• Updated BMW M5 features retuned chassis to further sharpen driving experience
• Revised suspension set-up with new shock absorbers
• Modernised styling package includes new front, side and rear design elements
• Interior features new high definition 12.3-inch centre control display
• New Setup and M Mode buttons provide simplified control of performance aspects
• Celebrated 4.4-litre V8 engine with BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology produces almighty 460kW and 750Nm
• Standard sprint achieved in 3.3-seconds; zero to 200km/h in just 10.8
• Pricing and specification details to be announced in the lead-up to local introduction

BMW New Zealand will introduce the latest iteration of the legendary M5 super sedan to the local market in October this year.

The new car will further elevate the renowned dynamic prowess of the model, thanks to extensive chassis tweaks, a new styling package and updated interior elements.

The M5 is the fourth new high performance M car to touch down in New Zealand after the M8, X5M and X6M in 2020, reflecting the importance of the country, the #1 market for BMW M globally in terms of M/MPA model split.

Exterior design: stylistic fine-tuning

As with the new BMW 5 Series, the M5’s front design is characterised by an updated kidney grille that drops down further into the front apron.

A one-piece high-gloss black surround design frames both elements of the grille, while M-specific double bars in combination with an M badge provide unmistakable hints of the vehicle’s pedigree, status and capability.

The front apron has bolder contouring and larger air intakes at the sides to deliver an aggressive look while adding to cooling performance. The expansive central air intake has a hexagonal shape and incorporates the oil cooler and the radar sensor for the Active Cruise Control (ACC) system.

New L-shaped daytime running light tubes add a dynamic flourish to the redesigned headlights, and new BMW Individual Shadow Line light module bases provide a dark-tinted accent to the BMW Laserlight system.

The aluminium bonnet, front side panels with signature M gills, streamlined M exterior mirrors and a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof join the BMW kidney grille’s double bars as hallmark design features.

The thinner walls of the M-specific twin tailpipes also create a greater sense of high-tech precision.

The muscular rear apron with large diffuser has also been restyled, as have the three-dimensional LED rear lights with refreshed light graphics that reframe the now-familiar BMW L shape.

M5 Competition set apart by black styling details

Additional black styling details underline the elite status of the M5 Competition.

The BMW kidney grille surround, mesh on the M gills, exterior mirror caps and the boot lid spoiler all have a high-gloss black finish. Black inserts are also integrated in the rear apron.

Black M5 Competition badges adorn the kidney grille, gills and the boot lid, while the door sill plates have an illuminated logo. The tailpipes of the standard M Sport exhaust system are additionally finished in black chrome.

Five new paint finishes are available for the new model including Brands Hatch Grey, Motegi Red metallic, Tanzanite Blue II metallic, Aventurine Red II metallic and matte Frozen Bluestone metallic finishes from BMW Individual.

Champagne Quartz metallic offered previously has been renamed Alvit Grey metallic.

Light-alloy wheel options now also include the 20-inch M double-spoke design in polished Orbit Grey familiar from the BMW M8.

Larger central display and new operating concept with M modes

The introduction of a new operating concept and a 12.3-inch centre control display mean the cabin of the new BMW M5 Competition is more driver-centric than ever.

The new screen makes it even easier to keep a clear eye on the myriad functions associated with the driving dynamics systems and BMW M xDrive all-wheel drive.

Two new buttons on the centre console – like those found in the new BMW M8 – provide more direct access to system settings and the various readouts in the instrument cluster and Head-Up Display.

At the press of the M Mode button, the driver can toggle swiftly between the ROAD and SPORT settings. In the default ROAD setting, all driver assistance systems are fully activated.

With the SPORT setting engaged, the active driver assistance systems (in the configuration set by the driver) only transmit alerts on speed limits and overtaking restrictions.

This mode allows all interventions in the braking and steering systems to be disabled, aside from those made by the collision warning with braking function and the Evasion Assistant.

SPORT mode also switches both the instrument cluster and the Head-Up Display to a special M View.

The Setup button takes drivers straight to the configuration menu. Pressing the button positioned above the M Mode button allows programming of an individual configuration for the powertrain and chassis options.

Simplified operation using the touchscreen display or iDrive Controller makes it straightforward for the driver to choose different settings for the engine, suspension, steering and M xDrive system.

The two red-painted M1 and M2 buttons next to the gearshift paddles on the M multifunction steering wheel enable rapid movement between the setups.

They allow drivers to configure two individual setups, comprising their choice of M xDrive, DSC, engine, transmission, damper and steering characteristics, as well as the appearance of M View in the Head-Up Display.

