The BMW M5 is a name that is very close to the heart of every purist and enthusiast. Not a lot of cars have earned that status that the BMW M5 has got in a rather very short span. It is a proper car that you can use for all your odd jobs around the town throughout the week and then on the weekends you can take it to a racetrack and literally have a go against the so-called sports enthusiast community.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Ratings
Pricing and Features
7.0
Engine and Performance
7.5
Fuel Economy
5.0
Interior
8.5
Exterior
6.5
Safety
8.0
Competition
6.0
7.4
OVERALL RATING
Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
7.4
Overall Rating
The M5 has got the ability to make you feel your seating posture even lower when you go around the corners at such a monstrous speed experiencing hell a lot of G-Force on your corporeal. Honestly, it is like a dual-headed monster. The 2021 BMW M5 rivals the likes of Mercedes-Benz AMG E 63 S, Audi RS 7, and Porsche Panamera GTS.
2021 BMW M5 Sedan front view
2021 BMW M5 Sedan rear view
7.5/10 Engine and Performance
5.0/10 Fuel Economy
8.5/10 Interior
6.5/10 Exterior
8.0/10 Safety
6.0/10 Competition
2021 BMW M5 Features
The 2021 BMW M5 is available in two trims, Standard and Competition, priced at $103,500 and $111,100 respectively. The standard M5 produces 600hp, while the M5 Competition gets a surge of an extra 17 hp of power. The base trim gets M-specific integral-V multi-link aluminum rear suspension along with the Dynamic Damper Control that improves the handling perspective. The Competition tends to get BMW TeleServices and the Live Cockpit Professional features embedded into it. Both the trim has got the beauty of Merino Leather Upholstery as a standard with different stitching stylings.
Model
Base
Competition
MSRP(AWD)
$103,500
$111,100
Key Features
Dynamic Damper Control
M Driving Dynamics Control
M-developed electric power steering with Servotronic
The M5 has been given the 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and M-specific Head-up Display for an extraterrestrial experience. In addition to that, it gets Dynamic Cruise Control, Dynamic Brake Control, and xDrive for safe hauling with maximum consistency. The Active M Differential takes care of the variable torque distribution at all the wheels as per requirement and feedback.
Which Trim should you buy?
Competition is a more track-focused and faster version of the already insanely fast M5 and is for those who want a little extra. For daily use, we would recommend going for the standard M5 as it gets a more comfortable suspension and is easier to drive along with a decent power curve. But if you want the best for yourself and are ready to trade comfort and practicality with sheer power, then the Competition trim is the one for you.
2021 BMW M5 Engine and Performance
7.5/10
The heart of the 2021 BMW M5 is a 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 which is capable of producing 600 hp at 5700 rpm and 553 lb-ft at 4000 rpm. This might not be the most powerful engine if we compare it to the competition, but at a significantly lesser cost, this is the best-valued money offering. It is paired to an 8-speed M Sport Automatic Transmission which has been mated to the xDrive all-wheel-drive system that gives an exceptional grip without any wheel slippage.
2021 BMW M5 Sedan driving view
Models
2021 BMW M5
2021 Mercedes-AMG E 63 S
2021 Audi RS 7
2021 Porsche Panamera GTS
MSRP
$103,500
$107,350
$114,995
$130,700
Engine
4.4L Twin-Turbocharged V8
4.0L Bi-Turbo V8
4.0L twin-turbo V8 with a 48-volt hybrid system
4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
AWD
AWD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
9-speed shiftable automatic
8-speed automatic gearbox
8-speed PDK automatic
Power
600 hp @ 5700 rpm
603 hp @ 5,750-6,500 rpm
591 hp @ 5,700 rpm
473hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque
553 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
627 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm
590 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm
457lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
0-60 MPH (secs)
3.2
3.3
3.5
3.7
Quarter Mile (secs)
11.0
11.1
11.2
NA
Top Speed (MPH)
155
155
190
186
The V8 and 8-speed torque converter duo on the M5 can propel the car from zero to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and we are pretty sure these figures are understated as well. So despite being less powerful than the AMG E 63 S, the Beemer is still faster. One of the significant reasons for the same is its carbon fiber-reinforced-plastic panels and an overall lightweight frame because of which it gets the momentum within a fraction of a second.
How well does the 2021 BMW M5 handle?
One thing that the new BMW M5 has always been famous for is the way it handles. Lightness with xDrive and M-Active Differential, one can go around the corner very easily. The drive layouts can be changed along with the modes. Therefore, it is more a matter of subjectivity and what the driver prefers. It is true that the suspension gets stiffer for sportiness but can be softened if comfort is the priority.
