SPIED: F90 BMW M5 LCI – revised engine, interior trim

The facelift, or Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) iterations of the 5 Series as named by BMW have been seen out and about running road trials, and it is now the turn of the top version, the F90 M5. Among the more visible changes is a set of new headlamps, seen here with a new LED DRL design.

Revisions to the grille and front bumper are still concealed on the development car seen here, while the M5 continues tradition in using a distinct design for exterior parts such as the side mirrors. Bodywork changes continue at the rear end, where the camouflage foil and shrouds indicate further revisions to the bootlid, rear bumper, tail lamps and rear quarter panels.

Under the hood, BMW will likely have updated the M5’s engine to remain in compliance with tightening emissions laws, though at this stage it is still uncertain if these changes will yield additional power or torque from the biturbo V8 engine. The M5’s interior will likely also receive updates in line with the rest of the 5 Series LCI range, possibly including the Live Cockpit setup as well as new interior trim options.

In standard form at the launch of the pre-facelift car, the F90 M5 produces 600 hp and 750 Nm; the M5 Competition bumps up the outputs to 625 hp with a wider torque band, channeled to an eight-speed torque converter automatic and all-wheel-drive. This is switchable to disconnect the front driveshafts and effectively become 2WD, while an Active M Differential manages traction on the rear axle.

These will likely be controlled by the same set of drive modes for powertrain and chassis, which the F90 M5 offered along with M1 and M2 mode presets. As for rolling stock, these appear to be the same as the 20-inch items from the M5 Competition, which wears 275/35 and 285/35 tyres, front and rear respectively.

Our sources suggest that an even more potent ‘CS’ variant of the F90 M5 could be in the works, one that will see out the current-generation car’s lifecycle. CS versions of the M3 and M4 could hint at the more potent M5’s direction, likely to feature a further boost in engine outputs and more liberal use of carbon-fibre to aid weight-saving. Should this more aggressive M5 materialise, it will be another two to three years away, our sources say. Meanwhile, the revised ‘regular’ M5 is set for debut next year.

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