BMW Concept M5 set for Shanghai debut

BMW is to show off a concept version of an M5 sedan at next month's Auto Shanghai show, it confirmed April 4.

The latest designs for the four-door performance sedan will be showcased at the Chinese show and are expected to hint strongly at a production model slated for later this year, to be the fifth iteration of the iconic car.

BMW says that the Concept M5 is a reintegration of the M series' traditional blend of business sedan and performance sports car, with "expressive and unmistakeable design features."

Under the hood, the vehicle offers a V8 twin-turbo engine, and although engine size hasn't yet been revealed by the automaker, emissions and fuel consumption are both down by at least 25 percent compared to the previous generation of M5.

Other highlights include a revamped suspension system, a new design placing the Concept M5 firmly in the M range of vehicles (such as large air intakes and a spoiler) and a seven speed double clutch transmission.

The Shanghai show is likely to see several powerful new vehicles aimed squarely at China's rapidly-growing number of luxury car enthusiasts.

Mercedes-Benz is said to be prepping a hybrid version of its C-class models, while Buick will show a concept car called "Envision," said to be a crossover model designed specifically for the Chinese market.

Auto Shanghai runs April 21- 28 in Shanghai, China.

http://www.autoshanghai.org/en/