The 2014 BMW M5 and M6 get performance oriented updates for the new model year. The changes include minor visual tweaks as well as hardware improvements underneath.
Lets get right down to business. The 2014 M5 and M6 vehicles offer an optional Competition Package (also referred to as Sport Package) for those who seek the extra edge on performance. This package boosts the twin-turbo V8 from 560 hp to 575 hp, and BMW claims that 0-60 mph sprints are now a 0.1 seconds quicker. The suspension and damper setting have been tuned. There is a new “mechanical steering” with “10% more direct” feel. Finally, there is the new sport exhaust that also enhances sound. This optional package can be yours at $7,300.
Visually, the 2014 model year M cars get a new blacked out high gloss grill, LED tails lights, and a new M sport steering wheel. There is an easy way to spot a 2014 M5 or M6 car with the Competition Package. If you see the black chrome quad exhaust system in the back, you are looking at the 2014 car with sport exhaust.
BMW’s impressive ceramic brakes are now a $9,250 option and are covered under the Ultimate Service program. We were not able to fully exercise the brakes during our drive from Seattle to Vancouver, but they have great feel and plenty of reserve stopping power.
On the road, the updated M5 and M6 have slightly different characters. The M5 has a slightly more compliant ride even in Sport Plus driving mode. You can clearly tell both cars transform from Comfort and all the way to Sport Plus modes, but the M6 coupe seems to stiffen up a little more than the sedan. Perhaps, the M5 is meant as your daily runabout, and the M6 is for having fun on the weekend in a canyon or on a track. Not to take anything away from the sedan. It has the same intoxicating V8 sound, quick response, and monstrous grip in corners. The M5 just feels a little more relaxed while doing all these things.
Both of these cars feel wide and big from the driver’s seat when maneuvering around city traffic. However, they are a lot of fun on a lonely and twisty two-lane, and seem to shrink around you.
In the end, the 2014 model year M5 and M6 offer more performance capability and more subtle design elements. These M cars may not be as direct and mechanical as their ancestors, but all the latest technology in this iteration is becoming a little more transparent and does a better job at transmitting the essence of performance driving.
Check out this fun video montage of the 2014 BMW M5 and M6 exercising the new sport exhaust on the beautiful roads north of Seattle:
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been a contributor at TFLcar since 2011. When not working or spending time with the family – you can find him tinkering in the garage or simply ‘going for a drive’.
