If you need something new to drive the, fast M5 is 35. Yours truly will be 36 years old in a few months, and like the BMW M5, we are at the top of our game. The most powerful version of the 5-Series has been the ultimate driving machine for a generation of enthusiasts. That’s why the M division pulled out all the stops for this anniversary. Get ready for a wild ride, as the 2020 BMW M5 Edition 35 Years has been unveiled.
We didn’t mix up the title, BMW prefers a German syntax when naming their special editions. This is smart because it makes them stand out from the competition. Only 350 cars will be built for the world, and U.S. models will arrive in November. Three and half decades ago, engineers took the potent straight-six from the M1 and dropped it into a 5-Series, and the rest is history.
What Makes It Unique?
Starting with a deletion of the trunk badge, the sleek appearance is given by BMW Individual Frozen Dark Grey II Metallic. This special mix gives the appearance of a silk matte body. The Graphite Grey wheels are M Light Alloys, and are also specific to this car.
Interior Unlike Any Other
Inside, the M Sport seats are covered in BMW Individual Merino Black Leather. To make the interior even more classy, the center console, door panels and dash have gold anodized carbon fiber inserts. The console and sill plates are engraved with “M5 Edition 35 Jahre”.
Fully Loaded
Every M5 option is included. Starting the Executive Package, you will have soft-close doors, powered sun shades 4 heated seats, 4-zone climate control, massaging front seats, wireless charging, and 3D Surround View Park Control. The drivers pack moves the speed limiter from 155 to 189 mph, along with a voucher for M Driver’s School.
Heart Of The Beast
Under the hood is their M TwinPower 4.4L V8. It is rated at 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It makes that torque from 1,800 to 5,860 rpm, which is simply brutal. You could pull a semi trailer if needed, or you could launch to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. In 10.8 ticks you are going 124 mph. New motor mounts were needed to keep it restrained, so solid polyurethane is 55% stronger than rubber used in the normal M5.
Feeling Shifty?
Because it makes so much power, the Dual Clutch transmission was dropped. A new 8-speed M Steptronic automatic shifts faster when you want it to, or soft when cruising. To ensure long life, it has a double-pass transmission cooler. Behind the gearbox is the Active M Differential. It can send power to any wheel that needs it, or you can disconnect the front wheels for the ultimate drift. Both 4WD modes and RWD were recalibrated to handle the increased power
Finishing Touch
The car is 7mm lower and rides on a new suspension. Shocks and springs are 10% stiffer, and every moving part has ball joints instead of bushings. Thicker sway bars offer confident cornering, while M Compound composite brakes complete this rare masterpiece. All this can be yours for $128,995, and that includes delivery and gas guzzler tax.
