Frankfurt Motor Show: 2012 BMW M5

The 2012 BMW M5, now in its fifth generation, may not seem that potent from its subtly aggressive looks, an impression fostered by 19" alloy wheels, a front bumper with gaping air intakes, side air vents, a rear bumper with an integrated diffuser, a boot lid spoiler and quad tail pipes. The cabin is differentiated by M sport seats, Merino leather upholstery and aluminium interior trim. Not overly visually exciting if you ask us. However, the on-paper performance figures are enough to blow you away without turning the ignition key.

The M5 borrows the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the X5M and X6 M. With 560 hp between 6000–7000 rpm and 680 Nm from just 1500 rpm available on tap, the M5 sprints from rest to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, reaching 200 km/h in 13.0 seconds before hitting the electronically-limited 250 km/h (305 km/h is possible with the optional M Driver's package). Despite producing 10 percent more power and 30 percent more torque than the previous 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V10, the twin-turbo V8 requires 30 percent less petrol to run, returning 10.1 km/litre.

A seven-speed M DCT dual-clutch transmission with launch control and paddle shifters directs the power to the rear wheels via a new electronically-controlled Active M differential that locks the torque between zero and 100 percent. Moreover, the M5's performance and handling are enhanced by an M-tuned Servotronic steering, an M-tuned suspension with dynamic damper control, a high-performance braking system, and an M-tuned stability control with an M Dynamic Mode. The M Drive system now lets you programme and store two sets of chassis and powertrain parameters according to your wishes.