2011 G Power BMW M5 Touring Review

The world's fastest estate car: G-POWER HURRICANE RS Touring based on the BMW M5 E61 Touring

After the G-POWER M5 HURRICANE RS with twin-supercharged engine and 750 hp/551 kW set the record for the world`s fastest saloon car at the end of 2008 with 367.4 km/h, G-POWER went one better in 2010 with the next evolution, the M5 HURRICANE RR, which took the existing record to a new high of 372 km/h. Now, a limited run of only 1,025 BMW M5 Touring models are being equipped with the stunning 750 hp/551 kW V10 twin-supercharged power plant from the G-POWER M5 HURRICANE RS. As a consequence, the G-POWER M5 HURRICANE RS Touring now takes its place in the record books as the world's fastest estate car. With a top speed of 360 km/h (limited), it beats the existing record of 344.2 km/h (MTM RS6 R) from 2009 by 15.8 km/h, and the record of 320 km/h (Brabus T V12) from 1997 by a whopping 40 km/h.

Alongside the 5.0l BMW V10 high-revving power unit, the basis for the phenomenal power output of 750 hp is provided by a G-POWER twin-supercharger system, version SK IIII RS. Downstream of the two ASA T1-316 superchargers, charging one cylinder bank each, the pre-compressed charge air is brought down to performance-enhancing temperatures by the twin-scroll, water-cooled intercooler finished in G-POWER's characteristic orange. The intercooler, a sophisticated cast aluminium component replaces the series-production airbox above the engine, where its short airways facilitate the same spontaneous responsiveness as the series-production engine, albeit combined with a considerable benefit in torque.

On the inside, the ten-cylinder four-valve engine is optimized by lightweight, precisely balanced Mahle high-performance forged pistons with lower compression and increased stiffness. And because the standard con-rods and piston pins are not capable of withstanding the significantly increased forces, they, too, have been replaced by specialist parts. Optimized mapping for the engine electronics also contributes to the peak power output of 750 hp/551 kW between 7,500 and 8,000 r/min. The maximum torque of 750 Nm is reached at 5,000 revs.

It goes without saying that the stunning performance of the G-POWER HURRICANE RS Touring is not limited to top speed alone. The approximately 2-tonne estate sets equally impressive standards with a 0-100 km/h time of less than 4.5 seconds, as well as 9.7 seconds to 200 km/h and 26 seconds to the 300 km/h mark.

A two-tonne vehicle weight and a top speed of 360 km/h (limited) set extreme demands on the tyres, which is why the G-POWER M5 HURRICANE RS Touring runs on 20-inch G-POWER SILVERSTONE DIAMOND wheels with MICHELIN Pilot Sport rubber measuring 255/35 ZR 20 and 285/30 ZR 20. Developed specifically for BMW models, the G-POWER SILVERSTONE DIAMOND alloy wheel sets itself apart from the masses by its outstanding combination of twin spokes and the hallmark G-POWER "concave design". Another feature of the G-POWER SILVERSTONE rim is its weight-optimized design, enabling stability equal to that of factory wheels with a lower unit weight. Noticeably improved ride comfort and considerably better agility are further direct results of minimizing the unsprung masses. Handling is also enhanced by the G-POWER G5-RS coil-over suspension with nine-way adjustability for compression and rebound plus infinitely variable height adjustment.

A further factor contributing to the high-speed capabilities of the HURRICANE RS Touring is the G-POWER brake system front and rear. With a disc diameter of 396 mm on the front and 380 mm on the rear, combined with 6 and 4-pot callipers respectively, deceleration forces upwards of 1g are perfectly conceivable. Naturally, the G-POWER brake system boasts a crystal clear biting point and rest assured that fading, even under extreme load, is not an issue. Also worthy of consideration is the optional G-POWER ceramic brake set, which delivers a reduction in unsprung masses of around 50%.

The G-POWER M5 HURRICANE RS Touring does not only set benchmarks in performance, but also when it comes to individuality and exclusivity. The interior of the M5 Touring, upholstered by G-POWER in premium leather and Alcantara offers impressive confirmation of what is possible above and beyond "BMW Individual" equipment. The painstaking work carried out by hand by G-POWER craftsmen goes far beyond simply upholstering virtually every surface with the finest grades of leather and Alcantara. In contrast to many leather workshops, G-POWER takes the time to reshape the original BMW seat cushions. Only thanks to this unique technology can the distinctive look created by G-POWER be achieved in combination with an optimum synthesis of comfort and lateral grip.

The visual highlight of the G-POWER full leather upholstery is the diamond stitching on almost all surfaces, such as the seats, roof pillars and the entire headliner, with even the floor mats and rear load surface finished in this symmetrical pattern. G-POWER logos integrated into the seats and headliner set tasteful accents in this sophisticated composition of the very finest materials.

As a complete vehicle the BMW M5 HURRICANE RS Touring includes the 20" wheel set, suspension, brake system and the power increase to 750 hp, as well as the G-POWER full-leather upholstery to the level illustrated.