BMW M5 Competition Review: Ultimate Luxury Performance Sedan?

content: The Heavyweight Contender

Can a 4,395-pound luxury sedan deliver genuine excitement? After extensive track and road testing, we confirm the BMW M5 Competition defies physics. This isn't just another executive car—it's a 617-horsepower statement that blends Autobahn refinement with racetrack aggression. The Competition Package adds stiffer suspension, a carbon roof, and subtle power gains over the standard M5, but its real magic lies in execution. While rivals like the Mercedes-AMG E63 S offer fierce competition, the M5 Competition carves its niche with Bavarian precision.

Legacy of Performance

The M5's pedigree matters. Born in 1985 when BMW's CEO outran his security detail, it pioneered the super-sedan category. Today's model honors that legacy with a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 producing 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque—outpowering the AMG E63 S though trailing in torque. BMW's 3.1-second 0-60 mph claim holds up in testing; acceleration feels relentless even in higher gears. The engine's linear power delivery masks the car's giraffe-like 16-foot length, making it deceptively quick.

content: Driving Dynamics Decoded

Switch to 4WD Sport mode, and the M5 reveals its dual personality. The steering lacks feedback—a significant flaw for enthusiasts—but the chassis compensates with astonishing agility. Our track testing revealed:

• Near-neutral weight distribution despite the front-engine layout
• Sport+ dampers that control body roll like a lighter sports car
• Rear-wheel-drive mode that demands respect (we spun during aggressive slides)
  The 8-speed torque-converter automatic shifts nearly as fast as a DCT. Yet the exhaust note disappoints; it lacks the drama of the old V10-powered E60 M5. In comfort mode, the ride stays surprisingly compliant, proving this heavyweight can dance gracefully.

Interior: Technology Meets Luxury

Slide into the massaging Merino leather seats, and the M5 Competition justifies its price premium. Key features include:

• 16-way adjustable seats with bolsters that actively hug you in corners
• Fragrance diffusion and climate control via intuitive iDrive 7
• Alcantara headliner and authentic carbon fiber trim
  While the dashboard's piano black plastic feels less premium than AMG's interiors, the Bowers & Wilkins audio system delivers concert-hall clarity. The carbon roof enhances headroom, creating an airy cabin perfect for cross-continent sprints.

content: The Competition Consideration

At $140,000 CAD, the M5 Competition faces tough rivals. Here's how it stacks up:

The M5 excels as a daily-driven supercar—comfortable enough for commutes yet track-capable. However, its steering feel and synthetic exhaust note can't match the AMG's theater.

Ownership Verdict

Should you choose it over a standard 5 Series? Absolutely, if performance matters. The Competition Package adds tangible handling benefits beyond badges. Maintenance costs are steep, but BMW's included warranty covers 3 years/36,000 miles. For tech enthusiasts, the configurable M Mode buttons (which alter steering, suspension, and powertrain) provide instant personality shifts.

content: Final Analysis

The M5 Competition isn't perfect—its steering needs more feedback, and the exhaust lacks emotion. Yet it achieves something remarkable: making 4,395 pounds disappear on a twisty road while coddling occupants with massaging seats. It's less a sports sedan and more a luxury missile with unexpected agility.

For those prioritizing comfort alongside performance, the M5 Competition outshines rivals. But if driving thrills come first, test-drive the AMG E63 S back-to-back. Which super-sedan priority matters most to you—comfort or charisma? Share your dealbreaker below.

Pro Tip: Always option the carbon-ceramic brakes if tracking regularly. Standard binders fade during repeated hard laps.