With BMW giving its 5 Series a midcycle refresh, it was only a matter of time when the top-dog M5 would get the same treatment. Well, that time is now. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the 2021 BMW M5.

Like the newest 5 Series, the M5 gets a larger kidney grille fused down the middle. In the case of this iconic sports sedan though, it gets unique double bar inserts. Together with the new grille, there are reshaped bumpers, new headlights with L-shaped light tubes, thin-walled tailpipes, and rear lights with a 3D design. New for 2021 is the availability of a Competition variant. This track-focused M5 comes with black styling details from the mesh of the hood “gills,” kidney grille surround, side mirrors, and even badging.

Inside, the 2021 M5 receives a larger infotainment screen measuring 12.3-inches. Moreover, based on the learnings from the M8, the M5 now gets additional short cuts to access system settings and various read outs in the instrument cluster. A new Setup button allows drivers to choose different settings for the engine, suspension, steering, and M xDrive system. These can then be saved in one of two preset buttons, accessible next the gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.



In the M5 Competition, a new Track mode deactivates all comfort and safety functions of the driver assistance systems. The audio system is automatically muted, the center display turned off, and the instrument cluster switches to M View.

The high-revving, turbocharged V8 engine remains in the 2021 M5. It makes a supercar rivaling 600 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the M5 Competition gets an additional 60 horsepower (torque remains the same). In the M5, 0 to 100 km/h is dispensed in 3.4 seconds, while 200 km/h takes just 11.1 seconds; while in the M5 Competition is faster by 0.1 seconds, and 0.3 seconds faster respectively.



New shock absorbers from the BMW M8 Gran Coupe improve both on-the-limit handling and yet bring extra comfort to the driving experience; perfect because the M5 comes with standard 19-inch light alloy wheels (275/40 R 19 front, 285/40 R 19 back), while the M5 Competition ups them to 20-inches with 275/35 R 20 front, and 285/35 R 20 rear.

Like the refreshed 5 Series, the revised M5 should make it to the Philippines by early 2021.