Discussion:2019 BMW M5 Competition: 617-HP Twin-Turbo V8 and Stiffer Chassis for $110,995

[William Maley]

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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[G. David Felt]

? So the 2018 version had a curb weight of 4255, 2019 version has a curb weight of 4370. So an increase of 115 lbs, how is this a Driving machine when it is waddling to the race line? ?

[ccap41]

AWD and computers make up for a lot of things. 

These things sprint to 60 in 3.1 seconds and to 124mph in 10.8 seconds. Weight isn't slowing this thing down much. 

[smk4565]

That is a very nice long press release but an AMG GT sedan is more powerful and faster than this thing and can beat it round the Nürburgring.

[Drew Dowdell]

15 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

That is a very nice long press release but an AMG GT sedan is more powerful and faster than this thing and can beat it round the Nürburgring.

Is there ANY possible way for you to make a valid comparison without blatant attempts to stack the deck towards the brand you're just a fanboi of?  The AMG GT Sedan is a larger car and will be priced an entire CLA more.  It will compete with the M6 and Audi RS7.

[Robert Hall]

The M-B equivalent of the M5 would be the AMG variant of the E-class, as it's always been, not the GT...

Edited May 9, 2018 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[smk4565]

1 hour ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Is there ANY possible way for you to make a valid comparison without blatant attempts to stack the deck towards the brand you're just a fanboi of?  The AMG GT Sedan is a larger car and will be priced an entire CLA more.  It will compete with the M6 and Audi RS7.

The GT 4-door is 2 inches longer than an M5, pretty close, probably more money.  The E63 is just as fast as an M5 though, the E63 wagon does the Nürburgring in 7:42 the M5 sedan is 7:39, I assume an E63 sedan can beat the wagon by 3 seconds.  

The M5 is wicked fast no doubt, but the M5 is under rated anyway, this could have the exact same HP as the base car on the dyno but they just tell you it has more so they can charge more.  

And when are they going to build a real sports car?   I love me some big V8s in a sedan but BMW’s performance cars went from being light weight cars with handling to over sized sedans with a big motor.  They aren’t the Ultimate driving machine anymore, “Better Than Most Driving Machine” should be their new slogan.

[Drew Dowdell]

Well as you so often point out, 2 inches is like a whole different size class if Cadillac is wearing them. If the AMG GT is 2 inches longer than an E class, it is a total failure and no one will buy it.

Back to the M5 and it's actual competition.

[smk4565]

1 hour ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Well as you so often point out, 2 inches is like a whole different size class if Cadillac is wearing them. If the AMG GT is 2 inches longer than an E class, it is a total failure and no one will buy it.

Back to the M5 and it's actual competition.

Well I think the GT is 3 inches longer than an E-class since the 5-series is bigger than the E, but neither here nor there.  The GT 4-door is more like a track car and performance car, it is a bit more hardcore, the E-class is a luxury car first that offers a big engine.  You could flip a coin as to which is better because each are going to have an edge in certain categories.

The difference is the M5 is the Ultimate of the Ultimate Driving Machines, and the E63 is like the middle level AMG car.  Maybe they will have an M8 that will do something.