600hp BMW M5 Competition Edition revealed

BMW has revealed a special Competition Edition of the M5 to celebrate the F10 generation M5 sedan as it reaches the end of its life.

Limited to just 200 models, the M5 Competition Edition's power has been boosted to 600.21hp, courtesy of increased boost from a recalibrated ECU. Torque has been increased to 699.60Nm as well. The power upgrades mean that the new car can go from 0-100km in 3.9 seconds, but the top speed remains electronically limited to 249.44kph (the top speed of the world's fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa).

The special edition M5 comes with the M Competition Package as standard which provides stiffer spring and damper response than the standard M5, and thicker anti-roll bars, as well as tweaks to the electronically controlled limited slip differential for a sportier response. The six-piston brakes are finished in glossy Jet Black paint.

The M5 Competition Edition sports a number of carbonfibre BMW M Performance exterior parts, including rear spoiler, rear diffuser and mirror caps, as well as a gloss-black grille and 20-inch Jet Black alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the interior features a full Black Merino leather interior with Opal White contrast stitching, plus M Performance trim with a special '1/200' engraving. BMW will offer the car with the option of just two paint colours – Mineral White or Carbon Black.

It also gets plenty of creature comforts, including LED headlights, reversing camera, an electronic tailgate, heated seats, electric rear sunblinds and a Bang and Olufsen sound system.

The Competition Edition will be the final hurrah for the F10 generation M5, which was launched in international markets in 2011. An all-new model is being prepared for 2017. Spyshots of prototypes suggest that the new car will keep its rear-wheel drive layout and V8 power (although AWD will be offered as well), but is likely to be up to 100kg lighter than the outgoing model thanks to BMW’s increased understanding of carbonfibre, developed through its eco-friendly i cars. The new M5 will sit on BMW’s advanced Cluster Architecture platform, and boast upgraded aerodynamics, with some insiders suggesting it will have active aero components.