The updated BMW M5 will come standard with the performance-boosting Competition Package when it lands in Australian showrooms in September.
The Competition Package delivers an 11kW lift in power, taking the German sports sedan’s 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 to 423kW and 680Nm. The increase helps slice one tenth of a second off the BMW M5′s 0-100km/h sprint, which it now completes in 4.2sec.
The package also introduces extensive chassis modifications including suspension and damping modifications that lower the ride height by approximately 10mm, stabiliser bars with increased torsional rigidity, and enhancements to the active differential and steering system designed to deliver more precise and agile handling.
Visually, the BMW M5 scores a new kidney grille with twin slats; a design theme mirrored by the new 20-inch light alloy wheels. Adaptive LED headlights, revised tail-lights and a sports exhaust system with twin tailpipes finished in black chrome complete the exterior upgrades.
The bolstered standard features list includes soft-close doors, foot-operated opening/closing boot lid, digital radio, and a touch-sensitive controller for the iDrive dial that operates the Navigation System Professional infotainment system.
A new leather sports steering wheel, chrome trim highlights around the control display and additional space in the centre console bin under the armrest round out the interior enhancements.
The updated M5’s safety package is also enhanced with the introduction of lane change/departure warning systems, forward collision warning and pedestrian warning systems.
The upgrades add to the existing standard equipment list comprising a colour head-up display, surround view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control with braking function, four-zone climate control, heated and cooled front sports seats, and a 16-speaker audio system with six-disc DVD changer, digital TV function, and extended Bluetooth connectivity and internet functionality.
Pyrite Brown, Frozen Blue and Pure Metal Silver paint colours join an expanded palette from the BMW Individual range of options.
The updated BMW M5 arrives locally in mid-September priced from $229,990 – an increase of $400 over the model it replaces.
