2022 BMW M5 Competition Review

In recent years, the high-performance four-door sedan market in Malaysia has become increasingly competitive. Consumers want a sports car-level power experience without compromising daily practicality — the 2022 BMW M5 Competition is here to address this demand. As a performance-enhanced version of the M5 series, it not only boosts the 4.4T V8 twin-turbo engine's horsepower to 626 PS but also further optimizes chassis tuning while retaining the five-seat layout and 530L trunk space. In this test drive, we focus on verifying whether it can strike the perfect balance between being a "performance beast" and a "family car."

From a distance, the 2022 M5 Competition retains the sleekness of the BMW 5 Series, but the sporty modifications in its details make it highly recognizable. The front face features a blackened kidney grille paired with a three-section sporty front bumper, while larger air intakes on both sides enhance cooling efficiency. The side profile exhibits smooth lines, with 20-inch multi-spoke M-exclusive wheels and wide tires (front 275/35 R20, rear 285/35 R20) creating a visually striking impact. Changes at the rear focus on details: smoked LED taillights with adjusted internal structures, thickened quad round exhaust outlets, and a carbon-fiber rear diffuser, making the overall design more aggressive than the standard version. The lighting system comes standard with LED across all trims, offering fast responsiveness for automatic headlights and daytime running lights with sufficient night-time illumination range.

Sitting inside, the center console layout continues BMW's family-style design, but the materials and configuration are noticeably performance-oriented. The seats are wrapped in Merino leather, with the front seats supporting electric adjustments, including lumbar support, side bolsters, and cushion multi-way adjustments, along with heating and driver memory functions. They provide sufficient support during aggressive driving while remaining comfortable for everyday use. The steering wheel is a three-spoke M design with a solid grip. The left side integrates physical buttons for driving mode and suspension adjustments, while the paddle shifters are made of metal, offering crisp feedback upon operation. The central control screen measures 12.3 inches, supporting touch operation and the iDrive control knob. The system is highly responsive, and common features like navigation and Bluetooth connectivity are easy to use. The instrument panel is fully digital, with interface styles that change according to the selected driving mode. In red Sports Mode, it displays performance data such as torque and horsepower. Regarding space, its 2982mm wheelbase is an obvious advantage. A 180cm front passenger has a fist's worth of headroom when seated properly, while a 180cm rear passenger enjoys two fists' worth of legroom and one fist of headroom. The slightly raised central floor does not pose an issue for short-distance comfort. Regarding storage capacity, the door panels can hold two large water bottles, the center armrest box offers sufficient depth, and the 530L trunk space easily accommodates three 20-inch suitcases, retaining its family-friendly utility.

Starting the vehicle, the roar of the 4.4T V8 twin-turbo engine is noticeably more robust compared to the standard M5. Official data indicates a maximum output of 626 PS, with a peak torque of 750 N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive system. In Comfort Mode for daily driving, power delivery is smooth, the transmission shifts gears actively, and the throttle response is not overly aggressive, making it suitable for urban commuting. Switching to Sport Mode notably enhances throttle sensitivity; stepping on it firmly brings a strong push-back feeling. The 0-100km/h official acceleration time is 3.3 seconds, and real-world tests in Sport+ Mode demonstrate that the all-wheel-drive system effectively suppresses wheel slip, delivering an almost jerk-free acceleration process. On the handling side, the front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension systems have been retuned by the M Division, lowering the ride height by 7mm and increasing structural support. During cornering, body roll is minimal, and the steering offers precise directionality with almost no slack, providing clear road feedback. When tackling bumpy roads, the suspension in Comfort Mode filters out most minor vibrations, and speed bumps do not transmit jarring impacts to the seats. In Sport Mode, the suspension stiffens, offering a clearer road feel but without sacrificing comfort. Regarding fuel economy, the vehicle consumes approximately 14L per 100km in congested urban conditions, dropping to 9L during highway cruising. The combined fuel consumption is approximately 11.2L, which is consistent with official data and reasonable for a high-displacement performance car. The braking system also performs stably, with a braking distance of around 35 meters from 100-0km/h and no significant heat-induced degradation after repeated stops.

The noise control of the M5 Competition during driving is quite well done. At a high speed of 120km/h, wind noise and tire noise are kept within a reasonable range, and the engine noise is almost inaudible; at low speeds in the city, the interior remains quiet, with only slight road noise audible. The comfort of the seats is commendable, with cushioning that is neither too soft nor too firm, ensuring that even after two hours of long-distance driving, you won't feel any backache. The automatic parking feature quickly identifies parking spaces during practical use, and the operation is simple, making it very practical for a car of this size. The HUD head-up display shows information such as speed and navigation, which reduces the need to frequently look down at the instrument cluster, enhancing driving safety.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2022 BMW M5 Competition are quite prominent: a more aggressive exterior design compared to the standard M5, stronger power output, a sportier chassis tuning, while still retaining the five-seat layout and practical space. Compared with the Mercedes-AMG E63 S in the same class, its price is lower, and it adds more practical features like the HUD head-up display and rear-seat air-conditioning, offering better value for money; compared with the Audi RS6 Avant, it has faster acceleration performance and more precise handling. This car is suitable for two groups of people: one is performance enthusiasts who also need a family car, and the other is business professionals who pursue luxury and comfort without compromising driving pleasure.

In summary, the 2022 BMW M5 Competition is a "versatile" performance car — it can unleash passion on the track, provide comfort in daily commuting, and does not compromise on family space. If you have the budget and are looking for a performance car that is not limited to the track, it will be a very suitable choice.