M5 Competition still fast and feral
BMW saved the best of its 5 Series refresh for last. But is it a step too far? finds out.
BMwhas rounded out its 5 Series refresh with the toprung M5 Competition. I know – it’s a V8 sedan in 2021. Basically sales-proof in this world of efficient small SUVS, right? My answer to that is: Do you really care?
Of course not, this is a new M5!
Well, it’s not really all-new, it’s just a facelift. The bones are the same as the 2019 M5 Comp, which had as headlines the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 and the fully variable xdrive allwheel drive system. The additions are things we’ve already covered, like better active safety stuff and a slightly tweaked design inside and out.
Power for the Competition-spec M5 is 460kw/750nm, 19kw more than in the cheaper and less equipped ‘‘Pure’’ variant, paired with an eight-speed automatic.
Other Competition-spec upgrades include a sharper suspension tune, a blacked-out grille, rear spoiler and a rear diffuser insert.
As you might expect from that spec-sheet readout, this is a fast car. Scratch that, this is an insanely fast car. That engine is more like a nuclear bomb, such is the ferocity at which it spits out kilowatts. Burying the throttle in Sports Plus mode results in all four wheels pushing off from the road like a lion taking off after some poor wildebeest.
Bmw says the Comp hits 100kmh from a standstill in 3.3 seconds
The noise is appropriately feral too, with Sports Plus opening the M-spec exhaust to its fullest.
The 2021 M5 is actually neutered a little in the sound department (thanks, emissions standards) but it still sounds epic.
In fact, you can think of thism5 as a four-door M8 Competition. The two share similar performance and, annoyingly, similar stiff rides, but the M5 has two more doors and so can terrify twice the amount of people at once.
That price tag is high though. Is it worth paying that much?
Honestly, I don’t think so. I think the best 5 Series is the M550i, which loses out on the better part of 70kw of power, the trick suspension, variable xdrive and the loud exhaust system as well as the other standard m stuff (carbon bodywork, sharper steering and the like).
But in return, you get amuch more comfortable ride, an Eco Pro mode, and $85k still in the bank. Plus, the M5 is almost too fast, doubly so if you’re not interested in track days.
I would get the M550i and spend a bit of that saved cash on a better exhaust. I suppose there’s always the $189,900 M5 Pure but the comfier ride of the M550i is tough to beat, especially as an all-round bruiser.
Any other cars to consider?
The standard m5 opposition. Audi’s RS 7 and Mercedes-amg’s E 63 are the primary rivals, all still using V8 power.
If you want something a little different (and vastly more powerful), wait for the tri-motor Tesla Model S Plaid, due here next year.