The new BMW M5 and M5 Competition, based on the revamped G30LCI 5 Series business sedan, are the latest iterations of the pioneering high-performance executive saloon.
The BMW M5 is, and has always been, a massive hoot. From a tuned-up straight-six, to an F1-derived V10, to a twin twin-scroll turbo direct injection V8 in more than a few states of tune over the years, to the manic but masterful previous version we drove last year, every one of them had thrilling performance. The latest generation model gets some key styling updates and enhancements.
As on the new 5 Series, the new BMW one-piece kidney grille is further down into the front apron and sports M‑specific double bars. The restyled front apron has larger air intakes and a large, hexagonal central air intake which incorporates the oil-cooler along with the radar sensor for the Active Cruise Control (ACC). L‑shaped light tubes streaking towards the kidney grille add to the effect of the new LED headlights. The new Shadowline option from BMW Individual adds a dark-tinted accent to the Adaptive LED Headlights and BMW Laserlight. At the rear, the LED tail-lights have a three-dimensional design. The 20-inch M double-spoke wheels, from the BMW M8, are now available as an option. Standard M Compound brakes can be specified with calipers painted in High-gloss Black or High-gloss Red as an alternative to the existing M blue finish.
Inside, the larger 12.3-inch central display makes it easier to keep an eye on the myriad functions of the driving dynamics systems as well as the BMW M xDrive. The two-button operating concept in the centre console comes from the M8. The M Mode button allows toggling between the Road and Sport settings, while the Setup button goes straight to the central display’s menu for individual configuration for the powertrain and chassis options. The BMW M5 Competition also offers a Track mode. Speaking of which.
The 4.4‑litre V8 engine with BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology continues to make 600 hp in the new BMW M5 and a punchier 625 hp in the M5 Competition, with 750 Nm of peak torque available from 1,800 rpm in either case. The eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission with Drivelogic is standard, as is the M xDrive all-wheel drive, which also has a 2WD setting for pure rear-wheel drive for those seeking maximum thrill. Both models, the new BMW M5 and M5 Competition are rated at up to 9.52 km/l and as low as 239 g/km of CO2.
The new BMW M5 Competition also features new shock absorbers from the M8 Gran Coupé and a retuned chassis for even better driveability and handling . It sits seven millimetres lower than the M5 and includes other well-conceived tweaks to the suspension and springs. A set of 20-inch alloy wheels is standard.
The weight for both cars is now up to 1,895 kg. The new BMW M5 will sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and on to 200 km/h in just 11.1 seconds. The M5 Competition does both even quicker: 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and 200 km/h in 10.8 seconds.
A selection of BMW M Performance parts are also on offer including an M colour scheme on the lower apron, forged light alloy wheels, and a slew of carbon-fibre bits including the one-piece grille, mirror covers, air outlet, steering wheel and gear-lever.
The new BMW M5 and M5 Competition should make their way to India following BMW’s onslaught of model launches across the spectrum.
Also read: Electrified new BMW 5 Series
Also read: BMW M5 (F90) Road Test Review