2021 BMW M5 Sedan ride and handling
On top of that, M-developed electric power steering with Servotronic has been given the prowess to have proper road feedback through the wheels and aids at the driver inputs. This in linearity with the Adaptive Dynamic allows you to have a lower body leaning on the cornering axles which also tend to reduce the anti-roll bars pressure. Hence a top-notch control with a great bite at the brake rotor gives a decent control altogether.
2021 BMW M5 Braking Performance
As standard, the M5 comes with 15.6-inch discs at the front and 15-inch discs at the rear. As an optional extra, carbon-ceramic brakes are available which bites better and also saves on 51 lbs of unsprung mass. This is further assisted by a group of high-tech-ends like the Cornering Brake Control, Brake Stand-by features, and the M Compound 4-wheel ventilated anti-lock disc braking system. The overall unit seems to be very much efficient to deliver a desirable performance at a time of uncertainty.
Models
2021 BMW M5
2021 Mercedes-AMG E 63 S
2021 Audi RS 7
2021 Porsche Panamera GTS
Brake Rotors: Front (inches)
15.6
15.4
16.5
15.4
Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)
15
14.2
14.6
14.4
Curb Weight (lbs)
4345
4437
4497
4561
60-0 MPH (feet)
NA
115
100
NA
We are not really sure about how much faster the reduced weight will make the 2021 M5 stop but we can speculate that it is going to be pretty much within the limit. As far as rivals are concerned, it comes as no surprise that the aerodynamically superior RS 7 stops from 60-0 MPH within 100 feet which sets the benchmark for others. Moreover, the Audi RS7 tends to get one of the biggest rotors as well that go hand in hand with this braking figure.
2021 BMW M5 Fuel Economy
5.0/10
This is something the owners of BMW M5 won’t care much about as being a sports sedan it is very much understandable that the car isn’t going to be very fuel-efficient with its trade-off for the power band curve. But still, just for the record, the car gets you 15mpg in the city, 21mpg on the highway, and 17mpg combined. And the 20.1 gallons of fuel tank gives it a combined range of 342 miles which could have been improved. Moreover, the twin-turbo might take you away from turbo-lagging but does seem to do any further in fuel economy.
Models
2021 BMW M5
2021 Mercedes-AMG E 63 S
2021 Audi RS 7
2021 Porsche Panamera GTS
MPG (City)
15
15
14
15
MPG (Highway)
21
23
24
21
MPG (Combined)
17
18
19
17
Fuel Capacity (gallons)
20.1 gallons
21.1 gallons
19.8 gallons
23.7 gallons
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) (miles)
301/422/342 miles
317/485/379 miles
277/475/376 miles
355/497/402 miles
Now if we compare the fuel economy of the M5 with that of the competition, it is considerably lower than all of the other cars. The Panamera GTS has comparable mileage but higher fuel tank capacity makes it more practical than the M5 with its higher range. But this is altogether a domain of little relevance for this segment and should not be given much consideration for directing one’s decision.
2021 BMW M5 Interior
8.5/10
BMW designs some of the best-looking cabins in the business. It is pretty much expected that the interior of the M5 is also going to be a luxurious one. So the whole layout of the cabin is typical BMW and that is not something we are really a fan of. The steering wheel is an M sport one that has a leather-wrapped touch. Merino Leatherette in different accents which include Aragon Brown, Silverstone, and Tartufo which can be availed of with some extra shelling. Further adding to that, it gets the M5 logo-based M Multi-contour front seats.
2021 BMW M5 Sedan cockpit area
Models
2021 BMW M5
2021 Mercedes-AMG E 63 S
2021 Audi RS 7
2021 Porsche Panamera GTS
Seating Capacity
5
5
4
4
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
40.7/58.7/41.4
37.3/57.8/41.7
36.9/ 57.2/ 41.3
N/A
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
38.5/55.9/36.5
38.0/57.1/36.2
36.6/ 55.9/ 37.0
N/A
Trunk Capacity (cubic feet)
14.3
13.1
26.3
17.6
The M5 comes with a trunk volume of 14.3 cu-ft. which is yet again not a lot but one should not forget that it is not meant for utilitarian purposes. It significantly lags behind the Audi RS 7 by some 12 cu-ft. As it is evident that it has got decent spacing at the front and rear compared to its counterparts which give you the freedom to stretch the limbs all around. The 5-seater is pretty flexible in its cabin realm with its 40-20-40 Folding setback seats as well. Therefore, it has got the required figures as per its segment.
