BMW has pulled the cover off the new range-topping BMW M5 Competition ahead of the models arrival in the second half of 2018.
Introduced as the most powerful and focused M5 ever built, the BMW M5 Competition takes the new all-wheel drive BMW M5 to another performance level - so much so that BMW have decided to rejig their performance hierarchy.
The launch of the M5 Competition marks the creation of a new product category for BMW. Going forward the company's most extreme high-performance cars will all be positioned as standalone models.
As with the recently revealed M2 Competition, the new M5 Competition will sit atop the M5 in the 5 Series line-up rather then being a optional ‘Competition Package’ enhancement package as was offered with the previous model.
Identifiable with special wheels and interior, the new top-spec M5 feature a raft of Competition-specific tweaks headlined by a revised V8 engine under the bonnet.
The M5 Competiton uses the same 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 from the M5, but BMW M engineers have extracted more power thanks to a complete re-tune focused on delivering the best possible racetrack-ready performance.
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Peak power is now 460kW at 6,000rpm, an increase of 19kW over the M5. Torque matches the M5 with 750Nm but will be on tap for longer, available from 1,800 to 5,800rpm – an additional 200rpm for peak torque production. 0 to 100km/h is now achieved in 3.3 seconds, with 200km/h achieved in an astounding 10.8 seconds; 0.3 faster than the M5.
The M5 Completion also employs new engine mounts - 900N/mm of spring rate as opposed to the standard M5’s 580N/mm - for better response to driver inputs and less slack in power and handling delivery.
A model-specific M Sport exhaust system is fitted as standard, and flows out of a cross-bank exhaust manifold used for better throttle response from the turbos. This system is flap-controlled, with the acoustic profile changing between Comfort, Sport or Sport Plus drive modes. As in the regular M5, a specific exhaust button is mounted on the centre console to reduced noise where required.
Transferring the engine’s power to the M xDrive four-wheel drive system is a revised M Steptronic eight-speed automatic transmission. Three different transmission modes are available and a specifically-designed transmission oil cooler takes care of temperatures on-track.
The M xDrive system is rear-biased and adjustable, and like the M5, x Drive can be switched off in ‘2WD’ mode via the car’s iDrive system.
Also hidden under the body is a raft of chassis tweaks. The familiar M-specific double wishbone front and five-link rear suspensions has been altered for better on-track performance. The suspension design allows for increased negative camber on the front axle, while the rear suspension toe links are now attached via racing-style ball joints rather than rubber mounts.
Suspension spring rates have increased ten per cent for the front and rear axles and a new mounting design for the front anti-roll bar delivers improved response, while the rear anti- roll bar’s spring rate has been lifted to reduce understeer. The M5 Competition is also 7mm lower.
BMW M5 Competition (right) and M5
M compound brakes are standard on the BMW M5 Competition with six-piston calipers up front and a lightweight, floating single-piston caliper in the rear. M Carbon Ceramic discs are also available as an option.
Forged bi-colour, Y-spoke 20-inch wheels are fitted are exclusive to the BMW M5 Competition measuring 275/35/R20 on the front axle and 285/35/R20 on the rear.
Other exclusive exterior components include body colour door handles, mirror caps, M gills on the front flanks and high-gloss Shadow Line window surrounds and b-pillar trims.
High-gloss black used on the kidney grilles, rear bumper cover, rear spoiler, and M5 boot lid logo, which features ‘Competition’ lettering for the first time. Black chrome exhaust outlets complete the exterior theme.
In the cabin, black seat belts with striped BMW stitching, paired with M5 floor mats and the drivers seat features ‘M Competition’ graphics.
Further details, including full specification and pricing will be announced closer to the M5 Competition’s launch date in the second half of 2018.
The M5 Competition is due to go into production in July and the first models are expected to arrive in New Zealand before the end of the year.
