A few weeks ago BMW unveiled a revised 5 Series, so it was only a matter of time before the range-leading, performance version broke cover, and the facelifted BMW M5 just did. Read our original BMW M5 driving review here.

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Facelifted BMW M5 front

The treatment first seen on the facelifted 5er has been applied to the latest generation (F90) M5 and M5 competition as well. A resculpted front bumper has larger air inlets and adaptive air ducting to improve aerodynamics. An updated BMW kidney grille drops down further into the front apron. M‑specific double bars and an M badge are found within the single-frame grille surround. The most obvious changes are new L‑shaped light tubes within the LED headlamps. These are complemented by LED rear lights that now have a three-dimensional feel to them.

In addition to the changes listed above, the BMW M5 Competition comes with black styling details. These include the BMW kidney grille surround, the mesh on the M gills, the exterior mirror caps, the additional rear spoiler on the boot lid, M5 Competition badges and tailpipes.

Read our BMW M340i driving review at this link.

Changes inside

The cabin now features a larger central 12,3-inch touchscreen that runs on BMW’s latest iDrive software. A new, two-button operating concept, first used in the BMW M8, has been carried over to the sedan. An M Mode button lets the driver switch between road and sport settings. A setup button allows the driver direct access to the central display’s menu. In this menu driver’s can select individual configuration options for the powertrain and suspension settings. These include a track mode in the BMW M5 Competition.

Read our exclusive interview with the head of M Division by clicking here.

Mechanical change

From a mechanical point of view there isn’t a lot to report on. The facelifted BMW M5 now boasts the same dampers as used in the BMW M8 Gran Coupé. The Competition version rides 7 mm lower than the regular M5. Both flavours have received tweaks to the suspension tuning.

Under the bonnet there has been no revision. Power is still derived from a twin-turbocharged 4,4‑litre V8.  441 kW is on offer in the BMW M5 and 460 kW in the BMW M5 Competition. Drive is delivered by an eight‑speed M Steptronic transmission connected to an all-wheel drive system that features a rear-wheel-drive only option for smoky tail-out antics. Claimed performance for the facelifted BMW M5 is a 0-100 km/h run in 3,4 seconds (3,3 for the Competition version) and it passes the 200 km/h mark in just 11,1 seconds (10,8 seconds for the 460 kW derivative). The top speed of both variants is 250 km/h, or 305 km/h with the optional M Driver’s Package specified.

Learn more about the facelifted BMW M5 and M5 Competition in the video below.