What Happens When The M5 Loses Restraint And Gains Nearly 800 HP

Some people are still on the fence about the latest-gen BMW M5, criticizing it for either being too heavy, using a hybridized V8 engine, or both. AC Schnitzer has just released upgrade packages for both the M5 Sedan and Touring, boosting performance and adding to their already wild looks. And if these changes don’t make you yearn to own a new M5, perhaps nothing will.

The German brand’s changes start with the powertrain. In stock form, the M5’s hybridized 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 delivers an almighty 717 hp, but AC Schnitzer is looking to increase this to 799 hp thanks to some software tweaks and a stainless steel exhaust system. Granted, these gains may not be astronomical, but they should most definitely be felt from behind the wheel anyway.

Read: BMW Tuners Are Already Trying To Fix The New X3’s Styling

Several visual updates have also been introduced for the M5 Sedan and Touring. For example, both body styles now include new front splitters with subtle aerodynamic canards, while AC has also developed a lowering kit for the car that drops the ride height by 20 mm (0.7 inches). That may not sound like a lot, but when paired with a set of new forged wheels, has a transformative effect on how the M5 looks.

Speaking of the wheels, they are AC Schnitzer‘s AC6 model, are available with an aluminum or glass black finish, and measure 21×10.5 at the front with 285/35 tires and 21×11 at the rear with 295/35 tires. For shoppers who’d rather stick with the original BMW M wheels, the tuner offers 7 mm (0.3 inch) spacers to get the perfect fitment within the arches.

At the rear, both models get new diffusers and the Touring has a larger roof spoiler, while the Sedan gets a lip spoiler on the trunklid. Owners can also pay to get aluminum pedals, a new key holder, and an aluminum cover for the iDrove controller.