After the first low-res pics of the new BMW M5 leaked to the internet, the company has predictably released the official pics and details of the F10 2012 M5 version. In the gallery you can find more than 120 images of M5 glory, as it gets ready to unleash its new 4.4-litre V8 engine on the world. The new unit has TwinPower Turbo and Valvetronic technology and comes with 560 hp and maximum torque of 680 Nm.

The new M5 will be equipped with a seven-speed, dual-clutch M-DCT gearbox with steering wheel paddles and three different settings of D1, D2 and D3. In manual those settings are S1, S2 and S3 - the latter enables launch control when the DSC function is switched off. There is an Active M multi-disc electronic differential which, together with the DSC, measures information received from the acclerator, tyres and steering.

According to the official specs, the M5 reaches 100 km/hr in 4.4 seconds and 200 km/hr in 13 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/hr, or 305 if purchasing the optional M Driver’s Package (and why not with a sedan like this?!). BMW claims a drastic fuel consumption reduction of 30 percent compared to the previous V10, down to 9.9 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 232 g/km. Efficient Dynamics with start&stop have been employed and there is regenerative braking, too. The M5 dry weight comes in at 1,870 kg - similar to the standard BMW 5 Series.

The new M5 has an M Servotronic steering system with three setups, DDC electronic suspension, M Dynamic Mode traction control and DSC stability control. The entire sospension system has been revamped and now comes with reinforced components. The leather steering wheel now features two M Drive buttons for two different setups as programmed by the driver, which control acceleration, steering, DriveLogic gear change, Efficient engine modes, Sport and Sport Plus driving modes, DSC stability modes and even the head-up display function.

Don’t expect any wow factors on the design front - the M5 is a classic M division car and is a nastier version of the standard 5 Series with the usual air intakes, spoilers and wider stance that the extra power and aggression involves. We like the 19-inch wheels and we like the 20-inch optional ones even better. The braking system is the usual high quality from the M division and although it has been criticised by sport driving purists in the past, the new system has been modified to better match the performance, with front 400-mm discs and rear 396-mm with six piston callipers.

The BMW M5 F10 interior obviously has its fair share of M cues in a mix of luxury and sports style. The instrumentation is totally new, the sports seats are upholstered in Merino leather, and the central console is also in leather. There is an aluminium trim, BMW Individual charcoal grey tint, four-zone air conditioning, ambient lighting and adjustable steering wheel. All the 5 Series options are also available on the new M5.

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