2018 BMW M5 Australian pricing and specs announced

BMW Australia has announced local specification and pricing for the hotly anticipated 2018 BMW M5.

With the same 441kW and 750Nm being drawn from its 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 as overseas, the all-wheel drive Bimmer isn’t going to suffer the same de-tune Aussies sometimes see.

In addition, BMW says we’ll only be paying $199,900 to get our hands on a new BMW M5, rather than the $230,000 or-so we expected to fork out based on pricing for its previous generation.

It’ll be available in the second quarter of 2018, sometime between April and June, with the first 50 units to show up being the limited Launch Edition, denoting the first round of allocated M5s.

BMW Australia says there aren't any differences in specification between the regular M5 and the Launch Edition, though as pricing is the same it appears to primarily be a way to acknowledge the first units to arrive Down Under.

The new M5 also marks the first use of BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system on an M car, though it can still decouple the front axle entirely, allowing for a pure rear-driven experience.

Additionally, stability control can be completely disabled in any of the xDrive modes, whether full AWD or RWD.

Thanks to its new found all-paw grip, the M5 will rocket to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds, BMW says, with a top speed of 305km/h available when the M Driver’s Package is optioned.

“Never before has BMW M brought such an advanced car to market,” says BMW Group Australia CEO, Marc Werner.

“Its combination of awesome power and torque, switchable four-wheel drive system, innovative technologies and the ability to carry five passengers in comfort is truly unique.

“To bring this incredible package to market at such a strong price point is further proof of our standing among BMW’s M Division globally.”

Keep an eye on MOTOR later today for more news on the next BMW M5.