BMW Australia has announced pricing for its savage M5 Competition super sedan, which will arrive in the second half of the year with uprated performance and dynamics priced from $229,000 plus on-roads.

Joining the M3, M4 and upcoming M2 in Competition form, the top-spec M5 will become a permanent member of the BMW stable after the previous generation was offered with an optional Competition package.

BMW’s spanner-turners have tweaked the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 under the Competition’s bonnet to create the most powerful M5 yet, increasing power output over the ‘base’ car by 19kW to 460kW at 6000rpm. Torque remains steady at 750Nm from 1800 to 5800rpm.

The extra power has allowed for a sharper 0-100km/h sprint time, down 0.3 seconds to a blistering 3.3s. Fuel consumption for European models is rated at 10.8L/100km, while CO2 emissions stand at 246g/km.

Inside there's full leather ‘Merino Aragon’ upholstery and carbon structure dark chrome interior trim.

An exclusive adaptive M Sport exhaust system have been fitted, while a specifically designed transmission oil cooler means that the eight-speed 'Steptronic' automatic transmission always operates at the correct temperature.

Power is sent to all four wheels through BMW’s rear-biased 'M xDrive' system, which is aided by an ‘Active M Differential’ mounted to the rear axle. Drivers are also able to switch to two-wheel drive via the iDrive interface.

A number of chassis improvements have been added to the M5 Competition, including new engine mounts that offer 900 newtons per millimetre of spring rate, up from 580N/mm in the M5.

The double-wishbone front and five-link rear suspension set-up in the M5 Competition has also been changed, lowered by 7.0mm with spring rates increased by 10 per cent.

Further enhancements include a new mounting design for the front anti-roll bar, and ball joints replacing the rubber mountings on the suspension toe links to increase suspension stiffness.

High-gloss black trim elements will feature on the door mirrors, kidney grille, and M side gills.

Stopping power comes courtesy of M compound brakes with six-piston front calipers and vented discs, while the rear wheels are fitted with single-pot calipers. Carbon ceramic brake discs are available as an option.

Subtle visual differentiation is also included on the M5 Competition, such as high-gloss black trim elements on the door mirrors, kidney grille, M side gills, rear apron insert, lip spoiler and M5 Competition rear badging.

Door handles are finished in the body colour, while the sports exhaust is coloured black chrome.

Bi-colour 20-inch alloys in a Y-spoke design are standard, wrapped in 275/35 front and 285/35 rear rubber.

Inside, the Competition is set apart by seatbelts with M stitching, piped floor mats with the M5 logo, full leather ‘Merino Aragon’ upholstery and carbon structure dark chrome interior trim.

Full specification will be detailed closer to the model’s launch.

Would you choose a BMW M5 Competition over a Mercedes-AMG E63 S? Tell us what you think in the comments below.