2018 BMW M5 Competition Photos, engines & full specs

After introducing the seventh generation of the 5 Series and its M-version, the German automaker dared even more and launched the M5 Competition in 2018.

Unlike its previous generations, which kept the same chassis coding as their non-M brothers, the sixth generation of the M5 (or the fifth, if you don’t count the 1979 M535i E28) wore the F90 designation name instead of the G30 like the rest of the sixth generation of the 5 Series. But that was not the only difference. The M5 that BMW launched in 2017 had the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo engine as its predecessor, just upgraded. And then, in 2018, the German automaker raised the horsepower bar once again with the 2018 M5 Competition. BMW considered launching this version as soon as possible, with proper upgrades, since the previous F10 M5 Competition Package enjoyed high success among customers.

At first sight, there were no significant differences between the M5 and the M5 Competition. Both shared the same double-slatted kidney grilles at the front, but while the former version featured chromed trims around it, the latter had them black. Their LED daytime running lights looked identical, though.

From its profile, the 20-inch light alloy wheels were designed specifically for the M5 Competition, lowering the unsprung masses. These were wrapped in 275/35 tires up front and 285/35 ones at the back. Additional changes could give some clues that this was not a regular M5. For instance, the black door mirror caps and stalks and the body-colored door handles were also signs of this factory-tuned M5. At the back, the four exhausts were fitted with active flaps that allowed the engine to breathe more easily and also added new tones to the powerplant’s voice. Finally, a discrete “Competition” word was added to the M5 badge on the trunk lid.

Inside, a luxurious cabin was fitted with high-bolstered front seats separated by a tall center console, which featured a locking storage compartment. Its Merino leather upholstery, color head-up display, and wide infotainment touchscreen atop the center stack were standard. In addition, the digital instrument cluster provided all the data required by someone who knew how to put the M5 to its pace properly. Moreover, the high-bolstered bucket seats ensured its occupants that they would stay in place regardless of how fast a corner was taken. In the back, the split-folding bench seat was profiled for two. All seats were fitted with black seat belts.

The re-tuned engine of the F90 pushed the power up by 25 clicks, reaching 625 PS (616 hp) instead of 600 PS (591 hp) like its non-Competition sibling. Furthermore, to make the car even better around corners, BMW lowered the car by seven millimeters (0.3-inch) and stiffened the suspension. In addition, as an option, customers could order the vehicle with carbon-ceramic brakes in all corners, fitted with yellow calipers.