TRACK mode – which is enabled by holding down the M Mode button – is new for the new M5 Competition and designed exclusively for use on race circuits.

This mode deactivates all comfort and safety functions of the driver assistance systems while also muting the audio system and switching off the central display to keep the driver’s attention on the road ahead.

In addition, the instrument cluster switches to M View and the Head-Up Display dispenses with readouts from the driver assistance systems. Automatic activation of the hazard warning lights in response to emergency braking is suppressed and the collision warning system is also deactivated.

M multifunction seats exude luxurious feel and support for dynamic driving

M multifunction seats with integrated head restraints, an illuminated M5 logo and extended functions are key highlights of the luxurious and sport-focused M5 Competition cabin.

The seats are trimmed in merino leather upholstery with multi-way electric adjustment, while the black/midrand beige option is now also available as per other new generation BMW M models including the M8, X5 M and X6 M.

Imposing power from high-revving V8 powerplant

The V8 unit under the bonnet of the BMW M5 Competition goes about its business in race car-derived, high-revving style with imposing muscularity and supreme power delivery.

Peak torque of 750Nm arrives from as low down as 1,800rpm and is sustained at this elevated level all the way to 5,860rpm. Maximum output of 460kW is achieved at 6,000rpm.

Engine characteristics can be changed at the touch of a button from the basic EFFICIENT mode to SPORT and SPORT+, resulting in even more willing response to movements of the accelerator.

The BMW M5 Competition completes the standard sprint in just 3.3 seconds and races to 200km/h in a staggering 10.8 seconds.

The BMW M5 Competition’s M Sport exhaust system features a dual-branch and flap-controlled design that produces a soundtrack to match the towering performance characteristics.

The eight-speed M Steptronic transmission enables extraordinarily short shift times and fast, precise responses to every nudge of the accelerator.

The Drivelogic rocker switch on the gear selector allows three modes to be chosen for efficient, sporty or dynamically intense track driving – the latter involving extremely rapid gearshifts. The driver can use both the selector lever and the shift paddles on the steering wheel to intervene manually.

Bespoke engine mounts provide immediate response, sharper turn-in

Bespoke engine mounts with a stiffer spring rate are among the special features of the BMW M5 Competition.

The drive unit’s firmer connection to the vehicle’s structure is clearly perceptible, resulting in even more rapid engine response and immediate transmission of its power to the drivetrain.

The M5 also turns into corners with noticeably greater directness and precision thanks to the additional stiffness in the mounts.

High performance meets everyday usability

The highly advanced M xDrive system and centralised intelligent control for the Active M Differential help negotiate the dynamic tightrope between full everyday usability and exceptional road or track performance.

As an alternative to variable all-wheel drive mode (4WD) with rear-biased baseline setup, the M5’s handling characteristics can be altered by varying degrees, culminating in 2WD mode.

This pure rear-wheel drive setting with no DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) treats accomplished drivers to completely unadulterated driving pleasure.

The M Servotronic steering can also be adjusted in its response, with a choice of COMFORT and SPORT modes, as can Variable Damper Control (VDC).

VDC can be set to COMFORT for impeccable everyday usability, SPORT to enhance sporty driving on country roads and give an ideal handling profile for laps at the track or SPORT+ to maximise dynamic performance on smooth asphalt, with wheel and body movements minimised.

As well as a seven-millimetre drop in ride height and other well-conceived tweaks to the suspension and springs, the BMW M5 Competition’s setup benefits from further upgrades which take into account the car’s extra power.

Its talents are showcased most prominently on the race track. New shock absorbers from the BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupé both improve on-the-limit handling and bring extra comfort to the driving experience.

Bumps and ruts in the road surface are passed through the body – and therefore to the passengers – to a far lesser degree, and this is achieved without blunting the car’s sporting edge and precision at high or low speeds.

The BMW M5 Competition leaves the factory with forged, bi-colour, 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in a Y-spoke design and mixed-size tyres (front: 275/35 R 20, rear: 285/35 R 20).

M Compound brakes fitted as standard

The brake system is headlined by M Compound brakes that feature perforated, inner-vented brake discs and six-piston fixed calipers bearing the M logo at the front and single-piston floating calipers with an integrated parking brake at the rear.

As well as the standard blue painted finish, the calipers can now be finished in high-gloss black or high-gloss red as an option.

Optional M carbon ceramic brakes are recognisable by gold calipers with M logo (six-piston fixed calipers at the front, single-piston floating calipers at the rear).

The carbon ceramic brakes withstand wear exceptionally well, are 23 kilograms lighter, provide even greater braking performance and thermal stability and improved fade resistance.

