With the new BMW M5, the Munich-based automobile group is presenting an uncompromising combination of an elegant business saloon and high-performance sports car. The innovative all-wheel drive system M xDrive of the powerful all-new BMW M5 with its 600 hp (441 kW) engine turns the driver into a self-assured pilot of a high-performance sports saloon with incredible power, precision and agility. To transfer these features to the road in a perfect way, BMW is equipping the sports saloon with specially engineered P Zero from Pirelli.
The following dimensions were approved:
Front axle: 275/35 ZR 20 (102Y) XL P Zero
Rear axle: 285/35 ZR 20 (105Y) XL P Zero
This individual version of the P Zero was developed in close cooperation with the development and testing departments of Pirelli and BMW. Starting point for their collaboration was the new version of the ultra-high performance tyre P Zero, unveiled just last spring.
In line with Pirelli's perfect-fit philosophy a version of the P Zero was tailored for the BMW M5 that precisely suits to the individual model, perfectly harmonizes with the chassis and matches exactly the various characteristics of the fascinating sports saloon.
In order to adapt the performance features of the P Zero to the driving characteristics of the BMW M5, Pirelli engineers modified the tread pattern of the tyre to optimise the noise level. Its compound contains special polymers developed by Pirelli for Formula 1, which have proven themselves in the premier class of motorsport. The P Zero of the BMW M5 benefits from this due to its high grip level and good performance at wet conditions. To ensure that the balance between the front and rear axles of the vehicle harmonises as well as possible, the engineers used different layer constructions in the carcasses for front and rear tyres. In addition, the contour of the P Zero have been matched to the rim and is designed to give the tyre the best performance on the M5.
The new M xDrive with Active M Differential permits an even more intensive experience of the outstanding performance of the BMW M5. Using a central intelligent control unit, the innovative system combines the agility and precision of the standard drive with the smoothness and traction of the all-wheel drive. Ambitious drivers can configure M xDrive to their needs whenever they wish – all the way to the pure unadulterated rear-wheel drive.
Large air inlets in the athletic front of the BMW M5 supply the M V8 high-performance engine with cooling air. The look created by the lines of the distinctive aluminium bonnet with two M specific swage lines is repeated in the contours of the roof, made of very lightweight and tough carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). The discreet M rear spoiler supports the sporty and powerful appearance and is an important element of the overall aerodynamic concept. Form follows performance – consistently in every detail.
The instrument cluster offers a totally new M-specific display and features five analogue displays – speedometer, rev counter, fuel gauge, oil temperature and fuel consumption – as well as a status indicator for the M Driving dynamics systems – steering, suspension, engine, Drivelogic and M xDrive. An Info Display shows the exterior temperature and on-board computer functions, for example.
Last but not least the BMW display key shows a variety of information about the vehicle's status, and allows selected functions to be controlled via the integrated touch display. The time can be displayed, along with remaining fuel and current range, service notifications, as well as the current status of the central locking system and the windows. The BMW display key can be charged wirelessly, or with the included USB cable.
