The BMW M5 has long been a dream car for enthusiasts, and the M5 Competition takes that dream to an even higher level. For those who crave ultimate driving pleasure but need year-round practicality, the Bmw M5 Competition presents a compelling package. While rear-wheel drive purists might have once hesitated at the thought of all-wheel drive in an M5, BMW’s M xDrive system in the Competition model strikes an ideal balance. It retains a rear-wheel bias for that classic BMW feel but intelligently distributes torque to all four wheels when needed, offering enhanced grip and control, especially in challenging conditions. Imagine the thrill of winter driving with snow tires on an M5 Competition, executing controlled four-wheel drifts with confidence.
A Driving Experience Redefined
In today’s automotive landscape, the benchmark driving experience once exclusively associated with top-tier sports cars like the Porsche 911 is now accessible in various vehicle types. From high-performance station wagons to powerful hatchbacks and, notably, the redefined four-door sedan like the BMW M5 Competition, the levels of horsepower and advanced performance technologies available are truly remarkable. The M5 Competition encapsulates this evolution, delivering a driving experience that rivals dedicated sports cars while offering the practicality of a sedan.
The Sleeper Sedan with a Beastly Heart
The BMW M5 Competition stands as a factory-tuned iteration of the already high-performance M5, itself a heavily enhanced version of the standard 5-Series. BMW, like other luxury automakers, aims to harmonize comfort and performance in their tuned models. This balance is achieved through a spectrum of driving modes that dramatically alter the car’s handling dynamics. Unlike simpler systems, the M5 Competition boasts an extensive range of modes, offering a truly transformative driving experience. It can transition from a refined and comfortable sedan to an aggressive, track-ready machine with numerous shades in between, adapting to diverse driving preferences and conditions.
Power and Performance Specs of the M5 Competition
Under the hood, the M5 Competition houses the same potent twin-turbo V8 engine found in the base M5, but BMW engineers have further refined it to extract an additional 17 horsepower. This results in a formidable 617 horsepower, available at 6,000 rpm, and a peak torque of 553 lb-ft, sustained between 1,800 and 5,860 rpm. The torque band in the Competition model is also widened by 160 rpm compared to the standard M5, enhancing responsiveness and power delivery across the rev range. Despite weighing over 4,000 pounds, the BMW M5 Competition accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.1 seconds, outpacing both the base M5 and the Porsche 911 Carrera S in acceleration tests. Beyond its blistering performance, the M5 Competition remains a practical sedan, comfortably accommodating four adults (or even five in a pinch) and offering ample trunk space for luggage or other cargo. The rear seats also include a pass-through for longer items like skis, further enhancing its versatility, although they do not fold completely flat.
Customizable Driving Modes and M Buttons
Some critics have pointed out the extensive range of driving modes in the M5 Competition as potentially overwhelming. Drivers can independently adjust settings for the engine, transmission, steering, suspension, and xDrive system, choosing from modes like Efficient, Sport, Sport Plus, and Ultra-Dynamic, among others. The sheer number of options rivals that of sophisticated driving video games. However, BMW cleverly addresses this complexity with the inclusion of two red M buttons on the steering wheel, positioned for easy thumb access at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions. These M buttons allow drivers to pre-program and instantly activate their preferred customized driving mode profiles, configured through the iDrive interface. This feature streamlines access to personalized performance settings, making the vast array of options user-friendly and readily available.
M xDrive and Performance Display
The M xDrive system in the BMW M5 Competition offers three distinct modes to tailor the driving experience. The default 4WD mode provides optimal grip for everyday driving. Switching to 4WD Sport mode allows for more wheel slip, enhancing agility and making it ideal for track driving. Furthermore, engaging performance mode can trigger the head-up display to switch to a track-focused layout. This performance display prominently shows a tachometer at the top, the selected gear in the center, and speed on the left, providing essential information for performance driving. While it also displays the speed limit, which might seem less relevant in a track setting, the overall focus of this display is clearly on performance-oriented data, encouraging drivers to keep their eyes on the road ahead, a fundamental principle of track driving.
2WD Mode for Ultimate Driving Thrills
For drivers seeking the purest rear-wheel drive experience, the BMW M5 Competition offers a dedicated 2WD mode with traction control fully disabled. This mode is engineered for activities like smoky burnouts and drifting, catering to enthusiasts who crave unadulterated driving thrills. Unlike some competitors, such as the Mercedes AMG E63, which requires a multi-step process to engage drift mode, the M5 Competition allows for instant access to 2WD mode by programming it to one of the M buttons. This enables drivers to quickly switch between driving modes based on road conditions or driving desires. Imagine programming the M1 button for a spirited commute setting and the M2 button for unleashing the full 2WD potential for some tire-smoking fun.
Enhanced Chassis and Ride
Beyond the power boost, the M5 Competition incorporates stiffer engine mounts to improve power transfer and cornering precision, while also enhancing the visceral engine feel within the cabin. The ride height is lowered by seven millimeters compared to the standard M5, contributing to a lower center of gravity and improved handling. The suspension is also tuned to be tighter and firmer, further sharpening handling dynamics. Even in its mostComfort mode, the M5 Competition delivers a firmer ride, especially noticeable on less-than-perfect road surfaces. However, this trade-off results in an unparalleled range of driving character, offering a true Jekyll-to-Hyde transformation unmatched by many vehicles in its class.
Pricing and Market Positioning
The BMW M5 Competition starts at a base price around $110,000, and with desirable options, the price can quickly reach the $130,000 range. This pricing places it in direct competition with models like the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S. The ultimate buying decision often hinges on individual needs, particularly the requirement for passenger and luggage capacity. For those prioritizing both exhilarating driving dynamics and everyday practicality, the BMW M5 Competition presents a compelling alternative, offering a driving experience that rivals top sports cars while providing the versatility of a luxury sedan.
