BMW has updated the M5 super-saloon alongside the facelifted 5-series range. There are only tiny visual tweaks, but the big news is a new Competition Package version to take the fight to the new Mercedes E63 AMG S.
What modifications do M5s fitted with the Competition Package get?
More power for a kick-off. Like the regular M5, the Competition is powered by a bi-turbo 4.4-litre V8, driving the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Output has been raised from 552bhp to 567bhp, trumping the outputs of the new Audi RS6 (552bhp) and Porsche Panamera Turbo S (542bhp). The new Mercedes E63 AMG S still tops the super-exec power charts, with 577bhp.
The power bump drops the M5 Competition’s 0-62mph time by 0.1sec to 4.3sec, and reaches 124mp 0.2sec faster than before. The top speed remains limited to 155mph.
The Competition Package also brings stiffer springs dampers and anti-roll bars, with a 10mm overall ride heightdrop to improve the car’s agility. The adaptive steering rack has been retuned, and the Active M Differential has been tweaked for better traction.
What about those visual tweaks?
Most obvious on the M5 Competition Pack are the new lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels. Their double-spoke design is mirrored in the new ‘double-spoke’ kidney grilles, which now feature yet another M5 badge. The M5 Competition also gets a new sports exhaust with dark chrome tailpipes. Like the rest of the 5-series range, there are lightly revised front and rear light units, and a slim-spoked steering wheel design inside.
Is the Competition Package only available on the new BMW M5?
No – you can have it on the M6 and M6 Gran Coupe as well. BMW hasn’t announced prices for the Competition Package yet, though taking the last-gen M6 as a rough guide, the upgraded cars cost around £2500 more than the standard M6 models.