BMW has revealed the latest take on its M5 super saloon, the M5 Competition Edition.
Designed to ‘celebrate the latest generation of the legendary super saloon’ (or for the more cynical, to celebrate the marketing department’s latest idea to make a few more bucks) it packs more power and a host of M Performance parts to differentiate it from the standard M5.
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Like the regular M5, it uses a 4395cc, twin, twin-scroll turbocharged V8 and sends its power through a seven-speed M Double Clutch transmission.
Power output rises to 592bhp (up from the 552bhp of the standard car, though matching the last special, the 30 Jahre) and the Competition Edition sprints to 62mph in 3.9sec. Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.
The boost in performance comes courtesty of greater boost from the turbochargers thanks to a recalibrated ECU, while the Edition’s standard M Competition Package adds thicker anti-roll bars, firmer calibration of the springs and electronically-controlled dampers, and an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential.
Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus drive modes are available – the latter a recommended setting for track use – while six-piston caliper brakes do the stopping.
Visually, the M5 Competition Edition squeezes 20-inch, jet-black alloy wheels under the arches and a full suite of M Performance carbonfibre exterior parts. Just two colours are available: Mineral White and Carbon Black. Inside, there’s black Merino leather trim with Opal White contrast stitching.
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As just 200 will be made, the carbon-finish interior trim features an engraving denoting each model’s place in the line, alongside M5 Competition badging.
The price? £100,995; more than the £91,890 of that 30 Jahre edition, and considerably more than the £73,985 of the regular M5. As with any special edition M car though it’s sure to become sought-after in the future, so perhaps the extra spend is worth it. It’s available to order now.
