BMW is updating its 5 Series sedan for 2021 bringing improvements to its exterior and interior design, aerodynamics and technology, and the introduction of a new 48-volt mild hybrid system.

The exterior features a taller and wider grille that reaches further down into the front bumper. The redesign also incorporates slimmer LED headlights with L-shaped DRL elements that double as turn signals. The overall length has grown slightly to give the 5 Series a more sweeping profile, while improving aerodynamics—as low as 0.27 co-efficient of drag in some cases.

Meanwhile, the M Sport package benefits from redesigned front and rear bumpers, larger front air intakes, and a re-sculpted rear diffuser panel.



Inside, the 2021 5 Series builds on its easy-to-use BMW Live Cockpit Professional with iDrive 7 system thanks to a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, and 12.3-inch digital center touchscreen control display (up from the previous 10.25 inches). Apple CarPlay Compatibility and Android Auto Compatibility are standard. The buttons on the center console are now finished in a high-gloss black.

Standard on all models is a new perforated SensaTec upholstery with contrast stitching, while going up brings the optional Dakota leather or Nappa leather into the mix. All models feature standard sport seats, and a 40/20/40 split-fold rear seat.



As for powertrains, the 5 Series may be had with a 48-volt mild hybrid system which allows the engine to operate with a more efficient range while also delivering an extra 11 horsepower when accelerating.

All engines in the 2021 5 Series incorporate BMW’s latest TwinPower turbocharging which incorporates either a single twin-scroll turbocharger, or two twin-scroll turbochargers. All engines feature direct injection and fully variable valve timing, and variable camshaft timing.

There are three 4-cylinder engines—two gasoline and one diesel. The BMW 520i outputs 184 horsepower and 290 Nm of torque, while going up to the 530i ups the figures to 252 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. For those who want the diesel, the 520d has 190 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque.

Moving up to the 6-cylinder family, the 540i has 333 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. For oil burners, the 530d gets 286 horsepower and 650 Nm, while the 540d has 340 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque.

Finally, there’s the lone V8 gasoline: the M550i. In this guise, it makes 530 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque.

Plug-in hybrids are also available.



All engines are mated to the latest 8-speed automatic with new torsion dampers for improved comfort and shift smoothness. The gearbox also works with the navigation system and optional active cruise control to avoid unnecessary gear changes when cornering.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series also comes with a full suite of driver assist system, but new is the Drive Recorder feature which uses the cameras of the various driver assistance systems to record video footage from different points around the vehicle. These recordings can then be viewed on the Control Display or exported via a USB port.