Fair to say BMW's M Division has had
rather a tough time
M diesels
M4x4s
haven't helped the cause, an increasing gap between illustrious heritage and
modern
reality
alienating enthusiasts
Tweaks to various systems equate to more M
So here's its response. A lightly revised
M5
with some natty new lights, a different grille and enhanced iDrive doesn't exactly pique the interest, but a new Competition Pack option on every M5 and
M6
model certainly does. It clearly hasn't escaped BMW's attention that the M5's rivals in particular have upped the ante in the power stakes recently, the 585hp Mercedes
E63AMG S
most noticeably. The latest
Audi RS6
matches the standard M5 on 560hp, and the
Jaguar XFR-S
is just a fraction behind on 550hp, up from 510.
The Competition Pack adds more power to both the M5 and M6's 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. It takes the maximum output to 575hp, 15 up from standard. Torque remains unchanged, at 502lb ft. Which equates to a tenth off the 0-62 time and two tenths off 0-124mph.
Previous Competition Packs haven't added power, focusing instead on sharpening handling responses; to that end, the latest pack offered on the four M5 and M6 variants comprises a host of tweaks from standard. The springs and dampers have been retuned, and the anti-roll bars are now firmer. BMW claims this lowers the M5's suspension by 10mm, with the M6 coupe, convertible and Gran Coupe unaffected.
575hp to go chasing E63 S, RS6 and XFR-S
The M Differential now has an individual control unit to boost traction whilst the steering now features 'more direct mapping', which aims to increase agility and allow 'firm and secure contact with the road'. Indeed. Furthermore, the M Dynamic Mode has been recalibrated and is now 'more acutely geared to sporty handling characteristics'. We would interpret that as it being more lenient, and allowing more slip before the electronics intervene.
Cosmetically, Competition Pack M5s and M6s will be distinguished by some new 20-inch wheels and black-finished exhaust pipes.
Prices for the revised M5 and the Competition Pack are still to be confirmed. Given the E63 S saloon starts at £83,740 and the XFR-S will cost £79,995, a small rise over the M5's current £73,350 list price seems likely.
New wheels take out visual weight, not actual
Is it enough? The PH verdict on the
M3
Competition Pack
(which cost £3,315 in 2010) was that it felt little different on the road to the standard car. Some track driving may have revealed quicker responses, but the modifications felt subtle. For now, we'll have to assume something similar will be true for the larger BMW M cars, but secretly hope for more tangible gains.
Unfortunately, the news of a facelift didn't bring the announcement of another M5 Touring. Hopefully the rumoured 6 Series estate will make production and spawn an M rival for the Mercedes CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake. There's a surefire way back into PH's affections...