The BMW BMW M5 Competition Edition - a limited run of 200 models - is on its way. The special edition celebrates the F10 generation M5 saloon as it reaches the end of its life.
Power for the £100,995 M5 Competition Edition has been boosted to 592bhp from 552bhp, and torque increased from 502lb ft to 516lb ft. It comes with the M Competition Package as standard, and a plethora of carbon fibre BMW M Performance exterior parts, including rear spoiler, rear diffuser and mirror caps, as well as a gloss black grille and 20in Jet Black alloy wheels. Just two paint colours will be offered: Mineral White or Carbon Black.
Inside, the Competition Edition gets a full Black Merino leather interior with Opal White contrast stitching, plus M Performance trim with a special “1/200” engraving.
The power upgrades mean that the new car will hit 62mph from standstill in 3.9sec, but the top speed remains electronically limited to 155mph. The extra grunt comes courtesy of increased boost from a recalibrated ECU.
The M Competition Package provides stiffer spring and damper response than the standard M5, and thicker anti-roll bars, as well as tweaks to the electronically controlled limited slip diff for a sportier response. The six-piston brakes are finished in glossy Jet Black paint.
While the M5 Competition Edition screams performance even more than before, it still comes with plenty of creature comforts, including LED headlights, reversing camera and an electronic tailgate. Heated seats, electric rear sunblinds and a Bang and Olufsen sound system are also included.
The Competition Edition will be the final hurrah for the F10 generation M5, which was launched in 2011. An all-new model is being prepared for 2017. Spyshots of prototypes suggest that the new car will keep its rear-wheel drive layout and V8 power (although AWD will be offered as well), but is likely to be considerably lighter than the outgoing model – up to 100kg – thanks to BMW’s increased understanding of carbonfibre, developed through its eco-friendly i cars. The new M5 will sit on BMW’s advanced Cluster Architecture platform, and boast upgraded aerodynamics, with some insiders suggesting it will have active aero components.
Phill Tromans
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