Overview
With a twin-turbo V-8 that churns out up to 617 horsepower, the 2021 BMW M5 deserves a more explicit classification than mere sports sedan.
Although based on the normal 5-Series and sharing an equally elegant interior, the mighty Bimmer is transformed by the company's high-performance M division.
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| 2021 BMW M5 |
Sure, its mission to outrun some of the best sports cars is veiled by its relatively subdued appearance, but simply mat the accelerator and hold on as the M5 blasts ahead like a cruise missile.
Its track-ready hardware also supports impressive handling limits, and its sophisticated all-wheel-drive system also allows juvenile rear-drive sideways shenanigans.
However, the BMW's six-figure price tag might as well be a "no kids allowed" sign, because the 2021 M5 is a machine for well-heeled men and women who covet rockets with four doors.
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| 2021 BMW M5 |
What's New for 2021?
BMW freshens up the 2021 M5 with a larger grille, restyled front and rear bumpers, and updated headlights and taillights. Inside, the most notable change is a new 12.3-inch touchscreen that replaces last year's 10.25-inch display.
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| 2021 BMW M5 |
In addition to several new paint options, the standard brake calipers can now be finished in high-gloss black or red. The Competition model nets a new full Merino leather color scheme, a new Track drive mode, and new shock absorbers.
These dampers benefit from a re-calibrated control system that BMW says should improve ride comfort, especially and at high speeds.
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| 2021 BMW M5 |
Pricing and Which One to Buy
- M5: $104,495
- M5 Competition: $112,095
Who am I kidding? Despite the increased cost, the M5 Competition is the one to get. Not only does it have an additional 17 horsepower compared with the regular model, it has exclusive chassis components and tuning that maximize its performance and handling.
After all, if I're spending six figures on a sports sedan, I want the best version.
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| 2021 BMW M5 |
The M5 Comp. also has 20-inch wheels, extra black exterior accents, and a standard M Sport exhaust system that increases the volume of the engine's soundtrack.
While every model has a smorgasbord of desirable features, I'd further upgrade our M5 with the Executive package.
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| 2021 BMW M5 |
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Sporting a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 with 600 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, the M5 is mighty quick. it launches to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and snapped off a 10.9-second quarter-mile time at 129 mph; top speed is a governor-limited 163 mph.
An even more powerful M5 Competition model is now available and makes 617 horsepower. It proved to be quicker than the regular M5 on a real racetrack.
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| 2021 BMW M5 |
The M5 faithful will lament the discontinued manual gearbox and unfamiliar all-wheel-drive system, but this Bimmer has a high-tech drive-train that can send 100 percent of power to the rear wheels for pure rear-drive personality.
Driving enjoyment is maximized here with lively and direct steering, a well-controlled (borderline stiff) ride, and heroic cornering grip. That doesn't mean the M5 can't also do duty as a luxury sedan: In Comfort mode, it cruises placidly, and the cabin is whisper quiet.
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| 2021 BMW M5 |
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Although the EPA hasn't announced fuel-economy ratings for the 2021 M5, I expect them to carry over from the previous model year.
The government estimates the 2020 M5 and its Competition variant will earn 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
Both figures are worse than the Porsche Panamera Turbo (18 mpg city and 25 highway) and similar to the Mercedes-AMG E63 S sedan (15 mpg city and 25 highway).
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| 2021 BMW M5 |
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The M5 has an elegant leather interior with supple and supportive sport seats.
The driver's seating position is optimized for performance-style driving, and BMW hasn't gone the all-touchscreen route that many of its rivals have, so making changes to the air conditioning or adjusting the radio during driving causes little distraction.
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| 2021 BMW M5 |
There's also a slew of desirable standard features that include customizable ambient interior lighting, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable steering column.
Further options include ventilated front seats with massage functions, heated rear seats, and four-zone automatic climate control. Along with useful interior cubby storage, the M5's trunk manages to fit six carry-on suitcases.
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| 2021 BMW M5 |
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| 2021 BMW M5 |
Infotainment and Connectivity
The M5's large 12.3-inch touchscreen display runs BMW's latest iDrive infotainment software, sits atop the dash to the right of the driver's sight-lines, and is primarily controlled by a rotary knob on the center console.
The system includes standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. There's also a 16-speaker, 600-watt Harman/Kardon audio system and wireless device charging on all models.
Those who want even fancier features can opt for the optional rear-seat entertainment system and 16-speaker, 1400-watt Bowers & Wilkins sound system.
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| 2021 BMW M5 |
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2021 M5 hasn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The sports sedan does offer a wide variety of standard driver-assistance technology, such as automatic high-beams and blind-spot monitoring.
Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available cruise control with stop-and-go technology
2021 BMW M5
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
BMW provides a limited warranty and power-train protection that aligns with luxury rivals. Its complimentary scheduled maintenance is shorter than what Jaguar offers, but BMW's plan still ranks among the best.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Power-train warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles.
2021 BMW M5
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