The BMW M5 Competition
The BMW 5 Series once enjoyed immense popularity, even earning the nickname "Gangnam Sonata." It was the go-to choice for imported mid-size sedans, and many people transitioned to their first imported car with the F-body model, alongside the 3 Series.
Along with this popularity came a massive tuning craze. From M Sport package-specific bumpers to various carbon parts and muffler modifications, those who owned an F10 model can surely relate to this excitement.
Even though I didn't own a 5 Series, the fact that I remember such detailed specifics shows just how popular it was.
Now, behind all this acclaim lies the M5, the ultimate performance model. It truly made its presence known! With its black kidney grille adorned with the M badge and a Taiwanese carbon spoiler on the trunk, it looked impressive. However, the uncomfortable truth is that when a real M5 passed by, it felt like a mere diesel squid.
To maintain my self-esteem, it’s best to avoid encounters with this beast... ^^
I’ve rambled on too long. So, let’s get to the model I’ll be reviewing today: the newly evolved G-body BMW M5 Competition.
Recently, the CS Edition was introduced in Korea as a limited run of just 14 units, which slightly diminished the exclusivity of the Competition model. Nevertheless, it still boasts an incredible output of 625 horsepower, which is 25 more than the standard M5, making it a true powerhouse.
Generally, even with over 300 horsepower, it’s challenging to feel that power fully on the road. So, what does it feel like to experience a staggering 625 horsepower? Plus, the maximum torque reaches 76.5 kg·m.
And with high-performance M carbon ceramic brakes, these brakes are legendary—just smelling the brake pedal is enough to feel their power.
As you know, in high-performance cars, braking performance outweighs horsepower, torque, and acceleration times. Good braking allows for humor and makes this driving experience enjoyable.
In fact, expressing the performance of the M5, which exceeds 600 horsepower, through words, photos, or videos is incredibly challenging. The moment you step on the accelerator, the acceleration is so instantaneous that it can throw your head back. At some point, you’ll find yourself shocked by the speedometer as it crosses into the Y territory.
With plush, supportive sports bucket seats wrapped in high-quality leather, the sensation becomes otherworldly! If you want a ridiculously fast BMW in the mid-$100,000 range, look no further; the answer is clear.
For those who feel disappointed with the quiet electric cars or downsized turbo or hybrid engines, the low, throaty sound of the 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine and the heat radiating from the vehicle as soon as you start it provide plenty of satisfaction.
As the specs indicate, the M5 boasts a 0-60 mph time of just 3.3 seconds, showcasing its incredible acceleration. Even at high speeds, the RPM gauge climbs steadily, which can be intimidating.
In normal mode (Road), the performance is already impressive, but if you press the M mode button, you need to check your heart rate and stay alert.
The infotainment monitor allows you to customize the M mode settings for M1 and M2 buttons, so if things feel too intense, you can dial it back a bit. For instance, you can switch the transmission, chassis, or steering response to Sport or Sport Plus, or toggle the DSC ON/OFF.
However, I recommend saving the M mode button settings for when this beast becomes a bit mundane. Just pressing the red engine start button of the BMW M5 is enough to pump your adrenaline.
However, I found the engine sound and exhaust note inside the cabin to be overly soundproofed, which made me a bit disappointed that the outside sound barely reached the interior.
Given the interior sound level, it’s hard to differentiate between the M5 and the 5 Series M550i. I pressed the exhaust sound button so many times during the test drive, wondering if it was malfunctioning.
Of course, as a high-performance model based on the 5 Series sedan, it might need to be quieter than the M3 or M4, but it could also have been faster. However, I encountered one aspect that puzzled me.
Surprisingly, the ride comfort wasn’t as good as I expected. While I could have described it as "very hard," I chose to say it wasn’t good because my recent experience with the M3 Competition had set my expectations high.
This evaluation could be subjective, stemming from the difference in expectations for each model. For instance, I had no expectations regarding the ride comfort of the M3, which turned out to be surprisingly good, while I expected the M5 to have decent comfort, leading to disappointment when it didn’t meet that expectation.
One thing is clear: the M5, once the dream car of many fathers, is no longer just a daily driver for family comfort. It’s a sedan that can confidently charge forward like a raging bull.
Perhaps BMW has handed over the dream car status to the M550i, positioning the M5 as a model that enthusiasts want to drive hard, distinguishing it from the rest.
Ironically, I find myself in the absurd situation of having to use driving assistance and semi-autonomous driving in the congested streets of Seoul with such a beast!
Moreover, with the implementation of the 5030 safety speed limit, it’s quite unfortunate for the M5.
In summary, for daily driving or long-distance travel, you must accept some level of compromise on ride comfort. Still, if you feel young enough to handle it, this level of firmness is what makes you feel like you’re driving a real performance car.
If so, it might be worth a shot; after all, humans are adaptable creatures.
This concludes the review of the BMW M5 Competition!
Vehicle provided for review - BMW Korea