Photo credit: arstechnica.com

Exploring the BMW M5: A Blend of Performance and Technology

Operating basic functions like adjusting the air conditioning’s fan speed often necessitates a driver’s attention away from the road, as these settings must be accessed through the vehicle’s display. Delving deeper into the controls reveals an app drawer-style menu filled with icons that can be ambiguous, making it challenging to locate specific features on the first attempt.

For instance, the question arises: Should one change the damper stiffness via the M Mode button located on the center console, or does it lie within the Driving Settings under the Drivetrain and chassis submenu? The reality is that the answer is none of these options. Utilizing iDrive’s proficient voice commands proves to be the optimal method, allowing the driver to maintain focus on the road—Editor’s Note.

This system offers variations for throttle response, brake regeneration, steering weight, transmission behavior, all-wheel drive modes, and even simulated engine noise volume, leading to countless configurations for performance settings. Fortunately, the M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel allow drivers to quickly switch between their two preferred presets. However, a larger issue persists: while these modifications aim to elevate performance, they seemingly serve to mask the underlying flaws in BMW’s design choices, which they do not entirely succeed in hiding.

This generation marks the final iteration of BMW’s iDrive that features a rotary controller, a point that will undoubtedly be missed by many enthusiasts.

In an era focused on connectivity, it is worth noting that Apple CarPlay is included in this model without any additional fees, reflecting a user-friendly approach to integration.

Turning to the M5’s performance, significant chassis enhancements are non-negotiable for any M vehicle. With an M-tuned adaptive suspension, robust structural bracing, six-piston calipers for the front brake discs, four-wheel steering, and standard torque vectoring, the M5 is certainly equipped for high-performance driving. However, it is expected that an M variant would offer a firmer ride than its standard counterparts.

In practice, the M5 exhibits a degree of harshness when compared to earlier M5 models, even when the dampers are in their softest setting. This could be attributed to the suspension tuning aimed at controlling body movements while delivering a spirited driving experience amidst the vehicle’s considerable weight.

This does not diminish the fact that the M5 still stands as a premier grand tourer. With the ability to reach triple-digit speeds at the slightest acceleration, and bolstered by improved ergonomics and sport seats tailored for both comfort and support, the M5 is capable of conquering long highway stretches with ease. When the hybridized powertrain engages both the electric motor and the V8 engine, it yields an immediate throttle response typical of electric vehicles.

Source
arstechnica.com