2021 BMW M5: First Look

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By Mike Meredith, AutoNXT

M for Motorsport

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Founded in the early 1970s, BMW’s M division has been creating high-performance versions of BMW vehicles for years. The first M5, produced in 1979, was the motorsport division’s second car (the first being the breathtaking M1). During the 1980s the M5 set the standard for European sport sedans, and the first model came to America for 1988. Since then the M division has created some fine M5 cars for U.S. drivers.

2021 BMW M5

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Following BMW’s recent trend, the 2021 BMW M5 wears a larger kidney grille that extends lower into the redesigned front bumper and features a single-piece chrome surround. The aggressive lower front fascia has a large hexagonal center intake flanked by larger air intakes on each side. The adaptive full-LED headlights are slimmer with new L-shaped light tubes.

More Design Updates

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At the rear, the 2021 BMW M5 gets L-shaped taillights that have a three-dimensional design, the rear bumper is redesigned, and the more aggressive rear diffuser houses the M quad exhaust. The M5 Competition features a black finish for the BMW kidney Grille surround, front fender mesh inserts, mirror caps, rear spoiler, name badges and rear bumper inserts. The M5 Competition M Sport exhaust system tips are finished in black chrome.

Interior Upgrades

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Inside, the 2021 M5 Sedan includes the standard Live Cockpit Professional with iDrive 7, a 12.3-inch instrument display and a new 12.3-inch digital center information display replaces the previous 10.25-inch display. The standard navigation system has been improved with cloud-based BMW Maps for faster route calculations and dynamic recalculation based on real-time traffic data. Hazard warnings get transmitted more quickly for more accurate estimated arrival times as well as improved route guidance. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard.

Under the Hood

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The M5 Sedan continues to be powered by the 4.4-liter TwinPower turbocharged V8 engine producing 600 horsepower at 6000 rpm, and 553 lb-ft of torque from 1800 to 5690 rpm. According to BMW, the M5 will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds with top speed electronically limited to 155 mph (190 mph when equipped with the optional M Driver’s Package). The M5 Competition engine is tuned to increase output to 617 horsepower with 553 lb-ft of torque available from 1800 to 5860 rpm. This M5 will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 with the same top speed limits. The engine features two turbochargers, cross-bank exhaust manifolds, direct injection and upgraded cooling and oil systems.

Drive System

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Power for the 2021 BMW M5 is delivered through an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission. A Drivelogic switch on the gear selector allows the driver to adjust shift speed by choosing between three modes: Efficient, Sport or Track. The standard rear-biased M xDrive all-wheel-drive system distributes torque between the front and rear axles through an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, and at the rear the Active M Differential splits torque between left and right wheels. The driver can select from three xDrive modes: 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD. The Dynamic Stability Control system can be adjusted between three settings to further enhance driver control: DSC ON, MDM (M Dynamic Mode) and DSC OFF.

M Mode Button

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A single M mode button replaces separate buttons to adjust the engine, chassis, suspension, steering and xDrive system. In default mode all driver assist system remain active with full information displays on the digital instrument panel and the head-up display. In Sport mode, the drive can adjust or deactivate assist systems and the instrument panel and head-up display switch to M View and the instrument panel includes a tachometer, digital speed, selected gear and shift lights. Coolant temperature, tire pressure and longitudinal and lateral forces are available to the left and right. Track mode is available on M5 Competition and designed for use on a closed track. Track mode turns off driver assistance system intervention and must be confirmed through the iDrive system.

Suspension

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The M5 features a double-wishbone front and five-link rear suspension with standard Dynamic Damper Control and M Servotronic steering that offer a choice of drive modes: COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+. SPORT and SPORT+ each increase suspension firmness and steering effort, but the driver can select separately as well. The 2021 BMW M5 Competition receives new shock absorbers and a fully recalibrated damper control system for improved ride comfort on the highway. The M5 Competition also sits 0.2 inches lower than the M5 and adds increased front negative camber, a firmer rear anti-roll bar, stiffer springs and toe-link ball joint mounts.

Wheels, Tires and Brakes

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The M5 Sedan is equipped with standard 19 x 9.5-inch front and 19 x 10.5-inch rear M alloy bicolor wheels with 275/40R19 front and 285/40R19 rear performance tires. The M5 Competition is equipped with 20 x 9.5-inch front and 20 x 10.5-inch rear forged M alloy wheels with 275/35R20 and 285/35R20 rear performance tires. The M5 Sedan features standard M Compound brakes with blue 6-piston front calipers or available high-gloss black or red calipers as a no-cost option. The optional M Carbon Ceramic brakes featuring gold calipers are 50 pounds lighter than the M Compound brakes.

New Color Options

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The 2021 BMW M5 and M5 Competition are available in eight standard and four optional exterior colors. New colors for 2021 are Brands Hatch Grey Metallic, Motegi Red Metallic, Tanzanite Blue II Metallic, Individual Aventurin Red II Metallic and matte finish Frozen Bluestone Metallic.

Interior Color Options

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The standard interior for the 2021 BMW M5 and M5 Competition is Extended Merino Leather in either Silverstone, Aragon Brown or Black, with optional Full Merino Leather available in the same three color choices. New for 2021 is optional Black with Midrand Beige Alcantara for the M5 Competition. Individual Full Merino Leather is offered in Smoke White / Black or Tartufo. Standard interior trim is Aluminum Carbon Structure, with Aluminum Dark Structure and Fineline Ridge Wood as no-cost options. Individual Piano Black and Plum Brown Wood are also offered as optional trim choices.

On-Sale Date

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The 2021 BMW M5 has a starting MSRP $103,500, not including a $995 destination charge; the M5 Competition has a starting MSRP of $111,100, not including a $995 destination charge. The 2021 BMW M5 is scheduled to arrive in August 2020.

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