The all-new BMW M5 Competition now available in Singapore

BMW Asia and Performance Munich Autos today announced the availability of the all-new BMW M5 Competition, the most powerful version yet of its high-performance BMW M5 sedan. The all-new BMW M5 Competition raises the bar for dynamism, agility and precision in its class – with the engine output at 625 hp (an increase of 25 hp on the standard BMW M5), together with even sharper response and a bespoke chassis tuning, a driving experience with motor racing undertones is guaranteed at all times. As such, the all-new BMW M5 Competition blends supreme performance and a superbly exclusive aura with the unruffled ease in everyday use for which BMW M models are renowned.

Engine: more power and performance characteristics all of its own.

The emotion-packed driving experience of the all-new BMW M5 Competition stems from the unique performance characteristics of its engine. The high-revving power unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology developed for the standard BMW M5 has undergone meticulous retuning to optimise torque and power delivery.

The 4.4-litre V8 generates a maximum output of 625 hp, available at 6,000 rpm. Peak torque stands at 750 Nm across an extremely wide rev range – from 1,800 to 5,860 rpm (i.e. a  260-rpm wider band than in the BMW M5). The linear power build-up is thus sustained into a rev band where the engine’s maximum output comes into play, generating formidable propulsive force in the all-new BMW M5 Competition. The power delivery results in an incredible 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 3.3 seconds, while the 200 km/h mark is reached from a standing start in 10.8 seconds – 0.3 seconds quicker than in the standard version of the BMW M5.

M Sport exhaust system develops an unmistakable sound.

The V8 engine’s technological prowess includes a cross-bank exhaust manifold. Here, precisely directed exhaust gas flows ensure exceptionally quick turbocharger response along with an optimised gas-exchange cycle. To further reduce the pollutants contained in the exhaust gases, the all-new BMW M5 Competition is also fitted with a particulate filter.

The all-new BMW M5 Competition comes with a model-specific M Sport exhaust system as standard. This version of the flap-controlled, twin-pipe exhaust system produces an extremely distinctive soundtrack with an extremely sporty tone – especially when the engine is being pushed hard and at high revs – and thereby further intensifies the emotionally rich experience created by the V8’s immense propulsive power. The various engine modes, which can be selected at the push of a button, include changes to the sound emitted by the exhaust system. For example, the acoustic profile activated by Sport Plus mode is even more purposeful in nature. The driver can also vary the engine’s aural character using the M Sound Control button, enabling a quick switch to a more understated drive sound. The M Sport exhaust system makes a great visual impression too, thanks to the black chrome embellishers of the tailpipe pairs nestled neatly into the left and right of the rear apron.

Specially designed engine mounts optimise responsiveness and cornering characteristics.

The all-new BMW M5 Competition features a model-specific engine mounting, which has a noticeable impact on its performance abilities. The engine mounts have modified characteristics and an increased spring rate – from the 580 N/mm of the standard-spec BMW M5 to 900 N/mm. The drive unit’s firmer connection to the vehicle’s structure is clearly perceptible, resulting in even more direct engine response and immediate transmission of its power to the drivetrain. The car also turns into corners with noticeably greater directness and precision on account of the mounting’s stiffer characteristics. Last but not least, the more rigid engine mounts further enhance the driving experience by bringing the V8’s unmistakable aural properties into the cabin with an arresting effect.

Flawless power transfer courtesy of eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive.

The task of relaying the all-new BMW M5 Competition’s engine power is again handled by the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, whose design and functionality have both been carefully crafted for extremely dynamic performance. Incredibly quick shift times and swift, precise responses to every nudge of the accelerator ensure that the engine’s capabilities are instantly translated into storming on-road performance. Three different modes offering a choice of efficient, sporty or ultra-dynamic driving can be activated using the Drivelogic rocker switch on the gear selector. Manual gear selections are possible with either the selector lever or the shift paddles on the steering wheel. A specially designed transmission oil cooler keeps the transmission operating within the desired temperature window, even when the car is being pushed to the limit on the track.

The M xDrive system, which made its debut in the standard version of the BMW M5, likewise has all the tools required to deliver scintillating performance. The intelligent all-wheel-drive system is capable of effortlessly directing the all-new BMW M5 Competition’s even greater power to the road in thrilling fashion, generating just enough extra traction to achieve acceleration times worthy of a super-sports car. The centrally controlled interaction between M xDrive and the Active M Differential is largely responsible for channelling the engine’s remarkable output to the car’s wheels without any loss of power en route. The engine’s torque is distributed between the front and rear wheels with creamy smoothness and fully variably by means of the transfer case’s electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, before the Active M Differential splits it again between the two rear wheels, depending on the driving scenario.

The rear-wheel bias of the M xDrive system is another contributing factor in the tremendous agility of the high-performance sedan. The system makes it possible to programme an individual power distribution configuration, and the driver is able to influence both the way in which the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) works and how drive torque is apportioned between the front and rear axles – all at the touch of a button. As an alternative to the basic setting, the all-new BMW M5 Competition also offers a choice of M Dynamic mode for controlled drifts and particularly playful handling, as well as three other modes with DSC deactivated that are geared towards track driving. Besides the 4WD and 4WD Sport modes, there is also the option of pure rear-wheel drive (2WD), which allows experienced and skilled drivers to revel in the experience offered by past generations of the BMW M5 – i.e. handling in its purest form, with no control systems holding the car back.

