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Fitting tribute? We drive BMW's R1.9-million M5 Pure Metal in SA

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Cape Town - The current generation BMW M5 F10 is reaching the end of its life cycle. In fact, the automaker is already testing the next-generation 5 Series sedan.

As a parting gift to all top-performing BMW M markets in the world, the automaker released a South African-specific variant called the 'Pure Metal'

Rare M5 

Only 20 units were built and shipped to Mzansi. Each sold for as near as makes no difference R2-million!

The Pure Metal edition borrows heavily from the M5 Competition Package and features a revised chassis set-up (with firmer spring/damper tuning), a 10mm drop in ride height and the automaker's Active M Differential.

The Wheels24 team experienced the Pure Metal in Cape Town and squeezed as much driving as humanely possible in one of the rarest M5s in the country. 

Here are five things we discovered about the Pure Metal: 

1. Its 4.4-litre V8 turbo sounds incredible on start-up: 

Listen to that grin-inducing noise, it's enough to make rival supercars nervous. 

That noise. #BMW #M5 #PureMetal #CarsofInstagram

A video posted by Wheels24 (@wheels24_sa) on

2. It has huge carbon ceramic brakes (and 20" M-specific wheels). 

The Pure Metal features carbon-ceramic brakes, usually reserved for supercars, for supreme stopping power. They were put to the test in Cape Town as the city was lashed by torrential rain during our test period in July. 

The ceramic brakes are lighter than the standard steel versions and once they're appropriately heated up will bring the M5 to a halt faster than you could say 'Malema for President'. 

A photo posted by Wheels24 (@wheels24_sa) on

3. It's incredibly fast!

The M5 Pure Metal's power is hiked up to 441kW and 700Nm. 0-100km/h is dispatched in a claimed 3.9 seconds with the setting in Sport+ and the gear change ferocity on its maximum.  

The seven-speed M-DCT gearbox provides lightening-quick changes that deliver a thump every time it hits the next gear. 

Top speed is raised to an eye-watering 305km/h. But that figure can only be achieved on a long runway or Germany's famed Autobahn. 

4. It sounds amazing (but maybe not as great as the V10)

Listening to the V8 starting up is one thing, but hearing the full roar of its V8 left us with mixed feelings about BMW's engine switch.

We might have been slightly disappointed by fact that BMW relegated the V10 engine for the F10 model, but despite it being two-cylinders fewer it's now turbocharged. 

The V10 sounded incredible, and the new V8... well listen to it and let us know what you think by commenting on our Instagram page:

A video posted by Wheels24 (@wheels24_sa) on

5. A driver's dream

The Wheels24 team unanimously agree that the 5 Series is one of the best drivers cars in its segment. Add an M5 badge and the sedan is elevated into a Ferrari-rivalling performance car.

The M5 Pure Metal retains all the driving comfort of the standard 5 Series, including its voluminous boot, but adds supercar-hunting power in a five-door package that's as comfortable on regular roads as it is setting lap times on a race track. 

Its steering is precise, unflappable in terms of handling and when driven hard will leave you breathless. With only 20 Pure Metal models in SA, this special send-off reminds us why the M5 is so highly revered. 

A photo posted by Wheels24 (@wheels24_sa) on

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