2012 BMW 5-Series M Diesel

Exterior

Aesthetically, you won’t see a whole lot of difference between this diesel-powered M5 and the gas version, but in the interest of fairness, it’s only right to talk about what’s in store if you make this purchase. Suffice to say, the new M5 appears a lot more dynamic and stylish than its 5-Series counterpart, thanks to the addition of M-specific design features.

The front end speaks to the clear aggression that has come to be a trademark of M-division styling, including a bonnet that comes with V contour lines, as well as the now unmistakable double-kidney grille that BMW has made famous. You’ll also find three air intakes in the lower section of the front apron, critical elements for a car that needs about as much cool as the high-powered engine can have.

Over to the side, there’s a wide chrome frame and an indicator bar that bears the M logo. The two side air intakes also carry great importance to maximize the air coming in and out of the engine. Then there are the wheels, which come in a set of 19" M light alloy variety in a double-spoke design, underscoring the aggressive and menacing stance of the M5.

At the back, you’ll find all the important aerodynamic goodies that come as part of the M package, including a bespoke rear apron, a diffuser integrated into the lower edge of the rear apron, and the twin-pipe exhaust system that have been positioned wide to either side of the diffuser.

Interior

Inside, BMW continues with the same sporty design language that befits its M designation. The seats are standard M-issued, dressed in fine-grain Merino leather upholstery with extended features. The door sills bear the “M5” lettering while an M driver’s footrest can also be found, as well as exclusive Aluminum Trace interior trim strips. As for the steering wheel, it comes with plenty of driver-friendly buttons that make it easier to control the interior systems of the car from the wheel. Cruise control system, audio features, and telephone functions are only a few of the trinkets you can control from the wheel. Drivers also have the convenience of finding the M Drive buttons on the left-hand steering wheel spoke, giving them the convenience of selecting the sporty "M1" configuration or the more comfortable "M2" configuration with just the push of a button.

Performance

Although nothing has been confirmed yet, it appears that the BMW 5-Series M Diesel, or whatever name BMW decides to give it, will carry a tuned version of the BMW 3.0-liter diesel engine. We’re saying tuned because the engine will carry a number of significant modifications, including a new cylinder head, direct injection, and BMW’s Valvetronic system. Final numbers pertaining to the output will be a little lower than the 560 horsepower in the gas-powered M5 - probably in the range of 500 to 550 ponies - while the torque numbers will be higher, probably around 650 lb/ft of torque.

Pricing

No pricing details yet, but rest assured, we’ll have all the figures as soon as they become available.

Competition

BMW shot ahead of the curve with the release of this high-powered, diesel-carrying M5, but don’t expect it to last long as BMW officials expect its chief rivals, particularly Audi and Mercedes-Benz, to follow suit.

For one, Audi has continuously been one of the forerunners in diesel power and with the release of the M5 Diesel, it only seems appropriate for the German automaker to tap into its vast resources to come out with an answer to BMW.

For now, BMW has the leg up on its rivals in this regard and until the others can produce their own high-powered diesel sports cars - something that can reach the stratosphere of this model - we’ll reserve our judgments on who’s got who by the leg.