BMW M5, M6: Competition Package boosts power to 423kW

BMW says the primary goal of the Competition Package was enhance the models' handling properties. Engineers from the German manufacturer's BMW M division fine-tuned the engine performance curve and suspension technology simultaneously to ensure its peak output was in line with consistently precise responses.

Power from the twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 has been bumped up from 412kW to 423kW, while torque remains to 680Nm.

Adjustments to the suspension and damping systems and stabiliser bars see the M5 and M6 Competition Pack cars sit 10mm lower to the ground, while the Active M Differential gets its own control unit and teams with the chassis upgrades to further improve traction.

The new hydraulic steering with M-specific Servotronic has more direct mapping intended to produce a feeling of firm and secure contact with the road and enhancing agility during cornering.

The M Dynamic mode of the stability control system is more acutely geared to sporty handling in Competition Pack cars, while BMW says all of the upgrades naturally create a greater range between the Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes.

Along with enhanced dynamics, the Competition Package shaves one-tenth off each car’s sprint time, cutting the M5 and M6 Convertible to 4.2 seconds, and the M6 Coupe and Gran Coupe to 4.1sec.

All Competition Package grades are distinguished visually by exclusive 20-inch light-alloy wheels and a black chrome sports exhaust system.

BMW has also announced a number of upgrades for the M5 in line with the mid-life update to the rest of the 5 Series range.

Revealed in a series of leaked photos last week, the revised model features a new kidney grille with a slat pattern designed to match the car’s double-spoke alloys.

New tail-lights with thin LED strips create a fresh look at the rear, while adaptive LED headlights are now an option at the front.

A newly styled steering wheel headlines the changes to the cabin, which also now gets a larger centre console bin and an optional touch-sensitive character-recognition surface on the iDrive controller.

A lane departure system with collision warning joins the updated M5’s driver assistance package, warning drivers if the windscreen-mounted camera detects vehicles or pedestrians in its line of sight and braking automatically if it deems the situation critical.

A range of new exterior paint colours will be offered to complement two new exclusive leather finishes.

The updated BMW 5 Series range is set to arrive in Australia early in the final quarter of 2013.

While BMW Australia has confirmed its interest in the Competition Package for the M5 and M6, it is not yet sure when vehicles will be available to local customers.