Ignore the word 'Concept' on the number plate of the car pictured, as you're looking at the (almost) showroom ready BMW M5. It was due to be unveiled at Auto Shanghai later this week in China, but BMW just couldn't keep a lid on the internet leaks following a sneak preview to the media on Friday.
Anyway, it's all pretty much as expected - which is to say it should be an explosive performer. Under that sculpted bonnet is a twin-turbocharged V8 engine. BMW says it's high-revving and that power output is at a 'significantly increased output level' in comparison to the outgoing, 510hp M5. We'd estimate somewhere not far off 600hp. Impressively, BMW has claimed that fuel consumption and emissions have dropped by a massive 25 percent or so.
Drive to the rear wheels is via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with various modes of operation and there's an M differential to help get all that power down effectively. There's stop-start too, as if you care...
Obviously the Concept M5 is supposedly about the looks, and it has it nailed. Following on from the restrained 5 Series M Sport, the new BMW M5 sharpens things up further, though it's still a relatively subtle car. At the front there are large air intakes and M5-badged side gills in the wings. A modest lip spoiler at the rear is offset by the characteristic M quad exhausts that sit either side of a new diffuser. The whole thing is complemented by a set of 20-inch alloys, which pleasingly large brake discs visible.
That's about it for now. It's certain to have a specific M version of BMW's adaptive damping and, hopefully, an "M" button on the steering wheel to bring together your favourite settings for throttle, steering, damping and gearbox.
Lest we forget, Auto Shanghai also hosts the world debut of the new BMW 6 Series Coupé.