The BMW M5 is regarded by many as the epitome of the gentleman super-saloon; fast, comfortable and subtly stylish, the M5 is for the driver that loves speed and agility but refuses to compromise on quality.
The F90 BMW M5 is only available in Competition trim in South Africa, offering 460 kW as opposed to the 441 kW of the regular M5. That tells you something about the South African market - we refuse to accept anything but the best.
Related: Dialled up to 11: The BMW M5 Competition
The latest update to the BMW M5 and M5 Competition sees a few styling tweaks and tech developments to further improve the ownership and driving experience. Here's what has changed.
Styling
Up front, the new M5 gets a redesigned front bumper with larger, more aggressive side air dams and a new lower grille. This is complemented by the new headlights with redesigned L-shape lighting tubes fitted to lights that narrow towards the middle as they meet the redesigned kidney grille (not to worry, no 4 Series grille here... yet). The headlights also feature new Dynamic Laser Matrix Beam technology. The kidney grille features M-specific double bars and is finished in high-gloss black.
The rear sees a similar treatment with a slightly tweaked bumper, black rear apron and M-specific twin-exit tailpipes. The black gurney flap and black M5 Competition badge on the M5 Competition remains but it's the taillights that jump off the page. They've been given new L-shaped elements and a dark surround - a rather striking styling cue that is sure to be copied.
Both the M5 and M5 Competition get a new set of double-spoke, 20-inch, 810M bi-colour alloy wheels while the mirror covers are finished in high-gloss black. The brake callipers are finished in either high-gloss red or black while the entry sills get an illuminated M5 Competition logo.
Two new colours, Brands Hatch Grey and Motegi Red also make their debut on the new BMW M5.
Dynamics
There's the old saying that you don't scratch where it doesn't itch and the powertrain of the M5 wasn't itchy. The only area that the engineers thought could do with a little refinement was in the suspension. While the pre-facelift F90 M5 has seemingly no issues in this department, the engineers have adjusted the damper rates both front and rear. They ensure us that this has improved the handling without compromising the ride quality.
Technology
Once again, the touches are small but significant. The Central Information Display screen has grown in size from 10.25-inches to a full 12.3-inches, providing better legibility and clarity, and making it easier to interact with the touchscreen interface.
The new two-button operating concept, carried over from the BMW M8, sees two buttons replace the three-button arrangement alongside the gear selector. This allows users to instantly access the Setup option and the M Mode button alloys switching from Road to Sport mode, and Track mode in the case of the M5 Competition.
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