The BMW M5 has held a coveted spot on dream car lists for enthusiasts since its inception, and for many, that dream solidified around 2003. The allure was undeniable: a potent 500 horsepower, a massive figure for its time, channeled into a sedan promising ultimate driving pleasure. Yet, for some, including myself, a practical asterisk lingered. While the thrill was intoxicating, the M5, in its rear-wheel-drive form, felt less suited for year-round adventures, especially those involving snow and ice. The siren song of all-wheel-drive practicality often led eyes to the Audi S6 and RS6, with their renowned quattro system.
However, the landscape has shifted. The BMW M5 Competition, with the introduction of its M xDrive system, has firmly cemented its place as a top contender. While staying true to its BMW roots with a rear-wheel-drive bias, the M xDrive intelligently distributes torque to all four wheels when needed, providing confidence and control in various conditions. For an owner navigating winter roads, this translates to the ability to equip the M5 Competition with snow tires and unlock thrilling, controlled four-wheel drifts. The practicality of all-wheel drive is now seamlessly integrated with the exhilarating performance expected from an M5.
Driving Purity Reimagined: The Modern Sports Sedan
To contextualize the M5 Competition’s appeal, consider this: owning a 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S provides a unique perspective. Much like self-deprecating humor, acknowledging the benchmark allows for a deeper appreciation of alternatives. Similar to observations made in a review of the Mercedes AMG E63 S, the core driving experience once exclusive to a 911 is now accessible in a broader range of vehicles. The M5 Competition exemplifies this evolution. Unfettered horsepower, coupled with advanced performance technologies, has democratized the sports car experience. From station wagons to hatchbacks, and now redefined four-door sedans like the M5 Competition, the thrill of top-tier sports cars is no longer confined to a single body style.
More Than Just an M5: The Competition Edge
The name itself, BMW M5 Competition, signals a step beyond the standard M5. It’s the factory-tuned iteration of an already heavily performance-oriented version of the BMW 5-Series. Luxury automakers like BMW inherently seek to balance comfort and performance in their base models. This equilibrium is achieved through a spectrum of driving modes that dynamically alter the car’s handling characteristics. While a 911 might offer a straightforward Sport and Non-Sport setting, the M5 Competition boasts a far more extensive range. The breadth of modes and the dramatic shift in personality truly allow the M5 Competition to transform from a refined Dr. Jekyll to a ferocious Mr. Hyde, with numerous nuanced personalities in between, all accessible at the driver’s command.
The subtle bulges in the hood serve as a visual cue, hinting at the potent beast lurking beneath. They’re a quiet reminder of the enhanced performance capabilities that set the Competition model apart.
Power and Performance Unleashed: Engine and Dynamics
Under the hood, the M5 Competition shares the same formidable twin-turbo V8 engine as the standard M5. However, BMW’s engineers have extracted an additional 17 horsepower, pushing the total output to an impressive 617 horsepower, available at 6,000 rpm. Torque figures are equally robust, delivering 553 lb-ft between 1,800 and 5,860 rpm, a range widened by 160 rpm compared to the base M5. This translates to breathtaking performance for a car weighing over 4,000 pounds. The M5 Competition catapults from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.1 seconds, shaving 0.1 seconds off the base M5 and 0.2 seconds off the Porsche 911 Carrera S. Beyond sheer speed, the M5 Competition retains sedan practicality. It comfortably accommodates four adults, with space for five in a pinch, and boasts a trunk capable of swallowing multiple large suitcases. For longer items like skis, the rear seats offer a pass-through, although they do not fold completely flat, meaning bikes would likely require roof mounting.
The aerodynamic enhancements, while subtle, contribute to both the visual aggression and the performance of the Competition model.
Tailoring the Drive: A Symphony of Driving Modes
Criticism has been leveled at the sheer number of driving modes available in the M5 Competition, suggesting it might be excessive. Drivers can independently adjust settings for the engine, transmission, steering, suspension, and xDrive system. These modes encompass Efficient, Sport, Sport Plus, Ultra-Dynamic, and more – a level of customization exceeding many driving video games. However, BMW cleverly addresses this potential complexity with the inclusion of two red M buttons on the steering wheel, positioned intuitively at 9:00 and 3:00. These thumb-activated buttons serve as shortcuts to pre-programmed, customized driving modes. Through the iDrive interface, drivers can meticulously tailor their preferred settings from the vast array of options and assign them to either the M1 or M2 button.
