BMW Releases Its Long Anticipated M5 with a 507-HP V10

The 5-Series, when equipped with BMW's optional active steering, that along with dynamic drive (active roll stabilization - ARS) offers amazing maneuverability at all

When equipped with BMW's dynamic drive and optional active steering the regular 5-Series is arguably the most agile sedan currently available. The M5 will no doubt be even better. (Photo: BMW Canada)

speeds, is arguably the most agile sedan currently available. Essentially active steering adapts the steering ratio to vehicle speed, but its electric motor assisted, planetary gear motivated rack-and-pinion system is much more sophisticated than conventional speed sensitive steering systems, common to luxury cars of all stripes. When parking, steering response to input is much quicker, at about 1.7 turns lock to lock. At high speed that ratio loosens up dramatically so that just touching the steering wheel doesn't send the car veering off into oncoming traffic.

Dynamic drive effectually flattens out curves, adjusting to road surface imperfections before the actual bumps and dips occur. The 5-Series' ride is not only smoother

The 5-Series' ride is not only smoother than competitors' sport sedans, but its handling is also much better. The M5 kicks it up a major notch. (Photo: BMW Canada)

than competitors' sport sedan's, but its handling is also much improved.

The M5 takes advantage of such electro-mechanical driving aids, but each, like the reworked suspension, has been modified for the specialized sedan's higher performance. New brakes have been added as well, featuring twin-piston aluminum sliding calipers resulting in 100 km/h to standstill in only 36 meters (118 feet).

The M5 also incorporates DSC III with "two selectable driving dynamics programs, Electronic Damper Control with comfort, normal and sport modes, and a variable, torque-sensing differential lock," according to BMW's press information.