BMW has unveiled the M5 Competition model and, with its 625hp of power, it goes quicker off-the-line than its arch-rival, the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S; it does 0-100kph in 3.3sec (0.1sec quicker than the regular M5 and the E 63 S) and 0-200kph in 10.8sec (0.3sec improvement over standard M5).
Its engine delivers peak torque of 750Nm from 1,800rpm, the same as the regular M5’s, but it's produced over a 200rpm-wider range that ends at 5,800rpm. BMW says the model gets “even more direct responses and bespoke chassis tuning to ensure a race-inspired driving experience”.
Power is sent to all four wheels via the same eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive system as the standard M5. There's an Active M Differential at the rear axle to enhance traction and give the car its rearward power bias.
Changes over the regular M5 include BMW's M Sport exhaust system as standard (the volume of which can be adjusted via a button), as well as new engine mounts that have a higher spring rate to provide faster engine responses and help increase structural rigidity across the car’s front. The model also sits on more performance-focused suspension that reduces body roll and lowers the ride height by 7mm.
Small aesthetic adjustments are made as a nod to the car's enhanced performance, including gloss black for the surround on the front and side grilles and rear boot lip, plus Competition badging.
This hotter M5 variant is the fourth Competition model in BMW’s line-up, joining the M3 Competition, M4 Competition and newly introduced M2 Competition. The M2 Competition replaced the M2, whereas the other models are offered alongside their standard siblings.
This BMW M car's rival, the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4Matic+, has been brought to India and retails at an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.5 crore. There is no word on whether BMW will bring the M5 Competition to the country, however, it has recently launched the standard M5 at Rs 1.43 crore (ex-showroom, India).
Also see:
2018 BMW M5 India video review
2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic+ review, track drive