The iDrive system, while shown in German here, illustrates the depth of performance tuning options available to the driver.
The xDrive system itself features three distinct modes. The default 4WD mode is ideal for everyday driving, providing maximum grip and stability. Switching to 4WD Sport mode allows for a degree of controlled wheel slip, enhancing agility and responsiveness, making it particularly well-suited for track driving. Furthermore, the M5 Competition offers a performance-oriented head-up display mode. This mode prioritizes track-relevant information, projecting a tachometer across the top of the display, the selected gear prominently in the center, and the current MPH to the left. Intriguingly, it also displays the posted speed limit, a feature seemingly incongruous with the track-focused intent. Nevertheless, the performance head-up display delivers precisely the data needed for focused driving, encouraging drivers to keep their eyes up and on the road ahead, a core tenet of race driving instruction.
The red M buttons are the key to unlocking the customized performance potential of the M5 Competition.
Drift Mode and 2WD Fun: Unleashing the Rear-Wheel Drive Spirit
For purists and thrill-seekers, the M5 Competition offers a pure 2WD mode, completely disengaging traction control. (Notably, there is no option for 2WD with traction control, as it would arguably defeat the purpose.) This mode is explicitly designed for executing smoky burnouts and controlled drifts, allowing drivers to tap into the M5’s rear-wheel-drive heritage. Unlike some competitors, such as the Mercedes E63, which require a series of steps to access its drift mode, the M5 Competition allows for instant access to 2WD mode via a pre-programmed M button. Imagine a favorite stretch of road or a segment of your daily commute that demands a specific performance profile. Simply program it to the M1 button. Or perhaps the desire strikes to leave a lingering impression at a stoplight. Program a tire-smoking launch to the M2 button. The M5 Competition puts personalized performance literally at your fingertips.
The interior of the M5 Competition is both comfortable and stylish, prioritizing performance-oriented design without excessive plushness.
Competition Edge: Chassis and Handling Refinements
Beyond increased horsepower, the M5 Competition incorporates stiffer engine mounts. These mounts enhance power transfer, improve cornering precision, and transmit a more visceral engine feel into the cabin, connecting the driver more directly to the car’s mechanical heart. The Competition model sits seven millimeters lower than the standard M5, contributing to a lower center of gravity and improved handling, yet still offering significantly more ground clearance than a sports car like the 911. The suspension is also notably tighter and firmer than the base M5, further sharpening handling dynamics. Consequently, even in “Comfort” mode, the M5 Competition exhibits a firmer ride, particularly noticeable on less-than-perfect road surfaces common in many urban areas. However, this trade-off is arguably justified by the unparalleled Jekyll-to-Hyde range – the sheer breadth of comfort to performance capability – that the 2019 BMW M5 Competition delivers.
The M5 Competition excels in 4WD Sport mode, allowing for controlled drifts and track-focused performance.
Price and Positioning in the Performance Sedan Landscape
The base price of the BMW M5 Competition starts around $110,000, but optioning it with desirable features quickly pushes the price into the $130,000 range. This positions it directly in competition with the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S in terms of price point. The ultimate deciding factor between these two exceptional vehicles often hinges on practicality. The M5 Competition offers significantly more passenger and luggage space, making it a more versatile choice for those who regularly need to transport passengers or cargo. However, when purely evaluating the driving experience and the emotional connection each car fosters, the M5 Competition and the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S are remarkably evenly matched, both delivering exhilarating performance and a deeply engaging driving experience in their respective segments.
In conclusion, the BMW M5 Competition stands as a testament to the evolution of the performance sedan. It masterfully blends the practicality of all-wheel drive with the raw excitement of rear-wheel drive, delivering a driving experience that rivals dedicated sports cars. With its potent engine, customizable driving modes, and refined handling, the M5 Competition solidifies its position as a top-tier choice for those seeking a luxury sedan that truly unleashes the beast within.
