THE latest iteration of the celebrated BMW M5 sedan will arrive in BMW dealerships from October this year, boasting a vast range of updates that includes extensive chassis tweaks, a new styling package and an updated interior.
In Australia, the M5 will be offered in Competition spec only, and will feature an updated kidney grille that drops down further into the front apron, with a one-piece high-gloss black surround design that frames both elements of the grille.
The front apron has bolder contouring and larger air intakes at each side to deliver an aggressive look while adding to cooling performance. The expansive central air intake has a hexagonal shape and incorporates the oil cooler and the radar sensor.
The new L-shaped light tubes add a dynamic flourish to the newly designed headlights. BMW Individual Lights Shadow Line, a new addition, provide a dark-tinted accent to the BMW Laserlight system.
The muscular rear apron with large diffuser has also been restyled, as have the three-dimensional LED rear lights, whose light graphic provides a fresh take on the familiar BMW L shape.
Black M5 Competition badges adorn the kidney grille, gills and the boot lid, while the door sill plates have an illuminated logo. The tailpipes of the standard M Sport exhaust system are additionally finished in black chrome.
Inside, the introduction of a new operating concept and a 12.3-inch centre control display mean the cabin of the new BMW M5 Competition is more driver-centric than ever, while two new buttons on the centre console provide more direct access to system settings.
At the press of the M Mode button, the driver can toggle swiftly between the ROAD, SPORT and TRACK settings. In the default ROAD setting, all driver assistance systems are fully activated.
With SPORT mode engaged, the active driver assistance systems (in the configuration set by the driver) only transmit alerts on speed limits. This mode allows all interventions in the braking and steering systems to be disabled, aside from those made by the collision warning with braking function and the evasion assistant.
SPORT mode also switches both the instrument cluster and the head-up display to a special M View. TRACK mode allows drivers of the new BMW M5 Competition to experience an ultra-pure, race car-inspired distillation of BMW Motorsport.
Designed for maximum focus and driver control on the race track, TRACK mode provides zero driver assistance and zero vehicle intervention, requiring full driver involvement and control.
The seats are trimmed in full leather ’Merino’ upholstery with multi-way electric adjustment, while the Black/Midrand Beige option is now also available as per other new generation BMW M models including the M8, X5 M and X6 M.
The V8 unit under the bonnet of the BMW M5 Competition goes about its business in race car-derived, high-revving style with imposing muscularity and supreme power delivery.
Peak torque of 750Nm arrives from as low down as 1,800rpm and is sustained at this elevated level all the way to 5,860rpm. Maximum output of 460kW is achieved at 6,000rpm. The engine is mated to an 8-speed Steptronic transmission.
Engine characteristics can be changed at the touch of a button from the basic EFFICIENT mode to SPORT and SPORT+, resulting in even more willing response to movements of the accelerator.
The BMW M5 Competition completes the standard sprint in just 3.3 seconds and races to 200km/h in a staggering 10.8 seconds. The top speed of the BMW M5 Competition is 305km/h.
The BMW M5 Competition’s M Sport exhaust system features a dual-branch and flap-controlled design that produces a soundtrack to match the towering performance characteristics.
The highly advanced M xDrive system and centralised intelligent control for the Active M Differential help negotiate the dynamic tightrope between full everyday usability and exceptional road or track performance.
As an alternative to variable all-wheel drive mode (4WD) with rear-biased baseline setup, the M5’s handling characteristics can be altered by varying degrees, culminating in 2WD mode.
This pure rear-wheel drive setting with no DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) treats accomplished drivers to completely unadulterated driving pleasure. The M Servotronic steering can also be adjusted in its response.
A choice of COMFORT and SPORT modes can be selected, as can Variable Damper Control (VDC).
VDC can be set to COMFORT for impeccable everyday usability, SPORT to enhance sporty driving on country roads and give an ideal handling profile for laps at the track, or SPORT+ to maximise dynamic performance on smooth asphalt.
The brake system is headlined by M Compound brakes that feature perforated, inner-vented brake discs and six-piston fixed calipers bearing the M logo at the front and single-piston floating calipers with an integrated parking brake at the rear.
As well as the standard blue painted finish, the calipers can now be finished in high-gloss black or high-gloss red as an option.
The 2021 BMW M5 Competition is priced from $244,900 plus on roads. Importantly, two advanced driver training courses are included when you purchase one. Further information is available from your local BMW dealer.
