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      06-11-2018, 08:38 AM   #7
Laurent T
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Drives: Not a BMW unfortunately
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: France

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Dears, I translated with the help of Google and my limited German this article to French (my mother tongue), then back to English (for internet...). I included in the work some comments from the previous Comparison test from Auto Bild Sportcars (E63S, CTS-V, Panamera Turbo). Moreover, I have merged together some portions on same topic coming from different parts of the article, and summarized => I hope to stay as close as possible to the original opinion. Sorry for the rather poor English, can't spend too much time on it.

Engine & Transmission
Fast throttle response, spontaneous shifting, high torque: the M5's twin-turbo V8 offers everything you expect from a badged M-unit. It impresses almost less by its thrust than by its responsiveness and ability to take rpms. It is very well supported by the transmission, which offers more facets than the old DKG. The first five ratios are very tight, while the maximum speed (305 km / h) is reached in the 7th at 6000 rpm, in the optimal power zone. The Launch Control is impressive. In comparison, the AMG engine is still as generous in torque, while the compressor of the Cadillac is difficult to dose and in such a context, the punch of the Porsche disappoints.
Performances
3.1 seconds to reach 100km / h, 10.6 seconds to pass the bar of 200, it may seem surreal. Still, the M5 repeats this exercise with ease. Between 100 and 200 km / h, the M5 sets new records for its category, but to reach 300 km / h, she is bested by the AMG E63S (33 seconds against 32.8). The big surprise comes from the performance achieved in two-wheel drive mode. It only loses 0.4 seconds at takeoff (3.5 seconds to reach 100 km / h), a gap which remains constant at the following speeds, which allows it to dominate the previous M5 F10 (3, 9 seconds). In this mode, the slip on takeoff is easily controllable on the first meters.
The elasticity values ​​are also very good.
On the power bench, the measured power and torque are higher than the makers data (628PS against 600, 779Nm against 750), but in the tolerance zone of 5%.
Brakes
The brakes are perhaps the point on which the M5 has progressed the most and in the most strikingly manner, because this is an area in which the BMW M were so far often in default. None of this here: phenomenal endurance, very good ABS - with settings less conservative than in the past, the ABS is not so much looking to keep the tires as far as possible from the locking area, which benefits the pleasure in sporty driving - very good dosage of pedal. Just on the test model, there was a slight shift to the right when braking at high speed. On track, his behavior is still very balanced and pedal feel is exceptional for a sedan. The tires (Pirelli) contribute strongly to these good performances.
In the game of comparisons, the BMW and Porsche dominate in this area with excellent results given their mass. The ABS of the M5 is extremely well calibrated, while the Porsche remains the most enduring. The ceramic brakes of the AMG are distinguished neither by their behavior nor by their endurance of the very good steel elements of the Cadillac.
Handling
If the Porsche Panamera seems to defy the laws of physics in curves, but is too wide, and the AMG E63S seems 400kg lighter than it is, the M5 takes what is best in each of its competitors and is therefore the most convincing in the end.
The 2WD mode is indicative of the progress made by the chassis and suspensions. Not only is the M5 light and agile, but it is also much more controllable than before. It relies for this on successful suspension settings, which allow the driver to grasp the road through a very communicative chassis, but at the expense of a certain amount of comfort.
Performance in curves and on circuit
With its precision, grippy tires and intelligent all-wheel drive, the M5 is positioned here as the new standard. In comparison, the AMG struggles with its unstable rear axle, while the Cadillac is a bit too sharp. The Porsche could do a lot better if its tires allowed it.
On the track, the BMW M5 offers a serene and entertaining behavior, helped by a front axle that is both precise and stable, which only gives way to understeer in the tightest corners.
The endurance of tires and brakes deserves only praise. While on other sedans, sometimes the engine, sometimes the brakes, or the tires give up the soul after two or three laps, the M5 shows a very good consistency on the circuit, so much so that would almost forget that we are in a 5m sedan!
Comfort and everyday use
Unlike previous models that favored performance to versatility, the new M5 now combines the two worlds in a much more convincing way. Three examples illustrate this new reality. First, four-wheel drive not only promotes agility in curves but also ensures optimum traction in all circumstances. Secondly, if the transmission still has a more radical mode, it can demonstrate impressive sweetness on daily usage. Finally, the M5 now has equipment worthy of his standing!
Compared to its predecessor, the comfort of suspension and the roll resistance has increased considerably, but on poor coating, the M5 still significantly transmits irregularities. The AMG E63S, also very firm, is doing better, while the air suspension of the Porsche is sensational.
Price / Pleasure
Despite a price of 132 550 € (price of the tested car), the M5 is one of the cheapest proposals to enter the club of 600 horses. Its consumption is, given the level of performance achieved, rather controlled: 13l / 100km daily, 16 to 18l pushing more on the engine, 10l making efforts to be economical.
Conclusion
As beautiful as the AMG, the Porsche and the Cadillac are, the new M5 is overall quite superior. It's even clearer on the circuit ... where you have to admit that these sedans will not go very often anyway.
On the Sachsenring
Take a neutral attitude, a precise front-wheel drive, a very flexible four-wheel drive that benefits to agility and top it off with 750 Nm and braking that could stop a 40-ton. The result ? An absolute best time of 1: 34.36 minutes obtained during the comparison test. This is not only (by far ) the best time of the comparison, but also the record for a sedan and barely 1 second slower than the much more extreme BMW M4 GTS. This time could not be equaled at the Supertest, but the M5 showed a good consistency with a lap in 1:34.57.
The steering is very precise and faithfully transmits the reactions of the front axle. The suspensions effectively control roll and pitch movements. The adhesion of Pirelli tires is high and constant lap after lap. They make it possible to control grip limits with smooth transitions and strongly contribute to excellent braking performance.
The passage in 2-wheel drive certainly compromises the overall efficiency, without being so far caricatural, proof if it needed the excellence of the chassis. With a lap time of 1: 36.91, the new M5 is much better than her predecessor (1: 38.66).
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