THIS IS THE new BMW M5 Competition.
Unlike the M Competition package offered with the previous M5, this is a standalone model. In fact, the launch of the M5 Competition heralds the creation of a new product category for BMW. In future, BMW M GmbH will offer the most powerful variants of its high-performance cars as standalone models.
This high-powered saloon has at its heart a 4.4-litre V8 unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology that produces a maximum output of 625hp at 6,000 rpm. Peak torque is 750Nm and can be enjoyed across a wide rev range – from 1,800 to 5,800rpm. This is a 200-rpm wider band than in the standard version of the new BMW M5.
The M5 Competition has a zero to 100km/h time of a blistering 3.3 seconds and a zero to 200km/h time of 10.8 seconds – 0.3 seconds quicker than in the standard version of the new M5.
The engine is paired with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. Three different modes offering a choice of efficient, sporty or ultra-dynamic driving can be activated using the Drivelogic rocker switch on the gear selector.
The M5 Competition also gets the multi-mode M xDrive four-wheel drive system that allows enthusiastic drivers to select a fully rear-wheel drive setting to allow “handling in its purest form, with no control systems holding the car back”.
Further tweaks include lowering the vehicle by seven millimetres, specific chassis tuning including judicious tweaks to the wheel suspension, springs and dampers and an increased camber at the front axle to enhance the car’s ability to absorb lateral forces through high-speed corners. The rear anti-roll bar also has a firmer spring rate.
Standard specification for the new BMW M5 Competition includes a model-specific M Sport exhaust system with tailpipe embellishers in black chrome. This version of the twin-pipe, flap-controlled exhaust generates a more prominent soundtrack. There’s also exclusive M light-alloy wheels sporting a Y-spoke design in a bi-colour finish. The 20-inch forged wheels are shod with mixed-size tyres measuring 275/35 R 20 at the front and 285/35 R 20 at the rear.
The new BMW M5 competition goes into production in July of this year.
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