Refreshed BMW M5 goes live, EU launch in July, costs €120,900+

Following a series of leaked spy shots, the facelifted BMW M5 has finally celebrated its official premiere. Notable changes include the new 5 Series styling and upgraded suspension, among other things.

Compared against the old M5, the new one boasts a different radiator grille, LED headlights, taillights with a 3D pattern, and a redesigned rear diffuser with exhaust tips. Customers can choose from five available body colors and opt for 20-inch, M8-style wheels.

The top of the range is still occupied by the Competition spec, which replaces all chrome accents with black ones and introduces a sports-grade exhaust system with a valve for sound adjustment.

The infotainment display now measures 12.3 inches across, and there is now the same drive mode selector as on the M8.

Lift the hood cover to be greeted by the same old V8 TT with 4.4 liters of displacement, 600 PS (592 hp, 441 kW) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque. The Competition spec offers 625 PS (616 hp, 460 kW) with the same peak torque, although that peak amount is now available all the way through to 5,860 RPM. The transmission is eight-speed automatic, and the AWD system supports de-coupling the front axle on demand.

The acceleration stats stay the same, which means that the standard-issue M5 needs 3.4 seconds for its sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) and 11.1 seconds to hit 200 km/h (124 mph). The Competition manages the same in 3.3 and 10.8 seconds, respectively. Both come capped at 250 km/h (155 mph), but you can pay to have the limiter raised to 305 km/h (189.5 mph).

The suspension gets a relatively major upgrade: the new M5 gets the more balanced shock absorbers identical to those the M8 Gran Coupe comes with.

You can now opt for carbon-ceramic brakes all around that weigh 23 kg (50 lbs) less than the standard ones, and the brake calipers can be painted blue, black or red regardless of your choice.

Sales in Europe will launch in July, and there is little wonder that the new M5 comes at a premium over the old model. Prices in Germany start from €120,900 before all options, or €129,900 for the Competition spec.