BMW M5 and X3 premiere at Goodwood

BMW has unveiled the new M5 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The performance sedan now comes (for the first time in its 40-year history) with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain which combines a high-revving V8 with an electric motor allowing the car to generate a system total of 717bhp and 1,000Nm of torque.

The BMW M5 makes its debut alongside the new BMW X3, which also marks its world premiere at the festival. The X3 premium compact SUV not only comes with a modernised exterior design and new digital technology, but also gets upgraded agility and dynamic prowess. The range-topping variant of the X3 now comes with 3.0-litre engine paired with mild hybrid technology and produces a total output of 393bhp.

Members of the BMW M GmbH portfolio set to take festival's hill climb this year include the aforementioned BMW M5, the BMW M4 CS and the BMW XM Label Red, while the firm is also exhibiting the Vision Neue Klasse, BMW i5 Flow Nostokana, and the BMW Concept Skytop at the festival's Stable Yard.

BMW Group Classic's historic motor sport department is also set to bring a host of legendary vehicles to the festival including the BMW V12 LMR, which celebrated overall victory in the Le Mans 24-hour race in 1999. Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH, will get behind the wheel on the 25^th anniversary of this famous win. A BMW 2002 TIK will also take on the festival's hill climb, with BMW Group Classic Brand Ambassador Prince Leopold of Bavaria behind the wheel, marking the 55 years since the car took Dieter Quester to victory as the European touring car champion. BMW touring car Driver Johnny Cecotto will also be reunited with his BMW 318i STW at Goodwood, 30 years on since he took victory at the Super Touring Car Cup.