It’s the most wonderful time of the year for those fortunate enough: ski season. Nothing better to dispense with the January blues than sun, snow and après-ski. Or bring some extra sparkle to the festive period, in fact, a white Christmas just like in the movies. And those that need Chamonix transport this year - flying is a lot of hassle, France isn’t that far with the right car - have just the thing from Manhart: the MH5 450. It’s even snow-coloured.
Note this isn’t a new 5 Series Touring, Manhart instead opting to overhaul the previous G31 generation of wagon. Probably as that was available as a 540i, whereas nowadays the only way into the 3.0-litre six is with the hybrid add-on of 550e spec. Plus it’s only just been launched. Hardly like anyone is going to feel shortchanged in an old 5 Series; the tech won’t be quite as lavish, though it still be more than plush enough for hours on the autoroute.
The 3.0-litre turbo six in the old 540is was, of course, the venerable BMW B58, so 450hp and 406lb ft is little more than an exhaust and ECU fiddle away. That’ll make it feel usefully quicker than the standard 340hp/332lb ft, particularly with standard xDrive to launch it from toll barriers, with further tuning possible if required. While modesty might typically be the key for a tuned Touring, the four pipes do look right at home here.
You’ll recognise the familiar Manhart overhaul by now, though the MH5 450 does go without any gold. The wheels are Manhart’s own Concave One design, and given how many cars are on huge rims with low-profile tyres these days, maybe winter rubber in 255/35 ZR20 and 285/30 ZR20 sizes won’t be impossible. The 5 Series sits a little lower on H&R springs as well, another modification that maybe you wouldn’t think of for a 40i Touring - but does make it look quite smart.
The bodykit features a new front spoiler lip, side skirts, diffuser and rear spoiler. Given the look of some BMWs escaping from both Manhart and the factory of late, it’s pleasingly subtle. Perhaps a two-tone roofbox to match the paint job is a little OTT, though there’ll surely be greater crimes against style visible on the slopes. As ways to pack in lots of people and lots of stuff for a trip to Europe, there will be many less appealing.
Manhart even has a sale on now, with 40 per cent off the ECU tuning and wheels, so those wanting to spruce up an old BMW estate have all the more reason to. With early six-cylinder G31s now from £25k, there’s something like all the car you’d ever need possible for £30,000. Just don’t forget the roofbox…
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