2019 BMW M5 Competition: Better on track, but rougher on road

The BMW M5 lineup will grow for the 2019 model year to include a more capable M5 Competition model with additional power and handling improvements.

Compared to the base M5, the 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine gets an additional 17 horsepower to push output to 617. 

BMW says the M5 Competition will hit 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. The standard M5 does it in 3.2 seconds.

Torque stays steady at 553 pound-feet, but is available during a slightly wide range from 1,800 to 5,860 rpm.

The most significant changes occur with the M5 Competition's suspension. Specific adaptive damper tuning, 10-percent stiffer springs and a slightly lower ride height are featured on the Competition. 

The Competition also rides on 20-inch forged wheels wrapped with Pirelli P Zero tires.

Visually, the M5 Competition sets itself apart from the base M5 with additional black trim for the grille, side gills, mirror caps and badges on the outside. 

For the cabin, an M Competition graphic is featured on the cluster at start-up, M seat belts and M5 logo floor mats are added. 

Like the rest of the 5 Series family, an intuitive BMW iDrive 6 system handles infotainment with standard navigation, 16-speaker audio and Apple CarPlay capabilities. Sadly, BMW still doesn't support Android Auto.

The 2019 BMW M5 Competition will hit showrooms in September with a $111,995 base price, which includes $995 destination and $1,000 gas guzzler tax.

Click through the gallery for more photos of this car.