Frankfurt Live: 2012 BMW M5

As well as demonstrating future direction with the i3 and i8 Concepts, BMW finally released the 2012 BMW M5 in all its glory. And they had the car zooming around on their purpose-built indoor track complete with live sounds of their powerplant.

Whilst the V10 has been binned due to poor fuel consumption and ever tightening emissions regulations, the 2012 M5 does have an increase in power since the last variant. Namely 560bhp from 6-7,000 rpm thanks to a twin-turbo V8. But it's not just the power that has been improved; BMW's engineers claim that this is the best handling M5 ever created.

It's not hard to see why in the flesh. The 2012 M5 has a more aggressive stance than the previous generation which looked like a slight improvement over the run-of-the-mill 5 series. Coming to stores near you next year, this M5 will be instantly recognisable thanks to the silver sliver cut-out on the side, more grooves and lines on the hood, and a mean front splitter.

Quad exhausts around the back are unchanged but they look blingier and more at home and as such, I have to say this car is beautifully designed and in electric blue, is probably the colour I would get one in too. The V8 is a unit that loves to rev and torque delivery of a nice 502lb-ft is available from 1,500rpm without any turbo lag. And what of efficiency? BMW says that fuel consumption is down 30% thanks to EfficientDynamics they always hark on about including auto stop/start and brake energy regeneration.

Also on show in BMW's Hall 11 at Frankfurt was the newly styled 1 Series. The pictures we captured here show the 1 with added M Sport Package set to be launched in Spring 2012.

As is usual with all M Sport vehicles, we can expect to see interior and exterior styling updates when this is available to dealers with the most obvious changes being to the front splitter, larger alloy wheels and more sculpted side sills. Inside there is a whole host of leather upholstery adding to the luxurious feel of this market entrant model. Engines remain the same and buyers can choose from 2 petrol and 2 diesel units.