BMW’s M5 gets styling and tech updates; Singapore to get uprated M5 Competition version in Q1 2021

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MUNICH, GERMANY

BMW has given its M5 high-performance sedan a mid-life update, which features revised styling, upgraded tech and minor chassis improvements.

The updated M5 will go on sale across Europe in Q3 2020, and Singapore will receive the car in Q1 2021. BMW Asia has also confirmed that the more powerful M5 Competition variant will be the sole version to be sold here, with prices set to remain similar to the current model.

The styling changes on the M5 reflect that of the revised 5 Series that was announced back in May, which means it receives the wider double kidney grille, finished in black, as well as the L-shaped lighting signatures in the LED headlights.

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The M5 also gets BMW’s Dynamic Laser Beam Matrix lighting system as standard, which offers ultra long-range and extra bright illumination on high beams.

Other changes include a slightly redesigned front bumper and air intakes, new 3D LED taillights, as well as black trimmings on the wing mirrors, rear spoiler, tailpipes and rear apron. There are also five new body colours and a new 20-inch wheel design to choose from.

Likewise, the interior updates mimic the facelifted 5 Series, with the new 12.3-inch infotainment screen now taking pride of place on the dashboard. The system also now runs on BMW’s OS 7 system, and there are two new buttons on the centre console, a feature borrowed from the BMW M8.

The two buttons are M Mode, which lets the driver select the desired driving mode between Road and Sport, and the Setup button, which goes into the menu to configure individual settings like the powertrain and chassis.

The M5 Competition also gets an additional Track driving mode, which disables all the driving safety systems with the exception of the collision warning and evasion assistant crash avoidance system.

BMW emphasises that Track mode should be used exclusively on race tracks only. To speak of race track, we tested the current 625hp M5 Competition on Ascari Circuit and found it more powerful than any sane driver could need.

Chassis enhancements are limited to new shock absorbers taken from the M8 Gran Coupe, and is said to improve overall ride comfort by reducing body movements over rough surfaces and road bumps.

Otherwise, the M5’s performance remains unchanged, with the M5’s 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 producing 600hp and 750Nm of torque, resulting in a 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.4 seconds.

The M5 Competition that’s headed for Singapore gets a power bump to 625hp, and its 0-100km/h time drops by 0.1 seconds to 3.3 seconds. There is also an optional M Driver’s Package for the Competition model, which removes the electronic speed limiter, for a top speed of 305km/h.

Other Competition specific highlights include lowered suspension (by 7mm over the standard car), and a choice of high-gloss red or black for the M brake callipers, alongside the existing blue.

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The M5’s only real competitor in this segment is the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S, which itself is due for an update next year as well. Audi doesn’t have a high performance large executive sedan equivalent, with its closest offerings being the RS 6 Avant estate and RS 7 Sportback, both of which will arrive in Singapore at the end of 2020.

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