AN uprated version of the BMW M5 will be on the road before the end of the year packing 625bhp from its 4.4-litre V8 engine.

The extra muscle - up 25bhp from the 600bhp of the regular model - shaves its 0 to 60 acceleration time down to 3.3 seconds with 124mph coming up in just 10.8 seconds, 0.3 seconds quicker than before.

Badged the M5 Competition the car costs from £96,025, a hike of some £9,000 over the standard M5 and it is due for release in September.

The Competition model sits seven millimetres lower and comes with stiffened suspension to enhance ride quality close to the limits.

It is also fitted with an M Sport exhaust system and - like the M5 - comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive.

Fuel economy is rated at 26.9mpg with emissions of 243g/km - a fraction less economical than the 241g/km of the regular model.

As well as M light 20-inch alloy wheels with a bi-colour finish the M5 Competition sports black gloss trim highlights on the body and in the logos while inside the seatbelts have a subtle striped pattern featuring the BMW M colours.