THE ultimate version of the high-performance BMW M5 has been announced, with the car coming ready-built for work on the track.
With a specially tuned chassis and uprated dampers, the German marque's new M5 Competition pumps out 625hp from its 4.4-litre V8 engine – 25 more horsepower than the regular model.
It’s priced from £98,055 – a rise of some £7000 over the standard car – and comes with a special M Mode in its driver software and a larger 12.3in central display screen.
BMW describes the Competition model as a fusion of a high-revving supercar with the everyday usability and comfort of an executive saloon. It has a 0-62mph acceleration time of 3.3 seconds and a maximum speed restricted to 155mph. Fuel economy and emissions figures are still to be released.
As well as the special suspension set-up, the M5 Competition has a lower centre of gravity with a ride height that can be reduced by almost an inch, an oil supply system designed for track driving and a flap-controlled exhaust to deliver a high-impact soundtrack.
Lightweight compound brakes are also fitted as standard with red gloss brake calipers – blue and black finishes can be specified at no extra cost while ceramic brakes – which have gold coloured calipers – are an option.
The interior comes with BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant and a series of M-specific features that now include sun protection glass, a Harman Kardon sound system and a multi-mode head-up display.
Sport and track driving settings can be engaged at the touch of a button which not only change the car’s dynamic settings but also adjust the instrument displays.
