BMW is making the M5 just a slightly bit more aggressive with the debut of the M5 Competition. Following in the footsteps of the M2 Competition, the M5 version tweaks the powertrain, chassis, and exterior.
Beginning under the hood, the twin-turbo 4.4L V8 sees a slight boost in horsepower from 600 to 617. Torque remains at 553 pound-feet, although BMW has broadened the peak torque range. 0-60 mph sees a slight improvement of 0.3 seconds - 3.1 vs. 3.4.
For the chassis, BMW has added stiffer engine mounts, M-specific Variable Damper Control system, revised mounting points for the front anti-roll bar, lowered ride height, and a stiffer rear anti-roll bar.
To have the Competition stand out from other M5s, BMW has blacked out a number trim pieces, along with the door handles and fender vents. A set of forged 20-inch alloy wheels are standard.
Pricing for the M5 Competition begins at $110,995, which includes a $995 destination charge. That's about $7,000 more than the standard M5. Production begins in July.
Source: BMW
Press Release Highlights
The M5 Competition marks the creation of a new standalone Competition segment within BMW M's lineup. Previously, Competition was offered as an optional package — roughly 40 percent of all previous-generation M5s sold worldwide were equipped with it. Now it's its own model.
Powertrain
The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 produces 617 hp at 6,000 rpm and 553 lb-ft of torque between 1,800 and 5,860 rpm — a 160-rpm wider band than the standard M5. The result is a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds and 0-124 mph in 10.8 seconds, both 0.3 seconds quicker. A model-specific M Sport exhaust system produces a sportier tone, especially at high revs. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, or 189 mph with the optional M Driver's Package.
Chassis and Handling
Stiffer engine mounts reduce powertrain movement, sharpening throttle response and turn-in. The M-specific Variable Damper Control system gets firmer tuning across all modes, ride height drops by 7mm, and both front and rear anti-roll bars are stiffer. The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system and Active M Differential carry over, and a rear-wheel-drive-only mode remains available via the DSC-off setting.
Exterior
High-gloss black finishes cover the door handles, mirror caps, kidney grille surrounds, fender vents, rear spoiler, and tailpipes (black chrome). The "M5" badge gains "Competition" lettering. Forged 20-inch alloy wheels with star-spoke design (789 M) are standard, wearing 275/35 front and 285/35 rear tires.
Key Specifications
Engine | 4.4L M TwinPower Turbo V8
Horsepower | 617 hp @ 6,000 RPM
Torque | 553 lb-ft @ 1,800-5,860 RPM
Transmission | 8-speed M Steptronic
Drivetrain | M xDrive All-Wheel Drive
0-60 MPH | 3.1 seconds
Top Speed | 155 mph (189 mph with M Driver's Package)
Wheelbase | 117.4 inches
Overall Length | 195.5 inches
Curb Weight | 4,345 lbs
MSRP | $110,995 (includes destination)
Full press release available from BMW Group PressClub.
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