BMW has confirmed local pricing for the updated version of its sixth-generation M5.

The iconic BMW luxury performance car is now available to local customers in M5 Competition guise. Pricing is set at R2202960, which is a justifiable increase over the standard M5’s R2099000.

Differentiating the new F90 M5 are reshaped head- and taillamps, with the latest BMW L-shaped LED illumination. Bumpers are reshaped front and rear, whilst gloss black detailing. Cabin upgrades include an inched-up infotainment display, which now measures 12.3-inches, up from 10.25-inches.

The 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine produces 460 kW and 750 Nm. As with all F90 M5s, the Competition is all-wheel-drive and capable of 0-100 kph in 3.3 seconds, with a top speed potential of 305 kph.

Although the powertrain is unchanged from the pre-upgrade car, the M5 Competition does allow for a completely disabled suite of driver assistance systems. This function is primarily targeted at owners who will use their M5 Competition for track day experiences, where the benefit of retuned dampers will come into their own.

New internals and valving profiles are part of the M5 Competition suspension upgrade. The car’s adaptive ride control sensors are also recalibrated to best integrate the new mechanical damping features, which were first seen on BMW’s M8 Competition Gran Coupe.

The improved suspension configuration also lowers the M5 Competition, compared to a conventional M5, by 7 mm. That might not sound like much, but with a car of the M5’s weight and wheelbase length, a small decrease in the centre of gravity equates to a substantial improvement in lateral agility.

BMW 5-Series Pricing in SA

BMW 520d Sedan –R932350

BMW 530i Sedan – R934 501

BMW M550i Sedan – R1 427 339

BMW M5 –R2099000

BMW M5 Competition –R2202960