The BMW M5 has long been a benchmark for performance sedans, and the 2019 M5 Competition takes this legacy to exhilarating new heights. For years, the dream of owning an M5 was tempered by the need for all-weather practicality. While the rear-wheel-drive setup offered unparalleled driving pleasure, it lacked the all-wheel-drive confidence required for challenging winter conditions. Enter the M xDrive system, transforming the M5 into a true all-season performance machine. This intelligent system retains a rear-wheel bias that purists crave, yet seamlessly distributes torque to all four wheels when necessary, delivering both thrilling 2WD fun and 4WD practicality. For those envisioning spirited winter drives, equipping the 2019 Bmw M5 Competition with snow tires unlocks a world of controlled four-wheel drifts and confident handling in any weather.
Unleashing the Beast: Driving Experience of the M5 Competition
Stepping into the 2019 BMW M5 Competition is akin to experiencing the thrill of a Porsche 911, now reimagined within a four-door sedan. In a world where performance technologies and immense horsepower are increasingly accessible across vehicle types, the M5 Competition redefines what’s possible in a luxury sedan. It delivers a driving experience that was once the exclusive domain of top-tier sports cars. Like comparing notes with fellow enthusiasts who appreciate the nuances of high-performance vehicles, this review aims to explore how the M5 Competition captures the essence of sports car exhilaration while offering the versatility of a sedan.
This car possesses a deceptive subtlety; to the untrained eye, the 2019 BMW M5 Competition might appear as just another sophisticated sedan. However, beneath its refined exterior lies a beast waiting to be unleashed. As the “Competition” badge suggests, this model is BMW’s factory-tuned iteration of the already potent M5, which itself is a high-performance variant of the 5-Series. Luxury automakers like BMW expertly balance comfort and performance in their tuned models, offering a spectrum of driving modes to tailor the car’s character. While some sports cars offer a simple choice between “Sport” and “non-Sport,” the M5 Competition boasts a far more extensive range. It transforms dramatically, offering a spectrum of personalities from refined comfort to aggressive performance, all at the driver’s fingertips.
Power and Performance: Engine and Specs of the 2019 M5 Competition
Under the hood, the 2019 M5 Competition houses the same formidable twin-turbo V8 engine found in the base M5, but BMW’s engineers have extracted even more power. This enhanced engine delivers a staggering 617 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 553 lb-ft of torque, available across a broad rev range from 1,800 to 5,860 rpm. This torque band is wider than the standard M5, translating to even more responsive power delivery. Despite weighing over 4,000 pounds, the M5 Competition achieves a blistering 0-60 mph time of just 3.1 seconds, outperforming both the base M5 and the Porsche 911 Carrera S in acceleration. Beyond raw speed, the 2019 BMW M5 Competition remains a practical sedan, comfortably accommodating four adults (and occasionally five) with ample trunk space for luggage. A rear seat pass-through adds versatility for longer items like skis, though the seats do not fold completely flat, meaning larger items like bikes may require a roof rack.
Customizable Driving Dynamics: Modes and M Buttons
The sheer breadth of driving modes in the 2019 BMW M5 Competition has drawn some criticism, with settings for engine, transmission, steering, suspension, and xDrive system. The array of choices – Efficient, Sport, Sport Plus, Ultra-Dynamic, and more – can feel reminiscent of advanced driving simulators. However, BMW cleverly addresses this complexity with the inclusion of two red M buttons on the steering wheel, positioned for easy thumb access at 9 and 3 o’clock. These buttons are the key to unlocking the M5 Competition’s full potential, allowing drivers to pre-program and instantly access their preferred customized driving modes, configured through the intuitive iDrive interface.
xDrive System and Performance Modes
The M xDrive system in the 2019 BMW M5 Competition offers three distinct modes to cater to various driving scenarios. The default 4WD mode provides everyday confidence and stability. For more spirited driving, 4WD Sport mode allows for controlled wheel slip, ideal for track days and dynamic handling. Engaging performance mode also transforms the head-up display, prioritizing key track data. A tachometer appears across the top, gear selection is prominently displayed in the center, and speed is shown to the left – essential information for focused track driving. While the inclusion of the speed limit display in this performance-oriented view seems somewhat out of place, the overall design of the head-up display effectively encourages drivers to keep their eyes on the road ahead, a fundamental principle of performance driving.
The Thrill of 2WD and Drift Mode
For those seeking unadulterated rear-wheel-drive thrills, the 2019 BMW M5 Competition offers a pure 2WD mode with traction control completely disabled. (The absence of a 2WD mode with traction control is intentional, as this setting is purely for experienced drivers seeking maximum freedom). This mode unleashes the car’s drifting and burnout potential. Unlike some competitors that require a complex sequence to engage drift mode, the M5 Competition allows for instant access to 2WD via a programmable M button. Imagine programming the M1 button for a preferred daily driving configuration, and the M2 button for instant 2WD mode – perfect for an exhilarating stretch of road or leaving a lasting impression at a stoplight.
Comfort and Refinement: Balancing Luxury and Sport in the 2019 M5 Competition
Beyond its immense power and performance capabilities, the 2019 BMW M5 Competition maintains a degree of everyday usability. Stiffer engine mounts enhance power transfer and cornering precision while also providing a more engaging engine feel within the cabin. The Competition model sits seven millimeters lower than the standard M5, yet still offers greater ground clearance than a sports car like the 911. While the suspension is firmer than the base M5 for improved handling, even in “Comfort” mode, the M5 Competition delivers a taut ride, particularly noticeable on less-than-perfect road surfaces. However, this firmness is a worthwhile trade-off for the unparalleled range of driving experiences the 2019 BMW M5 Competition offers – a true Jekyll-to-Hyde character that seamlessly transitions from comfortable cruiser to high-performance sports sedan.
The 2019 BMW M5 Competition starts at a base price of around $110,000, and with desirable options, can quickly reach the $130,000 range. This pricing places it directly competitive with the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S. Ultimately, the choice between these two exceptional vehicles depends on individual needs. If hauling passengers and luggage regularly is a priority, the 2019 BMW M5 Competition offers a compelling blend of practicality and performance. For driving enthusiasts seeking a luxury sedan that delivers a truly exhilarating and customizable driving experience, the 2019 BMW M5 Competition stands as a top contender, offering a driving feel that rivals the best sports cars in its class.
