Next Generation BMW M5 – Instruments Revealed

With the launch of the next generation BMW M5 getting closer, BMW is drip feeding us with yet another set of teaser videos. In this one, it shows engineers as well as test drivers putting the new super saloon to snow test in Austria.

Not only will you get to see the M5 sliding around in thick snow, there are also interior shots of the car to give you a glimpse of what the production version will look like.

In the picture above, you will find the steering in this test car is not the production unit. This is because the ‘M’ button on the left hand spoke is a generic white square button with the letter M on it, instead of it being properly integrated into the steering wheel controls.

You will however notice that the instrument panel is unique to the M5 – with M logos, red needles, and a variable redline that you get in M cars. In this prototype, the engine seems to have warmed up already, as the yellow zone is already at its maximum starting from 6,800rpm. The redline starts from 7,200rpm, which is lower than the V10 unit in the E60 M5.

The prototype is being fine tuned to achieve optimum setup in the snow, from cold start, idling speed to hill start. One of the test drivers explained: “For driving in the snow it is particularly important to fine tune the various systems so they work well together”.

He added that if the systems don’t work perfectly together, the car doesn’t handle perfectly when pushed to the limits. A simple exercise is a hill start in the snow; here the engineer shows the complexity of various control systems on board. Taking his foot off the brakes. the dynamic stability control system must hold the brake pressure just long enough for the powertrain to softly bring the power to the wheels, without rolling the car back or losing traction.

Feast your eyes on the videos below.

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