2021 BMW M5
6.9
5
Starting at $105,495
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. It also earned a spot on our Editors' Choice list. 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. 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.
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. The system also adds Android Auto, cloud-based navigation features, and other improvements. Less obvious are the revised M mode settings, which are now easier to access thanks to being consolidated into a single button.
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 recalibrated control system that BMW says should improve ride comfort, especially at high speeds.
Jeremy Clarkson
ByDrive car expert
Who are we 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 we're spending six figures on a sports sedan, we want the most badass version.
The M5 faithful will lament the discontinued manual gearbox and unfamiliar all-wheel-drive system, but this Bimmer has a high-tech drivetrain 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.
Engine
Twin turbocharged
Power
Rear wheel drive
Tourque
553 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Drive Type
All wheel drive
Fuel Economy (Claimed)
Premium unleaded
Fuel Economy (As Tested)
4.4L, 32 valve V8
CO2 Emissions (Claimed)
617 hp @ 6000 rpm
Fuel Tank
Weight
The M5 faithful will lament the discontinued manual gearbox and unfamiliar all-wheel-drive system, but this Bimmer has a high-tech drivetrain 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.
Ground Clearance
Approach Angle
Departure Angle
Wading Depth
Payload
Brake Towing Capacity
The M5 faithful will lament the discontinued manual gearbox and unfamiliar all-wheel-drive system, but this Bimmer has a high-tech drivetrain 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.
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Tub Length
Tub Width
Tub Depth
Tub Capacity
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, we'd further upgrade our M5 with the Executive package. This adds a 360-degree camera system, ventilated front-seat cushions with built-in massagers, heated front and rear seats, parking sensors at both ends, power-operated rear window shades, self-parking assist, and soft-close automatic doors.
Sporting a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 with 600 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, the M5 is mighty quick. At our test track, it launched 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 at our annual Lightning Lap.
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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. 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 held six carry-on suitcases in our test.
