Box Autos

The most powerful production BMWs ever launched come to the UK this year. The BMW M5 and M6 with Competition Package boast 575hp each between the four variants and record the fastest ever official zero to 62mph time.

The new BMW M5 Saloon receives the recent changes to the 5 Series range while also adding M specific enhancements such as the M Double-spoke kidney grille, currently seen on the M6 Coupé and Convertible, as well as the new M Steering Wheel with M DCT paddles that feature on these models. To the rear, the tail lights feature new Thin Blade technology, which provides clear defined light making it instantly recognisable as a BMW.

Building on this enhanced design, power output is increased to 575hp providing the punch for the new Competition Package but also adds Sport suspension settings, Sport steering, Sport exhaust with Black Chrome exhaust tailpipes and exclusive 20-inch Double-spoke M light-alloy wheels. Additionally the Active M Differential is tuned to enhance agility during cornering while the M Dynamic Mode (MDM) is tuned to allow higher thresholds before the DSC intervenes. The Competition Package comes as a £6,700 option on top of the existing ‘standard’ M5 priced at £73,505 OTR. Other new options include 20-inch alloy wheels in black, an enhanced colour palette, upholstery and interior trim choice and Adaptive LED headlights.

*Electronically limited

The new BMW M6 Coupé, Convertible and Gran Coupé can all now come with the optional Competition Package too. The Competition Package costs £6,500 on an M6 Coupé and Convertible and £5,500 on the M6 Gran Coupé.

*Electronically limited

BMW 518d – a new starting point for the range

The BMW Saloon and Touring are now available with a new 518d engine which minimises buying and operating costs, and will be of particular appeal to UK business drivers.

Powered by a 143hp version of BMW’s 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine featuring common-rail injection and variable inlet geometry, this new starting point to 5 Series ownership offers impressive running costs. Fuel economy on the combined cycle is 62.8mpg (Touring 58.9mpg) while CO2 emissions are as low as 119g/km (Touring 127g/km), all while still complying with EU6 regulations. Its competitive performance figures mean the BMW 518d Saloon attracts a UK BIK taxation rate of only 18 per cent. Yet with 360Nm of torque at only 1,750 rpm, it marries efficiency and driving enjoyment in inimitable BMW style: acceleration from 0-62 mph is achieved in 9.7 seconds (Touring 10.1seconds).

The new starting point for the 5 Series Saloon and Touring comes at the same time as each has been subtly modified to give their sporting characters a sharper edge. There are additional contour lines around the BMW kidney grille and a re-structured lower air intake, while both variants now incorporate indicator repeaters into the door mirrors as standard. Standard equipment has also been enhanced to include Business Navigation, Xenon headlights, BMW Emergency Call and Teleservices. The Saloon and Touring also have new-style tail lights with slender, elegant LED light strips and along with an additional crease in the rear apron they emphasise the car’s width and sporting stance.

The BMW 518d Saloon starts at £29,830 OTR for an SE rising to £32,630 OTR for an M Sport derivative. A BMW 518d Touring costs from £32,155 OTR for an SE rising to £35,080 OTR for an M Sport.