BMW unveils the new M5 and M5 Competition

The arrival of the new BMW M5 and BMW M5 Competition sees the high-performance sedans from BMW returning to the stage in even sharper form.

With its stylistic fine-tuning, an operating concept honed to good effect and a central display enlarged to 12.3 inches, the new BMW M5 is a more compelling proposition than ever.

As a result, the BMW M5 and BMW M5 Competition blend a business sedan's unruffled everyday usability with unbeatable high performance sports car dynamics to alluring effect.

The 4.4-litre V8 engine with BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology generates 591bhp in the BMW M5 and 617bhp in the BMW M5 Competition. The BMW M5 sprints from zero to 100km/h in only 3.4 seconds and passes 200km/h with just 11.1 seconds on the clock. The BMW M5 Competition meanwhile reaches both marks a fraction more quickly - 100km/h is up in 3.3 seconds, 200km/h in 10.8 seconds.

The eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic comes as standard, as does M xDrive all-wheel drive, which also includes a 2WD setting for pure rear-wheel drive. Featuring new shock absorbers from the BMW M8 Gran Coupe and a retuned chassis, the BMW M5 Competition offers even better driveability and handling at the limit, combined with superior comfort levels. The BMW M5 Competition also sits 7mm lower than the BMW M5 and includes other well-conceived suspension tweaks, allowing the car's extra power to truly comes into its own on the race track.

As on the BMW 5 Series range, the updated BMW kidney grille drops down further into the front apron - its chrome surround now has a one-piece design framing both kidney elements, which sport M-specific double bars and an M badge.

The restyled front apron has bolder contouring and larger air intakes at the sides, while the large central air intake is hexagonal in shape and incorporates the oil cooler along with the radar sensor for the Active Cruise Control system.

New L-shaped light tubes searting in narrow streaks point towards the kidney grille add a dynamic flourish to the newly designed LED head lights. The new option of BMW Individual lights Shadowline adds a dark-tinted accent to the Adaptive LED Headlights and BMW Laserlight. The LED rear lights now have a three-dimensional feel to them and provide a fresh take on the familiar BMW L shape with their precise light graphic.

The larger central display with a diagonal of 12.3 inches makes it easier than ever to keep a clear eye on the myriad functions of the driving dynamics systems and BMW M xDrive.

Originated from the BMW M8, a new two-button operating concept features in the centre console. The M Mode button, lets the driver toggle swiftly between the Road and Sport settings, with the M5 Competition offering a Track mode for an undiluted M feeling.

The Setup button takes them straight to the central display's menu, where they can select an individual configuration for the powertrain and chassis options. Brands Hatch Grey and Motegi Red metallic colours are both new, as are the BMW Individual finishes Tanzanite Blue II metallic, Aventurine Red II metallic and matt Frozen Bluestone metallic. Champagne Quartz metallic has also been renamed Alvit Grey metallic. The 20-inch M double-spoke wheels in polished Orbit Grey familiar from the BMW M8 are now available as an option on both M5s.