The BMW M5 Competition is an absolute animal in a straight-line but, as Matt Farah recently discovered, is also incredibly comfortable and a very compelling package.
When developing the new M5 and M5 Competition, BMW’s M division had to ensure the duo were up to the same standard as the latest Mercedes-AMG E63 and E63 S. It pulled out all the stops to tackle its cross-town rival and has created one of the most accelerative vehicles on the planet.
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Powering the range-topping M5 Competition is a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that pumps out a claimed 617 hp. This power is sent to the pavement through an all-wheel drive system that offers a rear-wheel drive mode for those times when you want to light up the tires and produce plumes of smoke.
BMW quotes the aforementioned 617 hp figure as being at the crankshaft but, earlier this year, Car and Driver strapped an M5 Competition onto a dyno and it returned 617 hp at the wheels. Factor in some drivetrain losses and that could mean the super sedan’s engine is actually producing more like 700 hp.
Not everything appears perfect. Farah says the electronic steering lacks virtually any feel and that below 3000 rpm, the engine suffers from a bit of turbo lag. Additionally, he says the throttle response isn’t anything to write home about. There’s also not all that much noise coming from the engine or exhaust.