Local arrival

The new BMW M5 Competition will launch in New Zealand this October with full pricing and specification details to be revealed in the lead-up to launch.

- Ends -

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2019, the BMW Group sold over 2.5 million passenger vehicles and more than 175,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2019 was € 7.118 billion on revenues amounting to € 104.210 billion. As of 31 December 2019, the BMW Group had a workforce of 126,016 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

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The new BMW M5 Competition high-performance sedan (fuel consumption combined: 10.8 - 10.7 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 246 – 243 g/km)* brings together exceptional performance and a suitably rarefied aura with the unruffled ease in everyday use for which BMW M models are renowned. A 19 kW/25 hp hike in engine output over the standard version of the new BMW M5 (to 460 kW/625 hp), even more direct responses and bespoke chassis tuning ensure a race-inspired driving experience at all times.

The market launch of the new BMW M5 Competition heralds the creation of a new product category. In future, BMW M GmbH will offer the most powerful variants of its high-performance cars as standalone models.

The engine: more power and a distinctive brand of performance.

The performance-driving experience that defines the character of the new BMW M5 Competition has a deep emotional richness – and is rooted in the distinctive way its engine goes about its business. The 4.4-litre V8 unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology now produces maximum output of 460 kW/625 hp at 6,000 rpm. Peak torque is 750 Newton metres (553 lb-ft) and can be enjoyed across an extremely wide rev range – from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm (i.e. a 200-rpm wider band than in the standard version of the new BMW M5).

The high-revving instincts of the eight-cylinder engine are therefore harnessed to give the new BMW M5 Competition imposing levels of thrust. The car’s unique power delivery makes its presence felt in reducing the Competition’s 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time to 3.3 seconds. Furthermore,
0 – 200 km/h (124 mph) is over in 10.8 seconds – 0.3 seconds quicker than in the standard version of the new M5.

Standard specification for the new BMW M5 Competition includes a model-specific M Sport exhaust system with tailpipe embellishers in black chrome. This version of the twin-pipe, flap-controlled exhaust generates a strikingly prominent soundtrack. Meanwhile, the addition of a particulate filter to the Competition’s armoury enables a further reduction in emissions.

Specially designed engine mounts optimise responsiveness and cornering characteristics.

The new BMW M5 Competition features model-specific engine mounting, which also has a noticeable impact on its performance abilities. The engine mounts have modified characteristics and an increased spring rate, and the drive unit’s firmer connection to the vehicle’s structure results in even more direct engine response and immediate transmission of its power to the drivetrain. The car also turns into corners with noticeably greater directness and precision on account of the mounting’s stiffer characteristics.

Eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive.

The task of relaying the new BMW M5 Competition’s engine power is again handled by the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. Three different modes offering a choice of efficient, sporty or ultra-dynamic driving can be activated using the Drivelogic rocker switch on the gear selector.

Having made its debut in the standard version of the new BMW M5, the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system now also feeds the further increased power of the BMW M5 Competition onto the road with poise, assurance and thrilling alacrity. It generates just enough extra traction to achieve acceleration times worthy of a super-sports car. The centrally controlled interaction between M xDrive and the Active M Differential is largely responsible for channelling the engine’s remarkable output to the car’s wheels without any loss of power en route. The rear-biased setup of the M xDrive system is another contributory factor in the tremendous agility of the high-performance sedan. Plus, a rear-wheel-drive-only setting (2WD) allows experienced and skilled drivers to revel in the experience offered by past generations of the BMW M5 – i.e. handling in its purest form, with no control systems holding the car back.

Individually tuned chassis for the ultimate in precision and performance.

Like every BMW M car, the new BMW M5 Competition is equipped with chassis technology matched perfectly to the performance characteristics of its engine. The associated modifications ensure precisely controllable handling at all times, even in extremely dynamic driving situations. As well as lowering the vehicle by seven millimetres, the model-specific chassis tuning also includes judicious tweaks to the wheel suspension, springs and dampers.

The increased camber at the front axle enhances the car’s ability to absorb lateral forces through high-speed corners. Fitting the toe links with ball joints instead of rubber mounts has resulted in even more precise wheel guidance at the rear axle. And the rear anti-roll bar also has a firmer spring rate. The front axle of the new BMW M5 Competition is equipped with a newly designed mounting for the anti-roll bar. Making the springs at the front and rear axles ten per cent stiffer than on the standard version of the new BMW M5 has produced a firmer ride, which also has a positive impact on steering response. Plus, shorter auxiliary springs reduce fluctuation in wheel loads, as does the unique tuning of the damper hydraulics. Consequently, the direct connection with the chassis can also be clearly felt in Comfort mode. Selecting Sport mode activates the damper settings perfected for testing on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit, while Sport Plus lends itself to ultra-dynamic driving on grand prix tracks.

