Why you need a BMW M5 Competition in your life

BMW’s M Division has been building remarkable road-going performance cars since the stunning Giugiaro-designed M1 supercar was unveiled back in 1978. It’s the M5 saloon that’s perhaps the most iconic of them all, though, and here’s just a few reasons why you need the latest generation in your life…

Ultimate Performance

BMW is renowned for making the Ultimate Driving Machines, but the M Division takes those cars up yet another level to the absolute pinnacle of performance. And here in the UK we get the most powerful M5 available – the M5 Competition. That means a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 producing 616bhp and 553lb ft of torque.

That power is put through BMW’s sophisticated eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission, which features Drivelogic buttons to switch between Comfort, Sport and Sport+ gearchanges. Drivers can then use either the steering-wheel mounted paddles or the centrally located M selector lever to make manual changes. When combined with the launch control function, the M5 can manage a 0-62mph time of 3.3 seconds. That’s supercar quick.

The supremely clever M xDrive system ensures that the engine’s torque is fully available at any given time by electronically splitting drive between the front and rear wheels. The system is rear-biased though, so it’ll only bring the front wheels into play when additional traction is required. Or there’s the ability to turn the system off altogether – sending the full 616bhp to the rear wheels alone – with the Active M Differential splitting power between each rear wheel to aid agility and eliminate any hint of understeer. This is a true drivers’ car.

And with the optional M Drivers’ Package, the M5 Competition will reach a top speed of 190mph (155mph without M Drivers’ Package). Customers can then choose between a six-piston, compound light braking system or the even more hard wearing, motorsport-derived M Carbon ceramic brakes, both of which provide unrivalled stopping power with exceptional feel.

Even the chassis setup is adjusted for performance, with the M5 Competition benefitting from extra-stiff engine mounts and increased camber at the front axle to provide razor-sharp turn-in.

Stand-out design

The M5 Competition looks the part too, thanks to its new front apron design and high-gloss black inserts. There’s also a full carbon fibre roof, as well as the now-iconic quad tail pipe design that flanks a specially re-designed sports diffuser.

Class-leading technology

Want to quickly switch between Road, Sport and Track settings? The new M mode button makes the process simple with just a touch needed (or a hold for Track mode). As well as changing the levels of driver assistance, this button can be individually configured to control the information provided by the Head-up Display and the fully digital instrument screen, as well as the visibility of the Central Information Display.

That central display, by the way, is a 12.3-inch touchscreen that can also be controlled using the intuitive iDrive wheel. The M5 Competition comes as standard with BMW ConnectedDrive Professional too, which includes Real Time Traffic Information, Connected Music and Smartphone Integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Oh, and BMW’s award-winning Intelligent Personal Assistant is always on hand – just say “Hey BMW” before your command.

Family-friendly practicality

Cars like these shouldn’t compromise, and the BMW M5 Competition comes complete with a huge 530-litres of boot space to match its outstanding performance. There’s plenty of room in the rear seats too, making this four-door supercar just as capable of dealing with everyday family life as it is on a racetrack.

Life-affirming sound

With the M5 Competition, you can be sure that every single drive is special. BMW uses a high-performance exhaust with electronically controlled flaps that suppress intrusive frequencies, while ensuring that stirring V8 soundtrack makes its way into the cabin.

To find out more about the 616bhp M5 Competition and to build your very own, head to the BMW UK site by clicking these blue words.