With the all-new BMW 5 Series making its debut late last year, it was only a matter of time before the folks from Bavaria pulled the covers off the M5. Internally known as the G80 M5, the high-performance 5 Series now packs all-wheel drive for the first time in six generations.

Powering the all-new M5 is a significantly uprated version of the 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 from the outgoing model. The newly developed turbochargers, indirect charge air cooling and uprated fuel injectors pump the power up to 600 PS and 750 Nm of torque. It then shifts via a specially tuned eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. BMW claims that the 2018 M5 can do 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and can hit 200 km/h from a standstill in 11.1 seconds. De-limited, the M5 can reach a top speed of 305 km/h, according to BMW's figures.

The M xDrive system has six different configurations to choose from based on combinations of the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) modes and the all-wheel drive system modes. For stability control, the three settings are DSC On, M Dynamic Mode (MDM), and DSC Off. As for the all-wheel drive system, there is 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD for those who want the pure, rear-wheel drive experience. As for its suspension, there are three modes to choose from with the Variable Damper Control system with Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus.

With its unique suspension set up, the M5 is wider than the standard 5 Series models. As a result, the M5 has special fenders and a rear quarter panel to accommodate this special suspension. To make the M5 lighter, BMW also used a carbon fiber room on top of the Carbon Core chassis used in the standard variants. Also, the front and rear bumpers are exclusive to the M5 and feature special ducting for the intercooler and brakes, as well as an integrated diffuser at the rear which aids in aerodynamic stability. The new BMW M5 is fitted as standard with M compound brakes, which are lighter than conventional gray cast iron items and therefore also bring down the car’s weight. All in all, the new M5 sheds nearly 90 kilograms from the outgoing model.

Inside, it gets the full M treatment with thicker bolsters on the front seats, as well as carbon fiber trim. The thick-rimmed steering wheel is another M Division touch, along with two red buttons marked 'Race'. Also, the gear selector is larger than the one found in the non-M 5 Series. The head-up display is standard on the M5 as well. Other than the enhanced trimmings and features, the cabin of the sixth-generation M5 is largely carried over from other 5 Series variants.

The 2018 BMW M5 is set to make its public debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. BMW will also be releasing a limited-run First Edition. There will only be 400 of these examples worldwide and all are painted in BMW Individual Frozen Dark Red Metallic.