This is the new BMW M5 Competition, which Munich says raises the bar for dynamism, agility and precision in its class. It’s a more extreme version of the F90 BMW M5 that has been around since August last year.
The 4.4 litre twin-turbocharged V8 has undergone meticulous retuning to optimise torque and power delivery, BMW says. Power is up by 25 hp over the regular M5 to make 625 hp, and while max torque remains at 750 Nm, that hefty slice of twist is now available from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm, 200 rpm wider than before (5,600 rpm) at the top end. That’s the rev band where max output comes into play (6,000 rpm), which is a nice merger.
Paired to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and the rear-biased M xDrive system, the result is a faster sedan – the M5 Competition does the 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, a tenth faster than the standard M5. The 200 km/h mark is reached from standstill in 10.8 seconds, 0.3 seconds quicker.
A more evocative sound is promised, too. There’s a cross-bank exhaust manifold, particulate filter and model-specific M Sport exhaust system as standard. This version of the flap-controlled, twin-pipe exhaust system produces an “extremely distinctive soundtrack with an even sportier tone” especially at high revs. Engine modes alter the exhaust sound, but the driver can vary its aural character using the M Sound Control button.
The M5 Competition also sports model-specific engine mounting, which have modified characteristics and an increased spring rate – from 580 N/mm to 900 N/mm. BMW says that the V8’s firmer connection to the car’s structure results in more direct engine response, sharper cornering and more engine sound in the cabin.
The model-specific chassis tuning lowers the car by seven millimetres, and includes several tweaks – increased front camber, fitting the toe links with ball joints instead of rubber mounts (more precise wheel guidance at the rear axle), and firmer spring rate of the rear anti-roll bar. The front axle comes with a newly designed mounting for the anti-roll bar. Making the springs 10% stiffer has produced a firmer ride, which also aids steering response. Shorter auxiliary springs reduce fluctuation in wheel loads, as does the unique tuning of the damper hydraulics.
Munich says that the changes can be felt in Comfort mode, while Sport damper settings have been perfected on the Nurburgring. Sport Plus is suited to “ultra-dynamic driving on grand prix tracks”. The M5 Competition’s enhanced capabilities are best appreciated on track, but the dynamic gains have only resulted in a “relatively modest dilution” of ride and suspension comfort, BMW says.
Braking duties are by six-piston fixed callipers and perforated inner-vented discs at the front, and single-piston floating callipers with integrated parking brake at the rear. There’s also the option of M carbon-ceramic brakes. The standard M5 Competition wheels are 20-inch forged items in a Y-spoke design and bi-colour finish. They come with 275/35 front tyres and 285/35 rears.
Wheels aside, the M5 Comp can be distinguished via door openers painted entirely in body colour and gloss black for the whole wing mirror section, gill mesh, kidney grille, rear apron, rear spoiler and M5 boot logo. The latter gains “Competition” lettering. The gloss black bits go with BMW Individual Shadow Line trim for the side window surrounds and B-pillar trim, as well as black chrome tailpipes.
Inside, black seat belts with an understated striped pattern in M colours, floor mats with model-specific piping and M5 logo and the “M Competition” graphic in the instrument cluster sets the hardcore M5 apart.
The launch of the M5 Competition also marks the creation of a new product category, as the M division will from now offer the most powerful variants of its cars as standalone models, like the recent M2 Competition. This is due to strong demand for various model-specific M Competition packages with power upgrades. M Competition packages were first offered on the previous-gen M5 and are currently available for the M4 Coupe/Convertible and M3. Some 40% of all F10-generation M5s sold worldwide had the package.
The regular M5, a RM1 million super sedan, is available in Malaysia via official channels. Read our review here.
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