► Seared version of M5
► 0-62mph in 3.3 seconds
► 615bhp, because
The sports saloon arms race continues, and the M5 Competition is the latest onslaught from Munich. Featuring a rather silly 615bhp on tap, sharpened handling and several exterior tweaks, BMW’s extreme saloon takes the already impressive M5 and goes a step further. BMW says it has ‘imposing levels of thrust,’ and we’re inclined to agree.
How fast is it?
The M5 Competition features a raft of changes over the standard car, but the biggest difference is confined to the engine bay. The M5’s 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo now cranks out a total of 615bhp at 6000rpm, and peak torque is now 553 ft lbs at 1800 to 5800 rpm – a 200rpm larger window than before.
The all-important 0-62mph time is now down to just 3.3 seconds, while the M5 Competition will also hit 124mph from a standstill in just 10.8 seconds – 0.3 seconds faster than the standard car.
The M5 Competition uses the same 8-speed M Steptronic transmission as before.
Sharper handling
BMW has lowered the standard M5 by 7mm, and there’s also changes to the suspension, springs and dampers too. Increased camber at the front of the car promises to increase high speed stability, while a rear anti-roll bar should make the the M5 Competition feel more rigid and responsive, too.
A 10% stiffer suspension may give you a slightly bumpier ride, but BMW says the result is an improvement in steering-wheel feel – even noticeable in Comfort mode. A Sport mode sets the car’s dampers up for a few hot laps of the Nurburgring, while Sport Plus will give the M5 Competition an even more track-focused feel.
Just like the ‘standard’ M5, the Competition drives power to all four wheels by default, but comes with an optional rear-wheel-drive only mode for ‘less precise’ corner exits.
And the outside?
Just like the recently unveiled BMW M2 Competition, the M5 hasn’t escaped without cosmetic changes. Like the M2 Comp, the upgraded M5 gets a shiny gloss black double-kidney grill, body colour door handles, a gloss back gurney and rear apron – and an optional M5 Competition badge in gloss black, too. We’re not too sure about that last one.
How much will it cost?
Prices are still TBC, but expect something further north of the standard M5’s £90,000 price tag.