Individually tuned chassis for the ultimate in precision and performance.

Like every BMW M car, the all-new BMW M5 Competition is equipped with chassis technology matched perfectly to the performance characteristics of its engine. The associated modifications ensure precisely controllable handling at all times, even in extremely dynamic driving situations. This is all down to the M-specific kinematic and elastokinematic properties of the high-performance sedan’s double-wishbone front suspension and five-link rear suspension. These result in neutral steering behaviour and a linear build-up of lateral force up to the car’s dynamic limits. An M-specific version of the Variable Damper Control system is likewise fitted, with the Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus modes available at the press of a button to activate different damper settings. Meanwhile, the electromechanical M Servotronic steering conveys a sense of supreme accuracy and clear feedback on turn-in.

The model-specific chassis tuning lowers the vehicle by seven millimetres, and includes judicious tweaks to the wheel suspension, springs and dampers. The increased camber at the front axle enhances the car’s ability to absorb lateral forces through high-speed corners. Fitting the toe links with ball joints instead of rubber mounts results in extremely precise wheel guidance at the rear axle. The spring rate of the rear anti-roll bar is also firmer, causing the body roll that occurs through high-speed corners to be distributed with a pronounced rear bias.

The front axle of the all-new BMW M5 Competition is equipped with a newly designed mounting for the anti-roll bar. Making the springs at the front and rear axles ten per cent stiffer than on the standard version of the BMW M5 has produced a firmer ride, which also has a positive impact on steering response. Shorter auxiliary springs reduce fluctuation in wheel loads, as does the unique tuning of the damper hydraulics. This means the direct connection of chassis to driveline can also be clearly felt in Comfort mode. Selecting Sport mode activates the damper settings perfected for testing on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit, while Sport Plus lends itself to ultra-dynamic driving on grand prix tracks.

Serenely controllable handling through corners.

The upshot of all these modifications is enhanced performance capabilities best appreciated on the track. The all-new BMW M5 Competition exhibits a high degree of steering precision in dynamically extreme driving situations. Its serenely controllable cornering abilities, even at the limit, will be keenly appreciated by drivers. Directional stability under high lateral forces and the car’s obedient nature when turning into corners and accelerating out of them have also reached new heights. At the same time, these dynamic gains have only resulted in a relatively modest dilution of ride and suspension comfort.

The outstanding stopping power of the all-new BMW M5 Competition is provided by low-weight M compound brakes, featuring six-piston fixed callipers and perforated, inner-vented brake discs at the front wheels and single-piston floating callipers with integrated parking brake at the rear. The all-new BMW M5 Competition includes exclusive 20-inch M light-alloy wheels sporting a Y-spoke design in a bi-colour finish. The wheels are shod with mixed-size tyres measuring 275/35 R 20 at the front and 285/35 R 20 at the rear.

Exclusive and highly expressive design features.

Exclusive design highlights give the all-new BMW M5 Competition an unmistakable visual presence, underpinning its claim to leadership in a uniquely superior way. These include door openers that are painted entirely in body colour and a host of details finished in high-gloss black. This discreetly sporty black tone is used for the mirror bases and mirror triangles, plus the exterior mirror caps and the mesh of the signature M gills in the front flanks. The colour scheme combines harmoniously with the BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line trim for the side window surrounds and B-pillar trim.

The kidney grille’s surround brings extra high-gloss black accenting to the front end of the all-new BMW M5 Competition, and those travelling behind will also be able to pick out the new car by the high-gloss black detailing for the rear bumper covering. This, in turn, forms a colour-coordinated composition with the tailpipes in black chrome. Both the rear spoiler and “M5” boot lid logo – which gains “Competition” lettering – are also finished in high-gloss black.

Moving inside the all-new BMW M5 Competition, black seat belts with an understated striped pattern in BMW M GmbH colours and floor mats with model-specific piping plus an “M5” logo provide the finishing touches to an interior oozing high-class sports car presence. Another distinctive identifier is the “M Competition” graphic that appears in the instrument cluster to greet the driver upon vehicle start up. The Aluminium Carbon interior trim finishing as well as the Merino leather upholstery contribute to a supreme sense of comfort.

For an even more engaging drive, the Ambient Air Package enables air ionisation and infuses the interior with eight individually selectable scents, distributed across the automatic four-zone air conditioning system. The scents create an exclusive atmosphere of well-being inside the car and ensure maximum comfort, even on long journeys. Other luxurious touches on the all-new BMW M5 Competition include a soft close function for the doors, BMW Gesture Control, and BMW ConnectedDrive services.

A history of success: Competition symbolises the ultimate in performance and exclusiveness.

The all-new BMW M5 Competition also marks the creation of a new product category, as BMW M GmbH will in future be offering the most powerful variants of its high-performance cars as standalone models. This restructuring of the M portfolio has been prompted by the strong popularity of the various model-specific M Competition packages with power upgrade. M Competition packages were first offered for the predecessor to the current BMW M5 and are currently available for the BMW M4 Coupe, BMW M4 Convertible and BMW M3 Sedan. Some 40 per cent of all previous-generation BMW M5 models sold worldwide were equipped with an M Competition package. The line-up’s crowning glory came in the form of the BMW M5 Competition Edition, which was capped at just 200 units and boasted an uprated power output of 600 hp along with an ultra-exclusive standard specification.

The all-new BMW M5 Competition is now available for viewing at the Performance Munich Autos showroom.