It’s a fact that German brand BMW consistently make real drivers cars and it doesn’t get much better than models designated with the letter ‘M’. Various models have received the ‘M’ Treatment and on this occasion our chosen version is the M5; but it doesn’t end there because, with this variant specifically, the word ‘Competition’ has been added. BMW Aficionados will know what to expect: A long bonnet, a short back and power aplenty.
On The Outside
A host of BMW M-specific design features distinguish this high performance version from other BMW 5 Series models. The bonnet (hood) is made from aluminium, the front side panels with the signature M gills and the roof made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic, the whole creating a striking look while also producing substantial weight savings. The traditional, but newly designed, BMW kidney grille featured on the BMW 5 Series has a more upright appearance and drops down further into the front apron. On the BMW M5 Competition, it features a black surround, M-specific double fins and a black M5 Competition badge.
The front apron has been revised with bolder contouring and larger air intakes at the sides, with a large central, hexagonal-shaped intake incorporating the oil cooler together with the radar sensor for the Active Cruise Control system. The front end is completed with new Adaptive LED headlights coupled with high-beam assist as standard, or there’s a choice of optional BMW ‘Laserlights’, which feature distinctive L-shaped light tubes moving in narrow streaks towards the kidney grille.
M gills on the sides and the streamlined M exterior mirrors, both also finished in high-gloss black, add to the car’s exclusive design features. At the rear, there’s a new apron with a large diffuser and black inserts, while restyled LED lights provide a fresh take on the familiar BMW L shape with their precise light graphic and three-dimensional feel. The boot also has a high-gloss Black finish spoiler and black M5 Competition badging. Completing the exterior are M-specific twin tailpipes, now with thinner, more precise sidewalls, in striking Black Chrome. There’s also a choice of 20 inch alloy wheels.
On The Inside
Both the driver and front passenger in the BMW M5 Competition enjoy standard M Multifunction seats with illuminated M5 logos in the head restraints that are finished in the highest quality Merino leather. The heated seats offer electric adjustment of various settings, including the seat cushion depth, plus pneumatic backrest width adjustment to provide optimum lateral support under hard driving and a memory function for the driver’s seat.
The introduction of a new operating concept and a larger central display with a diagonal of 12.3 inches makes it even easier to keep a clear eye on the myriad functions associated with the driving dynamic systems and BMW M xDrive all-wheel-drive. Two new buttons on the centre console provide more direct access to system settings and the various readouts in the instrument cluster and of course there’s a Head‑Up Display.
At the press of the M Mode button, the driver can switch swiftly between the ROAD and SPORT settings. Keeping the M Mode button pressed, then confirming the prompt in the central display, engages TRACK mode (Beware. This mode is track specific. All driver aids go off. Don’t say we didn’t mention it!)
The standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional brings in the latest BMW Operating System 7.0 and a host of digital services as standard. The new BMW M5 Competition includes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with the latest extended functionality. This technology learns routines, habits and preferences to help the driver get the best out of the in-car functionality. Smartphone Integration is offered as standard, without any runtime limitations, and is now compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Offered for the first time on the new BMW M5 Competition is the Remote Software Upgrade functionality that keeps the vehicle up to date with the latest software. All updates can be imported over the air, either on a smartphone via BMW Connected or directly into the car using its built-in SIM card. The standard specification of the BMW M5 Competition has been further improved by including sun protection glass, the new BMW Individual Lights Shadow Line, split rear folding seats and more as standard. As ever for new orders, there exists an extensive options list.
On The Road
At the heart of the BMW M5 Competition is a 4.4 litre V8 engine with M ‘TwinPower’ Turbo technology. The high-revving, eight-cylinder unit develops 625hp at 6,000rpm. Peak torque of 750Nm is on tap between 1,800 and 5,860rpm. The characteristics of the V8 can be altered at the touch of a button from the EFFICIENT mode to SPORT and SPORT+, the latter two further enhancing the engine’s response to movements of the accelerator. In performance mode, this car sprints from 0-62mph in 3.3 seconds, with 0-124mph achieved in 10.8 seconds. The car is further enhanced by a new suspension system, mighty brakes and even new engine mounts for a smoother ride.
This power-plant drives through an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission that enables short shift times and fast, precise responses to every nudge of the accelerator. The ‘Drivelogic’ switch on the gear selector allows three modes for efficient, sporty or dynamically intense track driving with rapid gear shifts. The driver can use both the selector lever and the shift paddles on the steering wheel to take control of gear changes manually. Needless to say grip is enhanced by the all-wheel-drive system which, being from BMW, is biased toward the rear wheels, just as it should be.
This car is not only the fastest M Series yet, it is also the most comfortable making everyday driving a pleasure, even around town. Get out on the highways and its character will change – a lot. We have never heard any keen driver criticise this car. It’s magnificent and it is possible to import one from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand, the Caribbean and other global destinations. To do this your first port of call is MHH International.
