The M5 35 Jahre has the same mechanical specification as the M5 Competition, namely a 625hp, 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 powering all four wheels via an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission. This was the first M5 to be developed with M xDrive all-wheel drive as standard, but you can still indulge your taste in tyre-shredding drifts and doughnuts in rear-drive mode. The BMW M xDrive with Active M Differential provides the choice of 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD modes, while the suspension can be configured to Comfort, Sport or Sport+. As with the M5 Competition, the 0-62mph sprint takes a mere 3.3 seconds. Other features shared with the M5 Competition are the stiffer engine mounts, revised steering settings and the specially developed Competition chassis and suspension, which rides 7mm lower than the standard M5.
Safety
The M5 35 Jahre, like every M5, features Dynamic Safety, the BMW ConnectedDrive preventive passenger protection system. Dynamic Safety warns the driver if it detects signs of tiredness, safety belts are pre-tensioned in critical situations, electric seats are returned to upright positions and the windows and sliding roof are closed. After an accident occurs, the brakes are automatically applied until the car reaches a standstill. The standard-fit BMW Icon Adaptive LED Headlights automatically adjust to your driving speed, with variable city and motorway light distribution, cornering lights and automatic switching between low and high-beam.
Design
The appeal of the M5 has always been that it is both an understated executive saloon and a sensational performance car. That’s still true of the M5 35 Jahre but you’d struggle to go under the radar in it. Giveaways include side gills in the front wings, rear diffuser with quad exhaust pipes, carbon-fibre roof and M5-specific bonnet. For the 35 Jahre models the exterior comes in Frozen Dark Grey II Metallic which has a silk matte finish. Other features exclusive to this limited edition include Graphite Grey 20-inch wheels and gloss-black brake callipers. Inside, black Merino leather with contrast beige stitching upholstery is complemented by shimmering, gold anodized aluminium carbon trim. The sill finishers bear the inscription ‘M5 Edition 35 Jahre’, as well as ‘M5 Edition 35 Jahre’ plus the limited-edition production number on the centre console.
Technology
To mark the difference between the ‘standard’ M5 Competition and the special edition 35 Jahre, the cockpit is upgraded with BMW’s 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, called Live Cockpit Professional, rather than the semi-digital dials of the M5 Competition. BMW Professional Multimedia navigation comes as standard and the optional Driving Assistant Plus offers active cruise control as well as traffic Stop&Go to save fuel. BMW calls its keyless entry system Comfort Access, and the M5 35 Jahre comes with this feature as standard, while the Connected Drive system includes BMW Emergency Call, BMW Online Services, BMW TeleServices, real-time traffic information and even a concierge service.
