The potent new BMW M5 Competition Edition has been revealed, and six units have been set aside for the South African market.
Likely conceived as a last hurrah for the current F10-generation of the 5 Series, the M5 Competition Edition raises the performance bar further still, and is limited to just 200 examples worldwide. Expect our six examples to arrive in November, each priced from R1 964 500.
So, just how much extra oomph are we talking about here? Well, the forced induction 4,4-litre V8’s peak outputs have been raised to 441 kW and 700 N.m, thanks to an increase in boost pressure as well as “targeted modifications” to the engine management.
That’s a hike of 29 kW and 20 N.m over the “standard” M5, and a smidgen more than the current range-topping 423 kW BMW M5 Competition Package model, too. It also matches the output of the special “Pure Metal M5” that was introduced in 2015 as a then-SA-exclusive model (incidentally, this edition will now also be offered in the United States, limited to 50 units).
As with the Pure Metal M5, the result is a zero to 100 km/h sprint of just 3,9 seconds, four-tenths faster than the normal M5.
The Competition Package, meanwhile, is supplied as standard on the BMW M5 Competition Edition and serves to enhance the car’s handling characteristics. It includes a 10 mm drop in ride height and a firmer setup of spring and damper systems.
The M5 Competition Edition will be available in two colours: 100 units in Carbon Black metallic and 100 in Mineral White metallic. Only the Mineral White metallic option, though, will be available in South Africa.
Also included is a set of 20-inch double-spoke M light alloy wheels with a Jet Black finish and with mixed tyres (265/35 ZR20 at the front, 295/30 ZR20 at the rear). M Performance parts in carbon, such as the rear diffuser, the gurney on the boot-lid and the mirror caps, are also part of the package.
The final exterior updates come in the form of the high-gloss-black kidney grille and side gills bearing the lettering “M5 Competition”.
Inside, there are carbon trim strips bearing “M5 Competition 1/200” lettering. Full leather trim (in Merino Black with contrasting stitching in Opal White) and floor mats (in Anthracite with leather Merino Opal White bordering) come standard. Both the driver and front passenger sit in M multifunctional seats, with the “M5” logo embroidered on the headrests in white.
Further standard equipment highlights include the 1 200 watt Bang & Olufsen surround sound system, head-up display, and lane departure warning.
