The new BMW M5 Competition has finally been officially unveiled, boasting a 19 kW hike in engine output over the standard model plus what the Munich-based brand describes as “bespoke chassis tuning”.
The M5 Competition is scheduled to launch in South Africa in the third quarter of 2018. BMW says its arrival “heralds the creation of a new product category”, with the most powerful variants of its division’s vehicles to be offered as “standalone models” (rather than as an add-on package) from now on.
The F90-generation M5 Competition’s twin-turbo 4,4-litre V8 produces 460 kW at 6 000 r/min (seeing it surpass the 450 kW power figure achieved by Mercedes-AMG E63 S), while peak torque is unchanged at 750 N.m (although offered over a wider range than the standard M5, from 1 800 to 5 800 r/min). The eight-speed M Steptronic transmission is carried over from the standard version.
The added oomph results in a claimed zero to 100 km/h time of 3,3 seconds (a one-tenth improvement over the standard M5) and a zero to 200 km/h sprint in a claimed 10,8 seconds (some three-tenths quicker). Top speed is limited to 250 km/h, although specifying the optional M Driver’s Package raises that figure to 305 km/h.
The all-wheel-drive M5 Competition furthermore features a model-specific M Sport exhaust system (with tailpipe embellishers in black chrome) as standard, which BMW promises “generates a strikingly prominent soundtrack”. A particulate filter has also been fitted.
Another important addition is the model-specific engine mounting package, which the Bavarian automaker says “has a noticeable impact” on the M5’s performance abilities. The engine mounts have “modified characteristics” and an increased spring rate, which BMW says results in “even more direct engine response”, “immediate transmission of power” and more direct turn-in.
Model-specific chassis tuning lowers the M5 Competition by a further 7 mm and includes “judicious tweaks” to the wheel suspension, springs and dampers. The increased camber at the front axle, for instance, is said to enhance the car’s ability to absorb lateral forces through high-speed corners. And the rear anti-roll bar also boasts a firmer spring rate, while the front axle is equipped with a newly designed mounting for the anti-roll bar. Making the springs some 10 percent stiffer has furthermore produced what BMW calls “a firmer ride”.
The M5 Competition gains special M light-alloy wheels sporting a Y-spoke design in a bi-colour finish. The 20-inch forged items are shod with mixed-size tyres, measuring 275/35 R20 fore and 285/35 R20 aft.
The high-gloss Shadow Line trim is included as standard, and is applied to the kidney grille surround, the decorative mesh of the M gills, the trim for the rear bumper covering and the side-mirror caps. The rear spoiler and “M5” boot lid badge – the latter gaining “Competition” lettering – also come in high-gloss black.
Inside the car, the seat belts feature BMW M stripes, while the floor mats gain special piping and an “M5” logo. In addition, an “M Competition” graphic appears in the instrument cluster to greet the driver when the vehicle is started.
