Facelift - an increasing popular term that we come across in the automotive world. To understand what it means, you can literally visualise cosmetic procedures being done to the lifeless metal boxes, though in many cases a good part of the efforts is more than skin deep.
A little more than a year ago, we were faced with the new BMW M5 (codenamed F10). Now as we began plodding into 2014, the range-topping 5 Series has already gone through a string of revisions - mostly for the sake of better, sharper handling and performance.
Up close and Personal
You will be hard pressed to tell the difference, but rest assured that the latest M5 gets what it needs. Like its 5 Series brethrens, the M5 now comes standard with adaptive headlamps. The thinly slit headlamps will take some time to notice, but the result is decisively pleasing. The new 'eyes' now cuts a finer, more aerodynamic look on its facet. Other subtle exterior changes include new 20-inch wheels and blackened quad tail pipes.
A little more than a year ago, we were faced with the new BMW M5 (codenamed F10). Now as we began plodding into 2014, the range-topping 5 Series has already gone through a string of revisions - mostly for the sake of better, sharper handling and performance.
Up close and Personal
You will be hard pressed to tell the difference, but rest assured that the latest M5 gets what it needs. Like its 5 Series brethrens, the M5 now comes standard with adaptive headlamps. The thinly slit headlamps will take some time to notice, but the result is decisively pleasing. The new 'eyes' now cuts a finer, more aerodynamic look on its facet. Other subtle exterior changes include new 20-inch wheels and blackened quad tail pipes.
Likewise, the cabin sports little changes, such as the three-spoke thin rim steering that was first found on the M6, and the new iDrive controller with touch sensitive function.
Still, it is no humdrum affair inside the M5. Swathed in soft leather and high quality trims, there is a sense of oppulence. This is further highlighted by the red, thickly bolstered sports seats that form a sharp contrast in the surroundings, creating an occasion at the same time.
Still, it is no humdrum affair inside the M5. Swathed in soft leather and high quality trims, there is a sense of oppulence. This is further highlighted by the red, thickly bolstered sports seats that form a sharp contrast in the surroundings, creating an occasion at the same time.
The Drive
The latest M5 religiously adheres to and reinstates the belief of the potent performance often associated with the 'M' emblem. Not that the previous M5, with 560bhp, needed any more horses.
With the competition pack, however, the people at the M division gave it 15 more anyway. The result is still the awe-inspiring type of power delivery that musters enough might to set the tarmac on fire.
The smart traction trickeries are excellent for dry roads. But in wet conditions, with all that power dispatched to the rear wheels, even the best will find it hard to fight the law of physics. It will require precautious driving to keep the tail straight out of a corner.
That said, those looking for a more characterful car will definitely appreciate what the M5 has to offer. The car simply leaves more to your bidding - be it spinning off its might (in a cloud of smoke) at the lights or letting the tail twitch on slightly loose grounds, the car is capable of turning up the knob for a more eventful experience.
The latest M5 religiously adheres to and reinstates the belief of the potent performance often associated with the 'M' emblem. Not that the previous M5, with 560bhp, needed any more horses.
With the competition pack, however, the people at the M division gave it 15 more anyway. The result is still the awe-inspiring type of power delivery that musters enough might to set the tarmac on fire.
The smart traction trickeries are excellent for dry roads. But in wet conditions, with all that power dispatched to the rear wheels, even the best will find it hard to fight the law of physics. It will require precautious driving to keep the tail straight out of a corner.
That said, those looking for a more characterful car will definitely appreciate what the M5 has to offer. The car simply leaves more to your bidding - be it spinning off its might (in a cloud of smoke) at the lights or letting the tail twitch on slightly loose grounds, the car is capable of turning up the knob for a more eventful experience.
Do not, however, be mistaken that the M5 is all havoc-creating or spine-breaking. There are three settings in total - one for chassis setup, another for steering feedback and the last for throttle response - all of which work together to transform the tarmac-burner into a sedated grand tourer.
Conclusion
The M5's capability of fulfilling multiple roles - a track weapon, family carrier and an errands runner - gives it an undisputed all-rounded appeal. Judging from the rising number of Ms, AMGs and RSes on our roads, the subtlety of the M5 is a trait that many can appreciate.
The latest iteration may not be the most improved. On paper, the facelift may not even be comprehensive enough to be persuasive.
But, we are convinced that the sheer driving pleasure will.
Conclusion
The M5's capability of fulfilling multiple roles - a track weapon, family carrier and an errands runner - gives it an undisputed all-rounded appeal. Judging from the rising number of Ms, AMGs and RSes on our roads, the subtlety of the M5 is a trait that many can appreciate.
The latest iteration may not be the most improved. On paper, the facelift may not even be comprehensive enough to be persuasive.
But, we are convinced that the sheer driving pleasure will.
