2020 BMW M5 Competition 4.4L V8 8AT (625 HP)

Vehicle Overview

BMW refreshed the seventh generation of the 5 Series in 2020, and the M5 Competition also went through some styling and performance updates, making the vehicle more desirable to the brand’s fans.

The seventh generation of the 5 Series, known as the G30 in BMW’s naming system, was introduced in 2017. Just a year later, in 2018, the automaker launched the potent M5 and its more powerful sibling, the M5 Competition, both sporting the F90 factory label. Both vehicles were highly appreciated by the media worldwide and by the brand’s fans. Even though these two models came with turbocharged engines and all-wheel drive systems, they were quickly accepted by the brand’s fans, especially since the car could be easily converted into a rear-wheel drive vehicle at a flick of a switch. Therefore, when the 2020 model year came on the market, the M5 Competition already had its established fan base. And it just got better.

With an even more aggressive front fascia, the 2020 M5 Competition boasted new, slimmer LED headlights, sporting L-shaped LED daytime running lights, like the rest of the range. Customers could get them with adaptive or laser technology as an option. Between them, the automaker installed a wider grille than before, with twelve vertical double slats. A discrete M5 Competition badge adorned it. On the lower side of the bumper, the automaker added a new apron that featured an angular styling, with a broad center air intake flanked by large side scoops.

From its profile, the beefier front and rear bumper increased the car’s overall length by 17 millimeters (0.7-inch). But still, the wheelbase remained the same. Other subtle details that left bystanders understand that this was not a regular M5 included the black side vents on the front fenders, part of the Nightshade package. Like its predecessor, the 2020 M5 Competition boasted a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof, which helped lower the vehicle’s gravity center. But still, the side sills looked the same. At the back, the automaker installed new OLED taillights extended from the quarter panels to the trunk’s lid, creating a visual image of a wider car. At the same time, the lower side of the bumper featured a diffuser flanked by two twin exhausts with large diameters.

Inside, the dashboard received a new 12.3-inch touchscreen atop the center stack for the infotainment system, which supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The bolstered front seats with adjustable everything, including the side supports, provided a high comfort level, while a set of sports seats with integrated headrests was on the options list. A fully digital instrument panel fronted the driver, and a three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters ensured customers that they’ll always provide maximum grip. In the back, BMW installed a bench seat profiled for two, even though it installed three black seat belts there.

There were no surprises under the hood. The 4.4-liter, twin-turbo engine provided the same amount of power as before, with 625 PS (617 hp). It sent all the oomph in all corners via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Customers could choose various driving modes, including a rear-wheel drive. For the 2020 model year, BMW offered the vehicle the same suspension as the former M8 Competition, meaning that it had a slightly lower ground clearance than the regular M5. In addition, the car manufacturer added a set of carbon ceramic brake discs for the Competition version.