5 might not seem like much to shout about in today's context, but back in the mid 1980s that made for one serious super sedan. Let's not forget that its relatively light weight resulted in a not-too-shabby 6.5-second 0-100km/h dash.
Fast forward to the modern era and it's clear just how far the M5 is evolved, the fifth-generation being powered by a 412kW/680Nm 4.4-litre TwinPower Turbo V8. Yet it's about to get even better for M5 fans.
FASTEST M5 EVER
To mark the 30th anniversary of the M5's conception, BMW has created an even faster M5; it's a special edition and you'd better make it snappy because BMW will be building just 300 of these super saloons.
The special edition is by far the most powerful M5 ever produced, with the V8 tuned to thump out 441kW and 700Nm. This tinkering came in the form of carefully calculated engine management tweaks and an increase in charge pressure.
The Result, says BMW, is that the special M5 will rocket from standstill to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds - a good 0.4s quicker than the standard model.
The special edition takes its foundation from the Competition Package, which brings a modified suspension to the party. This comes in the form of firmer springs and dampers and a 10mm drop in ride height, while the Active M Differential gains its own control unit on the final drive to further perfect the traction situation.
M engineers have also tinkered with the steering to provide an even sharper feel, and the DSC stability control has been tuned to focus “more keenly” on delivering entertaining road holding.
Setting the special edition apart on the street is a set of 20-inch two-tone M light-alloy wheels, a Frozen Dark Silver metallic paint job as well as some bespoke “30 Jahre M5” badges outside and in the cabin. The interior is also decked out with M multifunction seats, upholstered in a black Alcantara/leather combination, and a 16-speaker high-end surround sound system.
BMW SA has confirmed that none of the 300 special edition M5s are headed to South Africa.