So it is an M5 Competition after all, and not a mere M5 Competition Pack. That's a key semantic different, too, because this new M5 marks the introduction of an M restructure by BMW, where more powerful M variants will be offered as standalone models and not just option packs. Presumably this gives it scope to further differentiate the standard M3/M4/M5 from the Competition cars, beginning with this F90 M5. Indeed BMW says this car "raises the bar for dynamism, agility and precision in its class."
Much of what we learnt last week from the leaked info stands true for the M5 Competition. Power is up to 625hp thanks to "meticulous retuning", the 0-124mph time is down to 10.8 seconds and new wheels sit ahead of 'M compound brakes', saving weight over the standard iron rotors.
There's more to the M5 Comp than what's visible on the surface, however. More even, it would seem, than the Competition Pack that so vastly improved the current generation M3. While there are upgrades you might expect - 10 per cent stiffer springs, revised damper settings, a tiny drop in ride height - there are a host of tweaks that come as a bit more of a surprise. There are toe links with ball joints instead of rubber mounts at the rear for "even more precise wheel guidance", a new mounting for the front anti-roll bar, a firmer rear anti-roll bar, shorter auxiliary springs to reduce fluctuation in wheel loads and even new engine mounts. BMW dedicates a whole section in its Competition press bumf to the mounts, suggesting they have a "noticeable impact" on performance abilities thanks to an "even more direct engine response" as well as "immediate transmission of its power to the drivetrain."
Unsurprisingly, the car still runs the same eight-speed auto and M xDrive set up as the regular M5, with all the same adjustable dynamic parameters. Interestingly BMW now offers guidelines on the Variable Damper control, too: apparently Sport is "perfected for testing on the Nurburgring's Nordschleife circuit" (so presumably a B-road as well), with Sport Plus there for "ultra-dynamic driving on grand prix tracks." Comfort, then, is there whenever you're not on any of the above...
Should you not be in a position to show passers by your new anti-roll bar mounting, they will be able to identify a Competition by various black accents (including the sports exhaust), new badges and the aforementioned 'Y-spoke' wheels. Once inside, it is distinguished from the rest by M tricolour seatbelts, new floor mats and an 'M Competition' dash graphic... Just remember all the work done underneath!
BMW says production will begin in July, so expect sales to commence soon after. Prices and UK availability to follow when we have them.
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