2021 BMW M5 Competition

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Published on December 11, 2020 10:15:11 AM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDrdVijMg4g

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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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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 sightlines, 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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