Standard specification for the new BMW M5 Competition includes exclusive M light-alloy wheels sporting a Y-spoke design in a bi-colour finish. The 20-inch forged wheels are shod with mixed-size tyres measuring 275/35 R 20 at the front and 285/35 R 20 at the rear.

Exclusive and highly expressive design features.

The exclusive feel of the new BMW M5 Competition is further enhanced by a selection of other model-specific design features. BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line trim is complemented by the use of discreetly sporty high-gloss black for the kidney grille surround, the decorative mesh of the signature BMW M gills in the front side panels, the trim for the rear bumper covering and the exterior mirror caps. Another special feature are the door openers, which are painted fully in the body colour. The rear spoiler and “M5” boot lid badge – which gains “Competition” lettering – also come in high-gloss black.

Inside the car, an understated stripe design in BMW M GmbH colours for the seat belts, plus floor mats with special piping and “M5” logo, point to the exclusive character of the new BMW M5 Competition. A further identifying feature is the “M Competition” graphic that appears in the instrument cluster to greet the driver when it is starting up.

Munich. The BMW M5 (combined fuel consumption: 10.5 l/100km*; combined CO₂ emissions: 241 g/100km*) has been voted "World Performance Car 2018", making this the seventh time BMW has received a World Car Award from the organisation "World Car of the Year". The award ceremony was held on 28 March 2018 at the 2018 New York International Auto Show.

There were a total of eleven vehicles in this category – performance-oriented cars of which at least 2,000 units are produced per year and which are available for purchase on at least two continents from 1 January 2017 until 31 May 2018. Selection and voting in all categories was carried out by an international jury made up of 82 leading automobile journalists from 24 countries.

The BMW M5 is fitted with the latest version of the 4.4-litre V8 engine with M Twin Power Turbo Technology. An output of 600 hp and a maximum torque of 750 Nm guarantee supreme propulsion and phenomenal driving performance: the V8 biturbo engine accelerates the M5 from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. The new M5 features the M specific all-wheel drive system M xDrive. Power transmission is taken care of by the new 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic: in conjunction with M xDrive, this ensures the power of the high-revving turbocharged engine is transferred to the road in perfect fashion.

* The fuel consumption and CO₂ figures are provisional and were calculated based on the EU test cycle, dependent on tyre format.

The new BMW M5 (fuel consumption combined: 10.5 l/100 km [26.9 mpg imp]*; CO2 emissions combined: 241 g/km*) takes BMW M GmbH into new territory, with M xDrive all-wheel drive featuring in the high-performance sedan for the first time. This change of tack sees the M5 exploring new dynamic dimensions and offering greater everyday practicality in all driving conditions. The new car is committed to building on the tradition of a concept – the luxurious four-door business sedan with a taste for the race track – first glimpsed in 1984 with the original BMW M5.

The new M xDrive developed by BMW M GmbH is the most emotionally engaging all-wheel-drive system yet to grace the high-performance segment. It works with a central transfer case with multi-plate clutch and distributes drive fully variably between the front and rear axle, as required. Another ingredient in the car’s supreme traction in all road and weather conditions is the Active M Differential at the rear axle, which also works fully variably and has a locking effect between 0 and 100 per cent.

The character of M xDrive can be adjusted as desired. The driver has five different configurations to choose from based on combinations of the DSC modes (DSC on, MDM, DSC off) and M xDrive modes (4WD, 4WD Sport, 2WD). In the basic setting with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) activated and 4WD, the system permits slight slip through the rear wheels when accelerating out of corners – and therefore plays its part in giving the new BMW M5 its sporting agility. In M Dynamic mode (MDM, 4WD Sport) M xDrive allows easily controlled drifts. The three M xDrive modes with DSC switched off have been conceived to sate the appetites of keen drivers and primarily for use on the track. Here, the driver can choose from three configurations up to and including pure rear-wheel drive (2WD). This mode allows the driver to pick their own drift angle and treats connoisseurs to driving dynamics in their purest form.

