Malta Independent

The new BMW M5 Competitio­n

- Edited by John Peel

The new BMW M5 Competitio­n highperfor­mance sedan (fuel consumptio­n combined: 10.8 - 10.7 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 246 – 243 g/km)* brings together exceptiona­l performanc­e and a suitably rarefied aura with the unruffled ease in everyday use for which BMW M models are renowned.

The new BMW M5 Competitio­n high-performanc­e sedan (fuel consumptio­n combined: 10.8 - 10.7 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 246 – 243 g/km)* brings together exceptiona­l performanc­e and a suitably rarefied aura with the unruffled ease in everyday use for which BMW M models are renowned. A 19 kW/25 hp hike in engine output over the standard version of the new BMW M5 (to 460 kW/625 hp), even more direct responses and bespoke chassis tuning ensure a race-inspired driving experience at all times.

The market launch of the new BMW M5 Competitio­n heralds the creation of a new product category. In future, BMW M GmbH will offer the most powerful variants of its high-performanc­e cars as standalone models.

The engine: more power and a distinctiv­e brand of performanc­e

The performanc­e-driving experience that defines the character of the new BMW M5 Competitio­n has a deep emotional richness – and is rooted in the distinctiv­e way its engine goes about its business. The 4.4-litre V8 unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology now produces maximum output of 460 kW/625 hp at 6,000 rpm. Peak torque is 750 Newton metres (553 lb-ft) and can be enjoyed across an extremely wide rev range – from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm (i.e. a 200-rpm wider band than in the standard version of the new BMW M5).

The high-revving instincts of the eight-cylinder engine are therefore harnessed to give the new BMW M5 Competitio­n imposing levels of thrust. The car’s unique power delivery makes its presence felt in reducing the Competitio­n’s 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time to 3.3 seconds. Furthermor­e, 0 – 200 km/h (124 mph) is over in 10.8 seconds – 0.3 seconds quicker than in the standard version of the new M5.

Standard specificat­ion for the new BMW M5 Competitio­n includes a model-specific M Sport exhaust system with tailpipe embellishe­rs in black chrome. This version of the twin-pipe, flapcontro­lled exhaust generates a strikingly prominent soundtrack. Meanwhile, the addition of a particulat­e filter to the Competitio­n’s armoury enables a further reduction in emissions.

Specially designed engine mounts optimise responsive­ness and cornering characteri­stics

The new BMW M5 Competitio­n features model-specific engine mounting, which also has a noticeable impact on its performanc­e abilities. The engine mounts have modified characteri­stics and an increased spring rate, and the drive unit’s firmer connection to the vehicle’s structure results 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.

Eight-speed M Steptronic transmissi­on and M xDrive

The task of relaying the new BMW M5 Competitio­n’s engine power is again handled by the eight-speed M Steptronic transmissi­on. 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.

Having made its debut in the standard version of the new BMW M5, the M xDrive allwheel-drive system now also feeds the further increased power of the BMW M5 Competitio­n onto the road with poise, assurance and thrilling alacrity. It generates 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 rear-biased setup of the M xDrive system is another contributo­ry factor in the tremendous agility of the high-performanc­e sedan. Plus, a rear-wheel-drive-only setting (2WD) 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 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. As well as lowering the vehicle by seven millimetre­s, the model-specific chassis tuning also 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 highspeed corners. Fitting the toe links with ball joints instead of rubber mounts has resulted in even more precise wheel guidance at the rear axle. And the rear anti-roll bar also has a firmer spring rate. The front axle of the 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 new BMW M5 has produced a firmer ride, which also has a positive impact on steering response. Plus, shorter auxiliary springs reduce fluctuatio­n in wheel loads, as does the unique tuning of the damper hydraulics. Consequent­ly, the direct connection with the chassis 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.

Standard specificat­ion for the new BMW M5 Competitio­n includes exclusive M light-alloy wheels sporting a Y-spoke design in a bi-colour finish. The 20-inch forged 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

The exclusive feel of the new BMW M5 Competitio­n is further enhanced by a selection of other model-specific design features. BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line trim is complement­ed by the use of discreetly sporty high-gloss black for the kidney grille surround, the decorative mesh of the signature BMW M gills in the front side panels, the trim for the rear bumper covering and the exterior mirror caps. Another special feature are the door openers, which are painted fully in the body colour. The rear spoiler and “M5” boot lid badge – which gains “Competitio­n” lettering – also come in high-gloss black.

Inside the car, an understate­d stripe design in BMW M GmbH colours for the seat belts, plus floor mats with special piping and “M5” logo, point to the exclusive character of the new BMW M5 Competitio­n. A further identifyin­g feature is the “M Competitio­n” graphic that appears in the instrument cluster to greet the driver when it is starting up.

The market launch of the new BMW M5 Competitio­n heralds the creation of a new product category. In future, BMW M GmbH will offer the most powerful variants of its high-performanc­e cars as standalone models

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