BMW M5 Competition

Upgraded supersaloon with 24bhp power boost

BMW’S M division has been working overtime recently. First it pulled the covers off the new M2 Competition (Issue 1,535), and now there’s an upgraded version of the flagship M5. Also called Competition, the newcomer features a power boost, suspension tweaks and subtle cosmetic upgrades.

Externally, the car is identified by its gloss black badges and new 20-inch forged alloy wheels, while under the bonnet the familiar twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 is massaged to deliver 616bhp, which is an increase of 24bhp over the standard car. And while torque remains unchanged, the 750Nm peak is hardly soft. Finally, there’s a new exhaust that aims to deliver better gas flow and a more bombastic soundtrack.

Yet while the engine modifications are relatively limited, the work to the chassis has been much more involved. For starters, the ride height has dropped by 7mm (helping to give the M5 a more hunkered and aggressive stance), while the springs are 10 per cent stiffer. At the front the camber has been adjusted, and there are stiffer engine mounts. Finally, the rear axle gets stronger rose joints in place of the standard rubber items.

You notice the suspension tweaks right away. The Competition is a little firmer at low speed, even in the Comfort setting. Go faster and the underlying stiffness remains, but it’s far from uncomfortable; and in most situations it’s no worse than the ordinary M5.

It’s only when you attack a series of corners that those suspension changes come into their own, giving the car a welcome injection of poise and agility. It now responds more quickly and precisely to the well-weighted but mute steering.

However, while it’s sharper in bends, the Competition is not really any faster in a straight line. The subtly enhanced growl of the exhaust adds more drama, but you’ll need to wring out every last rev from the V8 to notice the extra performance. Thankfully, the carbonceramic brakes deliver tireless and powerful stopping ability; although at £7,495, they’re not cheap.

“It’s only when you attack a series of corners that the suspension changes come into their own”