THE ultimate version of the high performance BMW M5 has been announced with the car coming ready-built for work on the track.

With a specially tuned chassis and uprated dampers the new M5 Competition pumps out 625hp from its 4.4-litre V8 engine - 25 more horsepower than the regular model.

It's priced from £98,055 - a rise of some £7,000 over the standard car - and comes with a special M Mode in its driver software and a larger 12.3-inch display screen.

BMW describes the Competition model as a fusion of a high-revving supercar with everyday usability of and comfort of an executive saloon.

It has a 0 to 60 acceleration time of 3.3 seconds and a maximum restricted to 155mph. Fuel economy and emissions figures are still to be released.

As well as the special suspension set up, the M5 Competition has a lower centre of gravity with a ride height that can be reduced by almost an inch, an oil supply system designed for track driving and a flap-controlled exhaust to deliver a high-impact soundtrack.

Lightweight compound brakes are also fitted as standard with red gloss brake callipers - blue and black finishes can be specified at no extra cost while ceramic brakes - which have gold coloured callipers - are an option.

The interior of the car has a series of M-specific features which now include sun protection glass, a Harman Kardon sound system and a multi-mode head-up display.

Sport and track driving settings can be engaged at the touch of a button which not only change the car's dynamic settings but also adjust the instrument displays.