Check Out the Latest BMW M5 and 1 Series: Production Begins at Dingolfing and Leipzig
The automotive world is buzzing with excitement as BMW has officially kicked off production for their new M5 and 1 Series models. These icons of performance and versatility are being assembled at the renowned Dingolfing and Leipzig plants, marking a significant milestone for the Bavarian automaker.
The Ultimate Performance Sedan: The BMW M5
Produced in Dingolfing, the M5 is set to gradually ramp up its production over the coming weeks. Initially, the plant will produce 'several dozen' units per day, but this number is expected to rise. Under the hood, the M5 packs a formidable 4.4-liter V8 engine, delivering a staggering 577 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. This twin-turbo engine is mated to ZF’s widely acclaimed 8HP automatic transmission, which integrates an electric motor for a combined output of 717 horsepower and an insane 738 pound-feet of torque.
The new M5, designated as the G90, also comes with a substantial 22.1 kWh battery pack, providing 18.6 kWh of usable energy. However, this added weight pushes the European specification to 5,368 pounds, with the North American version slightly heavier. Despite its heft, BMW claims the new M5 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, a slight difference compared to the backward model but a marvel of engineering nonetheless. Additionally, BMW has announced a much-anticipated M5 Touring variant, making a comeback since the V10-powered E61, and it is slated for a U.S. market launch in November 2024.
The Compact Dynamos: The BMW 1 Series
Meanwhile, over in Leipzig, the new 1 Series is rolling off the production line at an impressive rate of up to 500 units per day. Dubbed the F70, this latest generation continues the legacy of the 1 Series with its UKL platform sharing ancestry with both the BMW and MINI brands, making it a sturdy example of front-biased engineering. However, don't expect an electric variant; the 1 Series sticks to traditional internal combustion engines, offering 1.5- and 2.0-liter turbo options in both petrol and diesel configurations.
The flagship of this new generation is the M135 xDrive, a powerhouse boasting a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. This marvel of compact engineering churns out 300 metric horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, ensuring thrilling performance wrapped in a practical hatchback design. Despite the absence of a manual transmission—potentially a deal-breaker for purists—the 1 Series packs enough punch to still command respect on the road.
The continued production of both the new M5 and the 1 Series embodies BMW's ethos of delivering performance, luxury, and innovation, encapsulating their past while propelling them into the future. Whether you're yearning for the ultimate driving machine in the form of the M5 or a versatile, sporty hatchback like the 1 Series, BMW’s latest offerings promise to exceed expectations.