BMW M5 Competition 2020 facelift 18 | 06 | 2020

    BMW HAS GIVEN its flagship performance M5 Competition a facelift, and follows on from the updates to the ‘standard’ 5 Series. The M5 Competition goes head-to-head with the likes of Audi’s RS6, and is on-sale now across the UK. Prices start at £98,095. (Related: BMW gives 5 Series midlife facelift)

    The 5 Series might well be the ‘sensible’ option, but secretly, deep down in the mind of most BMW buyers, the one they all crave is the M5 Competition. Why?

    Well consider this. It’s powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine, producing 616bhp and 750Nm of torque. Power is dispersed to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. But — and it’s a BIG but — there’s a setting which allows the driver to send 100% of the engine’s power to the rear wheels. Certainly not for the faint-hearted. (Related: Bold huge grille for new BMW 4 Series)

    As for performance: the figures are the same as the pre-facelift model, but they’re till mighty impressive. From standstill it’ll catapult to 62mph in 3.3secs, cover 0–124mph in 10.8s, and is electronically limited to a top speed of 155mph. However … opt for the M Driver’s package, and that max increases to 189mph.

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    This facelifted M5 Competition incorporates the same minor cosmetic updates found on the recently revised 5 Series. These include a re-profiled bonnet, subtly updated front splitter, plus a new front bumper. There’s also revised daytime running lights and new adaptive LED headlamps. (Related: BMW 3 Series Touring revealed)

    The designers have also tweaked the front grille, but thankfully it’s nowhere near as dramatic and controversial as that found on the recent 4 Series. The new grille on the M5 Competition is fitted with more sharply angled vanes and drops down into the M5’s revised front apron. The car’s registration plate also sits snuggly beneath the grille, rather than straddling across the middle of that found on the 4 Series.

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    Changes at the rear include a new twin-exit exhaust system, a tweaked diffuser, a subtly revised bootlid and a fresh pair of LED tail lights. Buyers can also choose from three new metallic paint colours: Aventurine Red, Alvit Grey and Tanzanite Blue. There’s also a new 20in, twin-spoke alloy wheel design.

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    A number of chassis upgrades are also fitted, including stiffer engine mounts and larger disc brakes, with fixed six-piston calipers up front and single piston calipers at the rear, plus uprated dampers. An additional range of M Performance extras is also available, including carbon fibre aero components and coilover suspension. (Related: Mini Electric has 124-mile range)

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    Inside the cabin, again the minor changes mirror those first seen on the updated 5 Series. Buyers now get a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a larger infotainment screen, while electrically adjustable sports seats and sun protective glass now come as standard. The options sheet includes a head-up display, Alcantara headlining and a Harmon/Kardon stereo.

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    Not surprisingly, there are other options. Tick the box adjacent to the Technology Plus and you get a seat massage function, a heated steering wheel, soft close doors, plus heated front and rear seats. If that’s not enough, the M5’s Ultimate Pack adds a carbon fibre engine cover and Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system.

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    As you might expect, there’s also more driver assistance technology fitted as standard. A 360-degree parking camera, lane-change assist, lane-keeping assist, are all included, as is BMW’s Parking Assistant Plus, which can take control of the car’s steering when reversing into spaces. Also on offer — again on the options list — is BMW’s Drive Recorder function, which cleverly uses the car’s built-in cameras to record footage from around the vehicle.

    Related: BMW i3 upgraded with more range

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    Jim McGill

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