2021 BMW M5 unveiled with fresh looks and updated technology

The facelifted 2021 BMW M5 has made its official debut sporting a new look and updated technology.

Like the wider facelifted 5 Series range, the high-performance model features a revised kidney grille that drops further down into the front apron, complimented by a pair of tweaked headlights with different daytime running lights.

The new front bumper now has bolder contouring and larger air intakes to deliver a more aggressive look while adding to cooling performance.

At the back, the facelifted model gets new three-dimensional LED taillights, along with a restyled rear bumper that houses a large diffuser.

Besides the minor styling update, BMW has also added five new exterior colours to the M5’s palette, including Brands Hatch Grey, Motegi Red metallic, Tanzanite Blue II metallic, Aventurine Red II metallic and matte Frozen Bluestone metallic finishes from BMW Individual.

Light-alloy wheel options now also include the 20-inch M double-spoke design in polished Orbit Grey borrowed from the M8.

Inside, the new M5 features a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system that heralds the arrival of Android Auto and cloud-based navigation, along with revised upholstery and an updated centre console with two new buttons that provide easy access to vehicle settings and the M mode.

The new M5 will continue to be powered by the outgoing model’s high-revving, 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. Like before, Australia will only be getting the M5 Competition, which means 460kW and 750Nm of torque. It’s connected to an eight-speed automatic which sends power to a rear-biased all-wheel drive system with 2WD, 4WD and 4WD Sport modes.

0-100km/h is accomplished in just 3.3 seconds before it races to 200km/h in a staggering 10.8 seconds. The M5 Competition has a top speed of 305km/h, thanks to the M Driver’s Package which is standard on Australian-delivered models.

The BMW M5 Competition leaves the factory with forged, bi-colour, 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in a Y-spoke design and mixed-size tyres (front: 275/35 R 20, rear: 285/35 R 20).

Meanwhile, its 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.

Optional M carbon ceramic brakes are also offered and distinguished by gold calipers with M logo (six-piston fixed calipers at the front, single-piston floating calipers at the rear).

The new BMW M5 Competition will arrive in Australia this October, with pricing and full specification announced closer to launch.