Aside from the BMW i4 M50 and xDrive-equipped M3 and M4 Competitions, BMW Malaysia today also unveiled the facelifted 2022 BMW M5 and M5 Competition, as part of its celebration of the performance division’s 50-year anniversary.
The most significant update on the 2022 BMW M5 and M5 Competition models come in the form of the LCI styling changes that were introduced on the 5 Series model in Malaysia last year. These styling tweaks include a redesigned conjoined kidney grille, sleeker headlights (with LaserLight technology on both variants), and new three-dimensional tail lights.
The M-specific bumpers have also been redesigned, with the front corner air inlets getting additional black trims, while the rear gets a new gloss-black insert surrounding the unchanged diffuser elements.
As standard, the new 2022 BMW M5 and M5 Competition both come with the BMW M 50 Years Emblem, alongside other M-specific exterior equipment such as the double bars grille design, rear bootlid spoiler, carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) roof, and trademark M side mirrors.
However, the M5 Competition stands out with more exclusive items including the M Sports exhaust system, as well as additional fins on the front corner air inlets.
Inside, the infotainment display on both the BMW M5 and M5 Competition now measure 12.3 inches diagonally, up from the previous 10.25 inches. Although, they’re still part of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional package (alongside the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster), which means they’re still running on the older iDrive 7 operating system.
There’s also a new button layout for the vehicle dynamics settings on the centre console; the individual buttons for the suspension, powertrain, and steering settings are now replaced with just two buttons – Setup and M Mode – with most of the functions now being relegated into a menu within the infotainment display.
The M Mode button works somewhat like a shortcut button to let drivers alternate between Road and Sport driving modes, while a long press engages Track mode. The M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel are still retained from before, allowing drivers to set up quick access to their two personalised driving modes.
Power wise, the engines underneath of the new 2022 BMW M5 and M5 Competition models remain unchanged from before. Both are powered by the same 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo V8 engine, with the M5 getting 600 hp and 750 Nm of torque, while the Competition boosts it up to 625 hp and 750 Nm.
Just as before, both models also get an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission as standard, alongside the M xDrive all-wheel drive system. Performance figures are also unchanged, with the M5 taking 3.4 seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standstill onward to a top speed of 250 km/h, while the M5 Competition does it one-tenths quicker at 3.3 seconds, and maxes out at 305 km/h (with standard M Drivers Package).
Handling prowess is managed by the standard-fit adaptive dampers and variable steering system on both variants. The Competition model takes it one step further with stiffer engine mounts, tweaked suspension and springs, as well as a 7 mm lower ride height.
The new 2022 BMW M5 is priced from RM998,800, while the M5 Competition comes in at a RM190k premium over the regular model at RM1,188,800. Both prices are on-the-road and without insurance, but includes the sales and service tax as deliveries are only expected after June 30 this year.
Included in the prices is also a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service, roadside assistance hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ mobile app and BMW Privileges Card, as well as access to the BMW Service Online portal. Both models are now available for pre-booking on the BMW Shop Online platform at a fee of RM5,000.
GALLERY
