BMW determined to keep M5 sort of relevant with Pure Metal Silver special edition
In the face of some new competition, without a new M5 in sight, BMW's wringing every last inch out of its executive sports sedan.
The BMW M5 is in a bit of a pickle. It's currently in a segment where competitors like Mercedes are soon to debut new versions of their hopped-up sport sedans, while the BMW M5 is about five years old at this point. In an effort to keep some attention in its direction, BMW is rolling out a fancy new special edition, of which just 50 units will be produced.
The M5 Pure Metal Silver Limited Edition is a mouthful, but it's also guaranteed to be a handful. Its 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8 now puts out 600 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, thanks to higher boost pressure and modified engine components. Non-special-edition output is 560 hp and 500 torques. 60 mph arrives in just 3.9 seconds. The only transmission available is BMW's dual-clutch gearbox.
The M5 Pure Metal Silver (I wish I could shorten it, but I'm not calling it the "M5 PMS") builds upon BMW's already established Competition Package, which gives the car stiffer suspension components, a new exhaust system, new wheels and other bits to aid its handling. Pure Metal Silver features a new paint color, as well -- I'll leave it up to you to guess its name. (Spoiler alert: Pure Metal Silver.)
Also included with the PM...uh, Pure Metal Silver is something BMW calls the M Driver's Package. This changes the electronically limited top speed to 190 mph from 155, but more important, it gives the driver access to a one-day performance driving school in either South Carolina or California. For owners in flyover territory, it's an excuse for a proper road trip.
Of course, this thing's going to cost a pretty penny. A base M5 retails for $94,100, but Pure Metal Silver won't be leaving the factory for a penny less than $130,900 (plus $995 for destination and handling). With only 50 units available in the US, it's going to sell out fast, even if it's charging a $37,000 premium.
