The new BMW M5 Competition wields 616bhp – 25bhp more than the standard model - to make it quicker off-the-line than its arch-rival, the Mercedes-AMG E63 S.
With a 0-62mph sprint of 3.3sec, it's 0.1 quicker to the mark than the regular M5 and the E63 S. With a 0-124mph run of 10.8sec, it also has a 0.3sec improvement over the standard M5.
Its engine delivers peak torque of 553lb ft from 1800rpm, the same as the regular M5’s, but it's produced over a 200rpm-wider range that ends at 5800rpm. BMW says the model gets “even more direct responses and bespoke chassis tuning to ensure a race-inspired driving experience”.
Power is sent to all four wheels via the same eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive system as the standard M5. There's an Active M Differential at the rear axle to enhance traction and give the car its rearward power bias.
Changes over the standard M5 include BMW's M Sport exhaust system as standard, the volume of which can be adjusted via a button, as well as new engine mounts with a higher spring rate to provide faster engine responses and help to increase structural rigidity across the front of the car. The model also sits on more performance-focused suspension that reduces body roll and lowers the ride height by 7mm.
Small aesthetic adjustments are made as a nod to the car's enhanced performance, including gloss black for the surround on the front and side grilles and rear boot lip, plus Competition badging.
This hotter M5 variant is the fourth Competition model in BMW’s line-up, joining the BMW M3 Competition, M4 Competition and newly introduced M2 Competition. The M2 Competition replaced the M2, whereas the other models are offered alongside their standard siblings.
