Parallel to the launch of the revised for the 2014 model year 5-Series Sedan, Touring and Gran Turismo models, BMW today also released the refreshed M5 saloon and announced the addition of a new Competition Package with a power boost and chassis upgrades for the M5 and all M6 models, including the Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe.
Beginning with the 2014 M5, the exterior updates are limited to the new double-spoke design of the kidney grille slats with the M5 logo positioned on the upper right corner, the optionally available Adaptive LED Headlights and thinner LEDs for the rear light clusters.
In the interior, BMW has introduced a nice looking, three-spoke M leather steering wheel, with the M5 also benefitting from all the changes seen on the regular 5-Series models such as the newer iDrive4.2 Navigation system with a touchpad surface and chrome trim on the sides, and an increase in volume of the storage compartments.
Wrapping up the cosmetic changes on the M5 are the introduction of new exterior colors such as Pyrite Brown Metallic, Frozen Blue Metallic, and further BMW Individual Frozen paintwork finishes, as well as new exclusive leather shades, including Cashmere Beige and Nutmeg.
The big news for the 2014 M5 as well as all body styles of the 2014 M6 is the introduction of a new Competition Package that is similar to those offered by rivaling carmakers Audi and Mercedes-Benz with their Plus and special / Black edition versions respectively, offering more power and better handling.
In particular, the Competition Package boosts the 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 by 15hp, from 552hp (560PS) to 567hp (575PS) – BMW didn’t say if it improves peak torque as well. According to the German carmaker, besides the M6 Convertible, all other Competition Package models are 0.1 seconds faster in the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint and 0.2 seconds for the 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) acceleration.
It’s not only about power as the Competition models also gain a re-tuned chassis with new coil springs and damper calibrations, stiffened anti-sway bars, lowered suspension (10mm or 0.4 inches in the M5), different bushings for the front axle, plus a unique tune for the standard Active M Differential and rack-and-pinion steering.
Moreover, the M chassis control system has been adapted to the Competition Package suspension profile, with the M Dynamic Mode (MDM) of DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) re-mapped for “even sportier handling characteristics and higher thresholds of intervention”, according to the Bavarian brand.
Finally, the Competition Package adds unique 20-inch M light-alloy wheels along with a new exhaust system featuring M quad tailpipes in Black Chrome.
BMW said pricing for the Competition Package for the 2014 M5, M6 Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe will be announced closer to their August on-sale date.
2014 BMW M5 FACELIFT
2014 BMW M6 & M6 Competition Package