Details, pricing, and specifications of the Australian-spec F90 BMW M5 Competition have been released ahead of its local arrival in October, replacing the current M5 Launch Edition, whereupon buyers will have to fork out a cool $229,900 (excluding on-road costs) for the pleasure of owning of the most potent four-door saloons ever made.
There really isn’t much different about the car due to arrive in a couple of months from the M5 Competition as it was originally announced. Over the ‘standard’ F90 M5, BMW has basically turned up the insanity a good notch, and consequently the car has more grunt and go, but will also be offered with a good deal more luxury and equipment over the non-Competition spec.
Starting with the engine, the S63 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 has now been tuned to generate 460kW, marking an increase of 19kW, while torque remains the same at 750Nm between 1,800rpm and 5,800rpm. That extra output, funnelled through an 8-speed ZF automatic to its M xDrive AWD system, results in a 0.1 second reduction in its 0-100km/h sprint times, which now sits at 3.3 seconds. Meanwhile, BMW says it’ll now surge past 200km/h in 10.8 seconds with the loud pedal pinned, a 0.3 second improvement.
Curiously, even with the Competition pack applied, the M5’s top speed is still electronically limited to a-not-very-competitive 250km/h. To have that limited removed, one would need to shell out extra for the optional M Driver’s Pack, thereby raising it to a proper 305km/h.
But there’s so much more to the the M5 Competition than just performance, mind you. BMW Australia has given a rare glimpse at the car’s upcoming equipment upgrades over the ‘stock’ M5, and its surprising to see how little these will impact how the car drives - especially considering what the ‘Competition’ moniker would lead you to believe.
In addition to the upgraded drivetrain, suspension, and more finely calibrated electronic controls, the M5 Competition will come as standard with a 1400W 16-speaker Bowes and Wilkins Diamond surround sound system, quad-zone Automatic Climate Control, Competition spec 20-inch BMW M Y-spoke light alloy wheels, BMW’s Gesture Control interface for iDrive 6, and even Soft Close for all four doors.
Also new to the list is an Ambient Air Package, electronically-adjustable roller blinds for rear passengers, and even a carbon fibre engine cover. As this is a BMW, there’s plenty of options if you’d want to delve into the abyss of vehicle customisation, which includes a selection of paint options from the BMW Individual catalogue.
The interior is finished in full ‘Merino’ leather in either Caramel or White and Tarufo with contrast stitch work. Addition BMW Individual interior trims include Piano Black, Fine-wood trim and Plum Brown High-Gloss, and fine-wood Sen Light Brown.
Lastly, the M5 Competition can also be specified with an electric glass sunroof (so, no more CFRP lightweight roof), active front seat ventilation, heated front and rear seats, front massage function, Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charging, and BMW Night Vision with Pedestrian Recognition.
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