The CEO of BMW’s M division claims that the new M5 Competition has “no direct competitor”, stating that the Bavarian brand does not build such vehicles “to annoy others”.
BMW M boss Frank van Meel made the comments about the new Competition-badged super-saloon – which draws a considerable 460 kW and 750 N.m from its twin-turbo 4,4-litre V8 – when speaking to BimmerToday.
“There is no direct competitor. We do not build such cars to annoy others, but because we enjoy them. And because our customers enjoy [them] a lot,” Van Meel said.
Of course, a certain firm based in Affalterbach may beg to differ with Van Meel’s assertion, since its 450 kW/850 N.m Mercedes-AMG E63 S offers comparable outputs, a similarly rear-biased all-wheel-drive system and almost-equal claimed 0-100 km/h times (BMW claims 3,3 seconds, while Mercedes-AMG claims 3,4 seconds).
Interestingly, Van Meel also admitted that an even more focussed M5 CS was “conceivable”, although he emphasised that one was not currently in BMW’s plans.
Also read:
- Driven: BMW M5 Competition M xDrive M Steptronic
- Here’s how much the BMW M5 Competition costs in SA
- Test: BMW M5 M xDrive vs. Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic+
