BMW flexes might with M uber-cars, green i models at Japan auto spectacle

TOKYO: BMW has chosen one of the world’s—and certainly, Asia’s—most significant motoring spectacles as the venue from where to flaunt its awesome machines as the carmaker put on display its high-performance stable of M models, as well as new green concept vehicles, at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show that opened last week, and which runs until December 11.

Leading BMW’s charge at the event is the Asian premiere of its fifth-generation M5 uber-sedan, which is being kept company at the carmaker’s sprawling display floors by the current M3 and X6 M models. To provide a sort of Zen balance to the mighty M cars, BMW is also showcasing its present sustainable mobility solutions in the form of the i3 and i8 concept vehicles, which belong to BMW’s i sub-brand. Of course, virtually the full range of the BMW stable is also on display.

The fifth eleMent
In its fifth-gen form, the M5 gets the most powerful engine BMW has ever fitted on an M model, as well as the carmaker’s innovative Active M Differential and a race-developed chassis.

Under the car’s hood lies a V8 engine that’s boosted by a TwinPower turbo, allowing it to produce 560 horsepower as it spins between 6,000rpm and 7,000rpm, and churn out 680 Newton-meters of torque from a 1,500rpm all the way to 5,750rpm. What these ratings mean is a sustained thrust from rest to 100kph in 4.4 seconds and to 200kph in 13 ticks, all while capable of burning fuel to the tune of 9.9 liters for every 100 kilometers and emitting CO2 at 232 grams per kilometer.

BMW said the new M5’s output has increased by around 10 percent and torque by more than 30 percent but uses 30 percent less fuel than its predecessor, and credit here goes to the carmaker’s EfficientDynamics technology that includes an auto start/stop function and the standard seven-speed M double clutch transmission. Matching the new M5’s grunt are advanced chassis pieces that count electronically controlled dampers, M-specific Servotronic steering, a stability control system with M Dynamic Mode and high-performance compound brakes.

In the cabin, the car is fitted with sports seats, an M leather steering wheel, and M-specific instrument cluster and center console, among other stuff. High-quality materials, generous space and an extensive range of premium equipment come standard as well. Also, customers can personalize their vehicles through a host of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive.

The result of all these? The new M5, BMW asserts, “sets a fresh benchmark in terms of dynamics, assurance and poise in the exclusive high-performance sedan segment.”

M power
BMW added that its M cars “capture the imagination with drive and chassis technology derived directly from motor sports” and are backed up by “peerlessly sporty styling and bespoke design features inspired by technical necessity.” Apparently, what that means is that M models fuse power, handling and aerodynamics to ensure high performance levels on the track as much as on the road.

At the Tokyo show, BMW’s proven fourth-generation M3 needs no introduction, the car known to most visitors as packing a 420-horsepower, naturally aspirated V8 engine that sends its prodigious grunt to the rear wheels by means of an available seven-speed M double clutch transmission.

Now as if an M5 and an M3 sitting side by side isn’t enough of a sight, BMW is further commanding attention with a third M model—the X6 M. A looker even in standard X6 guise, the X6 M turns even stunning with its aggressive aero kit and alloy-and-tire package. Performance goes with the styling, too, the car having been fitted with a 555-horsepower V8 with BMW’s TwinPower turbo, an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, and a chassis beefed up by the corporate Dynamic Performance Control and Adaptive Drive technologies.

i, green
BMW explained that its i sub-brand is about the “development of visionary vehicles and mobility services, inspiring design and a new understanding of premium that is strongly defined by sustainability.” The first products born from this thinking is the i3 Concept, an electric car that retains premium features, and the i8 Concept, a plug-in hybrid sports car that BMW said is as athletic as its conventional cars but uses less fuel and spews out cleaner emissions.

With its zero-emission electric drive and a range of approximately 150 kilometers, the i3 Concept is intended as a city car, although one that’s rear-wheel driven—a core value of BMW. By using what BMW brands as a LifeDrive architecture (featuring a carbon passenger cell), the i3 Concept is able to offer a roomy cabin that seats four and has a 200-liter luggage capacity with the highest crash standards, all while tipping the scales at only 1,250 kilograms.

The i8 Concept, for its part, can reach 100kph from naught in less than five seconds while sipping only three liters of fuel for every 100 kilometers travelled. In electric mode, the car has a range of up to 35 kilometers—sufficient for most everyday journeys, BMW reckons—but is also capable of dynamic driving once its three-cylinder gasoline engine pitches its share of oomph. As a genuine sports car, according to BMW, the i8 has a top speed of 250kph, but only because it is electronically governed not to go any faster. Which means the i concept vehicles, like their M brethren, promise to be uber driving machines, too.

And it’s a point well made at the Tokyo show.