Not that many years ago, mashing the throttle and launching from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than three seconds was mid-engine supercar territory. A few years before that and it was superbike territory. Go back any further and you’d need some sort of completely built custom dragster that ran on alcohol.
Today, it’s a spacious five-passenger family-friendly sports sedan with enough trunk space for a vacation’s worth of luggage. So is the riddle of the 2021 BMW M5.
BMW M5 aka The Benchmark
BMW’s 5 series is already the sports sedan benchmark for style, convenience and luxury. It has been for decades. When the first M5 arrived in the United States for the 1988 model year, the powerful straight-six engine, sport suspension and enhanced braking put the sedan’s performance ahead of the vast majority of two-passenger sports cars. BMW’s latest version of the M5 eclipses all but the ultimate sports cars in just about every performance category while offering 14 cubic feet of cargo space and plenty of room for three adults in the back seats.
Power and Performance
BMW’s ferocious twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 produces 600 horsepower and 553 lb-ft in the stock M5 trim. Opt for the Competition model and that horsepower number bumps up to 617. Peak torque remains the same, but the powerband is a bit flatter. That means when you mash the go pedal to the floor you’ll get all 553 lb-ft longer between shifts. While the extra power does enhance performance, you may not notice the slight difference when you’re fighting to remain conscious as the all-wheel-drive German rocket ship of a car simulates the Millennium Falcon’s iconic Kessel Run or what us mere mortals refer to as “a spirited drive to the grocery store.”
The M5’s all-wheel drive helps facilitate the sedan’s frighteningly quick launches and aids the rather family-friendly sedan in achieving a level of grip that matches or bests many purpose-built sports cars. BMW’s race-prepped suspension instills confidence. The stock brakes work flawlessly and the optional carbon ceramic package provides the most aggressive braking we have experienced in a sports sedan.
In case you’re curious, the 2021 BMW M5 is rated at an EPA-estimated 15/21 mpg city/highway.
Relatively Subtle Styling (that we love)
The M5’s styling does little to alert the public that they are indeed looking at an exotic sports car. The sedan’s design is entirely attractive and certainly makes a powerful statement, but it doesn’t make a scene when rolling through the carpool lane at your kid’s school. Sure there will be the occasional thumbs up from the informed vice principal, but no one is calling TMZ to cash in on the cell phone video.
An Interior that Strives for Perfection
BMW’s luxurious interior offers something for everyone, but unapologetically puts the driver front and center. All of the car’s function controls are positioned around the driver and within arm’s reach. The performance-themed gauge cluster includes an rpm pre-warning and shift lights.
We drive a lot of cars, very few can compete with the M5’s comfortable seating, thoughtful instrumentation and all-around fit and finish. While nothing is ever perfect, an argument can be made for this special car’s cabin.
Who are we kidding? We wouldn’t be offended if you labeled any aspect of the M5 as “perfection.”
One of our favorite features is the leather-wrapped steering wheel’s two red buttons marked M1 and M2. Each button can be configured to automatically adjust each of the M5’s numerous performance systems. Once initially configured, they work as M-powered “easy buttons.”
Rear passenger seating is roomy and comfortable. Legroom is excellent. Even the rear middle seat is comfortable.
Technology that Makes an Amazing Driver’s Car Even Better
The standard infotainment includes a 12.3-inch high-resolution screen with navigation. Audio features a 16-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system with USB and Bluetooth streaming and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. BMW’s iDrive infotainment is intuitive and powerful. A wireless charging hotspot allows you to get in the car, place your phone in the dock and once configured the system automatically connects. It is as easy as it gets.
The M5 also includes a standard head-up display that projects vehicle and infotainment information on the windshield. Standard safety features forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive LED headlights, auto high beams and front and rear parking sensors.
Available active safety technology includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, front cross-traffic and emergency stop assistance.
Pricing
Manufacturer suggested retail pricing for the 2021 BMW M5 starts at $103,500 plus fees.
The Competition package on our review vehicle meant a power increase to 617 horsepower. The package also includes exterior upgrades that include special 20-inch wheels, dark exterior accents, lowered sport suspension and sport exhaust. Inside, owners are treated to front sport seats, premium leather upholstery and M Sport seat belts. As tested our review vehicle cost $139,645.
