In parallel with the launch of the revised BMW 5 Series comes an optional upgrade for the M5 and M6, called the Competition Package.
It starts with an engine tweak, boosting the rated output of the 4.4-litre, Twinpower turbo V8 from 412 to 423kW, and includes the newly developed M carbon ceramic brakes have been available as an option since March this year.
The signature BMW kidney grille now features the model designation, on slats that echo the double-spoke design of the M light-alloy rims, and xenon headlights are now standard issue - or there is now the option of adaptive LED headlights with a bright white light generated by a pair of LED units situated horizontally in the middle of each light ring.
The upgraded M5 and M6 also have new tail lights with thin LED light strips that generate a high contrast and add to an unmistakable night-time look.
Inside, there's a new M leather steering wheel, also taking its visual cues from the double-spoke wheels rims by which any schoolboy petrolhead recognises an M car.
BMW has also enlarged the storage compartment under the centre armrest, and put a chromed trim around the control display of the standard-issue iDrive - which is also now available with a touch-sensitive surface so the driver can draw on it with a finger to input letters and digits.
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE
From July BMW Individual will be offering a range of three new metallic for the M5 - silver, brown and blue, along with new matt finishes, and two new leather trim colours - beige and nutmeg.
The new metallic silver has a special metallic gleams that comes from
the combination of a special water-based paint pigment and ultra-thin aluminium flakes, for a uniform, gleaming surface with a colour contrast that depends on the angle of view.
BMW's ConnectedDrive online hook-up now has a driving assistant function that combines lane departure and collision warning - and hits the brakes when necessary. Its windscreen-mounted camera registers vehicles and pedestrians and gives the driver visual and acoustic warning signals if a possible collision is detected.
A new online entertainment option, meanwhile, allows access to a music database containing about 12 million tracks, while the optional professional navigation system has been extended to include concierge services, remote services and real-time traffic information.
The Competition Package for M5 and M6 models will be released in South Africa at the same time as the revised 5 Series models, in October 2013.