AC Schnitzer’s tuned BMW 5 Series challenges the M5 Competition

AC Schnitzer has launched a wide range of aftermarket goodies for the BMW 5 Series, ranging from body kits and wheels to suspension and engine upgrades.

Aerodynamic parts include side sill extensions, special diffusers, exhaust tips available in black and chrome, and rear wings/spoilers (depending on whether your 5 Series is a sedan or a wagon). Wheel sets come in sizes between 19 and 21 inches, and offer a variety of designs and finishes. A stainless-steel exhaust system and a 30mm (1.2”) suspension lowering kit are also available.

Interior niceties include aluminum pedal pads and left footrest, a paddle shifter and an iDrive lid with the tuner’s logo on it.

This is not all, however, The 540i spec coming with six cylinders under the hood gets a boost from its usual 333 hp (248 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque to 400 hp (298 kW) and 540 Nm (398 lb-ft).

Even better off is the eight-cylinder M550i xDrive, which trades its 530 hp (395 kW) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) for 620 hp (462 kW) and 840 Nm (620 lb-ft). This makes it only 5hp (3kW) less powerful than the range-topping M5 Competition – at least on paper – and simultaneously superior in terms of torque (+90 Nm / 66 lb-ft). Having said that, the pre-facelift M5 by AC Schnitzer – which you can see in the video here – still comes out on top with its 720 hp (537 lb-ft).

The tuner reports that upgrade kits for diesel and hybrid powertrains are still in development.