Providing ample power for the new BMW M5 is a 4.4-litre V8 bi-turbo engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. The M engineers have carried out significant revisions to the outgoing model’s power unit. For example, newly developed turbochargers, ultra-efficient indirect charge air cooling and increased fuel injection pressure together help to raise output and, above all, torque. The engine develops 441 kW/600 hp at 5,600 – 6,700 rpm, while a monumental 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque is placed at the driver’s disposal from as low down as 1,800 rpm and remains there until 5,600 rpm. A map-controlled, fully variable oil pump ensures oil is supplied as and when the new BMW M5 needs it, even on the track. The car’s impressive performance figures speak for themselves: 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.4 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in 11.1 seconds (124 mph). Top speed, meanwhile, is an electronically limited 250 km/h (155 mph), but the optional M Driver’s Package can keep the fun coming to 305 km/h (189 mph).

The new BMW M5 channels all that power through a specially tuned eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. In D mode it provides all the comfort and convenience of fully automatic gear changes, but can then also switch to sequential manual shifts. The driver can do this using either the compact selector lever on the centre console or the steering wheel-mounted paddles. Drivelogic allows the driver to adjust the transmission’s characteristics to their personal preferences. For track use, the eight-speed M Steptronic unit serves up lightning-fast shift times, helping to give the new BMW M5 its exceptional agility and dynamic flair.

The suspension of the new BMW M5 is likewise designed to deliver both maximum traction for everyday use and supreme dynamic performance on the track. Like the engine, transmission and M xDrive system, it has been tuned by experts and racing drivers at venues including the world’s most exacting test facility – the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit. Sophisticated stiffening elements in the front and rear structures ensure the body structure is extremely rigid and therefore that the car provides instantaneous feedback, in particular when the driver is pushing hard on the road or track.

The driver can also choose from Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus modes for the Variable Damper Control (VDC) system – which has M-specific tuning – and the M Servotronic steering. And the engine’s characteristics can also be configured to the driver’s tastes via the Efficient, Sport and Sport Plus modes. The two M1 and M2 buttons on the M leather steering wheel can be used to store two set-ups combining the driver’s preference of engine, transmission, suspension and M xDrive modes, the DSC mode and Head-Up-Display settings. The driver can then activate their preferred set-up by pressing the relevant button.

The new BMW M5 includes revisions to its bodywork over the regular BMW 5 Series to satisfy its challenging dynamic brief. The M engineers have redesigned the broader front side panels and front bumper trim to include larger apertures for the air feeding the cooling systems and brakes. Also new is the rear diffuser. The exhaust system’s quartet of tailpipes are a visual pointer to the power generated by the BMW M5 and also lay on a suitably sporting soundtrack for the job in hand, courtesy of their flap control system. The driver can use a button to adjust the engine sound as desired.

The bonnet, which also has an M-specific design, is made from aluminium and boasts eye-catching sculpture lines. These extend into the extremely lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof – a standard feature of the new M5. The weight savings contributed by the CFRP roof and other components such as the exhaust system help to ensure the new BMW M5 with M xDrive all-wheel drive is lighter than its predecessor.

The new BMW M5 is fitted as standard with M compound brakes, which are lighter than conventional grey cast iron items and therefore also bring down the car’s weight. With blue-painted six-piston fixed callipers at the front and single-piston floating callipers at the rear, plus perforated, inner-vented brake discs all round, the M compound brakes have the speed-shedding power to befit the car’s dynamic potency. The optional M carbon ceramic brakes, which can be identified by callipers painted in a gold colour and shave another 23 kilograms off the M5’s weight, can withstand even greater punishment.

The new BMW M5 comes as standard with polished 19-inch light-alloy wheels (front: 9.5 x 19, rear: 10.5 x 19) in Orbit Grey and M-specific tyres (front: 275/40 R 19, rear: 285/40 R 19). 20-inch items can be specified as an option (front: 275/35 R 20 tyres on 9.5 x 20 rims, rear: 285/35 R 20 tyres on 10.5 x 20 rims). Standard specification for the new BMW M5 also features Merino leather and M seats with electric adjustment. The options list includes newly developed M multifunction seats, which stand out with their bucket-seat-style construction and even better lateral support.

The new BMW M5 can be ordered from September 2017, priced at €117,900, and deliveries will begin in spring 2018. Scheduled for launch on the same sales start date as the standard M5 is the BMW M5 First Edition. This special-edition version – limited to a run of 400 examples worldwide – has BMW Individual Frozen Dark Red Metallic paintwork, is exclusively appointed and costs an extra €19,500 over the standard model.

Further information on official fuel consumption figures, specific CO2 emission values and the electric power consumption of new passenger cars is included in the following guideline: “Leitfaden über Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen” (Guideline for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained from all dealerships, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at http://www.dat.de/en/offers/publications/guideline-for-fuel-consumption.html.

* Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures are provisional, based on the EU test cycle and may vary depending on the tyre format specified.