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2022 BMW M5, M5 Competition Facelifts Introduced In Malaysia — New Styling, Same Power; Pricing Starts at RM999k

BMW Malaysia has unveiled the facelifted F90 BMW M5 and M5 Competition to commemorate the 50th anniversary of BMW M. The performance sedans are two of five new M models offered to consumers, including the G80 M3 Competition and G82 M4 Competition – both of which are now available with xDrive – as well as the all-electric G26 i4 M50.

The ordinary G30 5 Series had a facelift here in May, and same design improvements are equally applicable to the current M5 duet. For starters, there’s a more upright conjoined kidney grille that sinks a touch further into the front apron.

This is followed with slimmer LED headlamps with L-shaped light guides, the former on the Competition incorporating Laserlight technology. The redesigned front bumper differs from the previous model in that it no longer has a “frame” surrounding its center lower intake, and the corner inlets are better highlighted thanks to the addition of black trim pieces – additional fins are added for the Competition variation.

Moving on to the rear, the taillights have been updated to feature a new 3D design and L-shaped graphics, as part of the G30 facelift, dubbed LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) in BMW parlance. The rear bumper is likewise modified to match, along with an unchanged diffuser element and quad exhaust tailpipes.

The carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) roof, signature M side mirrors, and fender gills remain, but there are new BMW M 50 Years emblems to commemorate M’s half-century anniversary.

Inside, the dashboard design remains the same, albeit the infotainment touchscreen has been increased to 12.3 inches from 10.25 inches previously. The larger display is included with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional option, which also includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display and the BMW Operating System 7.0.

A less visible difference is that the center console no longer has discrete buttons for changing the suspension, powertrain, and steering characteristics. There are now only two buttons: Setup and M Mode, with the former taking you to a specialized menu for these modifications.

Meanwhile, the M Mode button allows drivers to choose between Road and Sport driving modes with a single touch, or hold it down to engage Track mode. The M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel remain for individuals who want to save their two most often used customised settings.

The M5 versions come standard with adaptive dampers and variable steering, but the Competition edition adds firmer engine mounts and a 7 mm lower ride height, as well as dampers taken from the F93 M8 Gran Coupe.

The M5’s S63 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 still produces 600 PS (591 horsepower) at 6,000 rpm and 750 Nm of torque between 1,800 and 5,600 rpm. The engine in the Competition model remains intact, producing 625 PS (616 horsepower) and 750 Nm – the latter across a broader rev range of 1,800 to 5,860 rpm.

The S63 is still partnered with an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission and a M xDrive all-wheel drive system, as well as an Active M Differential and a choice of 4WD, 4WD Sport, and 2WD modes on both models.

Performance-wise, the M5 takes 3.4 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h, while the Competition is a tenth of a second faster at 3.3 seconds. The “lesser” model has a top speed of 250 km/h, but the Competition has a standard M Driver’s Package that lets it to reach 305 km/h. It should be noted that the pre-facelift M5 Competition was not previously marketed in the UK.

Adaptive LED headlamps, 20-inch M light alloy wheels in a double-spoke bicolor design (style 810 M), M high-gloss Shadowline, a head-up display, four-zone climate control, ConnectedDrive services, an ambient lighting system, a Harman Kardon sound system, and a wireless phone charger are standard features on the standard M5.

The cabin also has Aluminium Carbon structure M interior trim finishers with Pearl Chrome highlight trim finisher, velour floor mats, power-operated M sports seats, an anthracite headliner, and a Galvanic embellisher for the controls.

The M5 Competition adds the aforementioned Laserlight headlights and M Driver’s Package to the M5, as well as the same-size Y-spoke bicolor alloys (type 789 M), a M sports exhaust system, and a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system. The Shadowline kit is much more complete, including not just the window trim but also the headlights and kidney grille.

The Competition receives an anthracite headliner as well, but with M seat belts and dark Aluminium Carbon structure M interior trim finishes with dark Chrome accent trim finisher.

The M5 comes with the Parking Assistant and Driving Assistant packages, whilst the Competition receives the more feature-rich Parking Assistant Plus and Driving Assistant Professional.

2022 BMW M5-M5 Competition facelift launch Malaysia-official-27
2022 BMW M5-M5 Competition facelift launch Malaysia-official-28

Both variations have Merino leather seating in Silverstone, Aragon Brown, or Black, while exterior finishes include Black Sapphire, Sophisto Grey, M Marina Bay Blue, Sanremo Green, and Skyscraper Grey, with Aventurine Red from BMW Individual being an added option exclusive to the M5 Competition.

Finally, consider the cost. The M5 has an on-the-road pricing of RM998,800 without insurance but inclusive of sales and service tax (SST), so don’t expect deliveries before June 30 this year. Those interested in the M5 Competition must pay RM1,188,800, which is a RM190,000 premium over the standard M5.

These prices cover a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty, free scheduled service, roadside assistance, the BMW Group Loyalty+ mobile app and BMW Privileges Card, and access to the BMW Service Online platform. Pre-orders are now available on the BMW Shop online for a RM5,000 fee.

Business Asia
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