PERFORMANCE and practicality are two characteristics that are often at complete odds with one another – after all, weight is the eternal enemy of speed.
There are a few car-makers however, who have managed to crack the formula and delivered some truly awe-inspiring super sedans, but none have been more recognisable than the iconic BMW M5.
Though the M5 was revealed back in August 2017, BMW has seen fit to deliver an even higher-performing version in the form of the M5 Competition to try and keep all rivals at bay.
Fitted with the same 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine as the standard M5, the Competition lifts outputs to 460kW of peak power and 750Nm of maximum torque – the former available at 6000rpm, while the latter from 1800-5800 revs.
Though the Competition makes just 19kW more, and the same amount of torque as its ‘standard’ sibling, the spread of maximum torque is available wider across the rev range, making it even easier to drive fast.
Drive is still sent to road via an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission and BMW’s rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
The M5 Competition will knock down the zero to 100km/h sprint in just 3.3 seconds, while the speedo will show 200km/h after just another 7.5s. In comparison, the base M5 will achieve the same milestones in 3.4 and 11.1s respectively.
Just to put that in a little more perspective, dedicated supercars such as the Audi R8 V10, the Mercedes-AMG GT R and V12 Aston Martin DB11 can only manage 0-100km/h times of 3.5, 3.6 and 3.9s respectively.
The news gets even better though, as the increase in performance means fuel economy only takes a small hit – down 0.3 litres per 100km for a combined consumption figure of 10.8L/100km – while a petrol particulate filter means only 246 grams of carbon dioxide is emitted per kilometre.
A bespoke, variable exhaust system is also fitted to the Competition, featuring a cross-bank manifold for improved throttle response and less turbo lag, according to the Bavarian brand, while stiffer engine mounts are also fitted for better power delivery.
BMW has also lowered the M5 Competition by 7mm, with suspension spring rates increased by 10 per cent on both axles, for more agile handling.
Not content with just a few suspension tweaks though, the German car-maker has also increased the negative camber on the front wheels for between grip in the bends, fitted racing-style ball joints for the rear toe links and fettled with both front and rear anti-roll bars.
To differentiate itself, the Competition gains high-gloss black touches including on the side mirrors, M-branded side grills, B-pillars, window surrounds, front kidney grille, rear diffuser and quad exhaust outlets.
On the inside, the top-shelf M5 is equipped with striped seatbelts, piped floor mats and a unique M Competition start-up screen on the all-digital instrumentation display.
All this won’t come cheap though, as the M5 Competition is $30,000 more expensive at $229,000 before on-roads than the regular sub-$200K car.
However, the new M5 Competition will not be the first hard-charging super sedan from the BMW to bear the nameplate, as the previous-generation version gained a Competition Package in 2014.
The add-on pack increased power from the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from 412kW to 423kW, while torque figures remained steady at 690Nm, fed through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic to the rear wheels.
Similar to the new M5 Competition, the older one also wore a tweaked suspension set-up, lowering the car by 10mm, while also sporting unique bushing, spring, damper and sway bar settings.
But what competition does the M5 Competition actually face? The most obvious and direct rival is the Mercedes-AMG E63 S.
Outfits in the Mercedes-badged bruiser top 450kW/850Nm from a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, enabling a 0-100km/h dash in 3.4s thanks to the brand’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
The Beemer may have the Merc beaten on paper, but honestly, when you are shopping in the supercar-scaring sedan segment, can you really lose with either choice?
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