Standout interior features:
Leather-wrapped M-Sport steering wheel
Merino leatherette
M Sports seats
Active charcoal filtration
Automatic climate control
What’s there inside the 2021 BMW M5 to keep you entertained?
The BMW M5 gets an updated 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen unit which runs BMW’s proprietary iDrive system along with the BMW ConnectedDrive Services. On top of that, one can get the privilege to experience the Real-Time Traffic Information and On-Street Parking Information which comes in the Connected Package.
2021 BMW M5 Sedan infotainment screen
There have been other increments as well which can be associated with the BMW Connected App, BMW TeleServices, and the 16-speaker Harman Kardon Surround Sound Audio System. This does end here as the M5 has the opportunity to showcase its egoism with the BMW Remote Services including Stolen Vehicle Recovery and Remote Software Upgrade Capability. Standout infotainment features:
BMW has worked extensively on updating the M5 for the year 2021. Earlier the car used to look a bit curvy so the idea was to make the car edgier and sharper to look at. So the very first thing that makes sense is to flatten the curves and make way for lines. The stark difference can be traced by the high-sized iconic kidney grilles which sit on the front fascia along with the 19” or 20” M-Light Alloy Wheels on the sides. There have been 11 color coatings that have been added in the bin for it among which Marina Bay Blue, Frozen Bluestone, and Alvite Grey are a few to name.
2021 BMW M5 Sedan
Models
2021 BMW M5
2021 Mercedes-AMG E 63 S
2021 Audi RS 7
2021 Porsche Panamera GTS
Curb weight (lbs.)
4,345
4,437
4,497
4,561
Length(in)
196.4
196.4
197.3
199
Width(in)
74.9
75.1
75.2
78.2
Height(in)
58.0
56.6
55.9
55.8
Wheelbase (in)
5.2
5.0
4.3
NA
Ground clearance (in)
117.4
115.7
114.8
116.1
The M5 does look a lot smarter and sharper than it used to be, but still, it lacks the visual drama of an RS7. Going by the spec sheet, the M5 is the lightest with the longest wheelbase which together compensates for the body leaning and swaying at the cornering wheels. The ground clearance has been kept at 5.2” which is standard for the sedan. All the competitors are surprisingly parallel to one another in this specific criterion. Standout exterior features:
The BMW M5 has not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS yet. We don't think it will ever be, for it is produced in limited quantities and too expensive to be smashed against a wall to prove a point that it indeed is a safe car. But based on the 5-Series which received good ratings, we expect the M5 trim to perform similar, if not better.
To concrete its status of premium class, it has been given the advanced safety features pack which includes the Lane keep assist with Lane departure warning, Forward collision warning, and the Automatic emergency braking. There can be little hesitance one can ever have with an offering of Blind-spot monitoring and Rear cross-traffic alert along with the aforementioned beauties. Standout safety features:
Forward collision warning
Automatic emergency braking
Front and rear parking sensors
Lane departure warning
Lane keep assist
Blind-spot monitoring
Rear cross-traffic alert
2021 BMW M5 Competition
6.0/10
2021 BMW M5 Vs 2021 Mercedes-AMG E63 S
In terms of performance, the BMW surpasses the Mercedes-Benz easily despite the AMG E63 S being the most powerful on paper. However, the AMG E63 S offers a better fuel economy. AMG E63 S costs almost $4,000 more than the M5 but it is definitely worth it. As mentioned earlier, both have similar handling dynamic abilities and practical approaches. So, one can give preference to any one of these as both fulfill the desire of this segment.
2021 Mercedes-AMG E63 S
2021 BMW M5 Vs 2021 Audi RS 7
The Audi RS 7 is more expensive than the M5 but when it comes to performance, the RS 7 is a league of its own. Combine that with the renowned Quattro AWD tech, you can cut through those corners with ease. Moreover, RS7 gets a sweet exhaust note that is soothing to the ears. It is true that BMW has a slightly better performance but the Audi RS7 has a better range meaning one can have the same exhilarating pace for a longer time interval. The choice becomes a matter of one’s own preference as both are level with each other.
2021 Audi RS 7
2021 BMW M5 Vs 2021 Porsche Panamera GTS
The 2021 Porsche Panamera GTS comes a little bit more expensive than the 2021 BMW M5. Porsche being Porsche offers incredible performance thanks to its aerodynamically optimized chassis and refined suspension setup. BMW can't match the agility and cornering performance of Porsche. Between the two, you can always brag about owning a Porsche.
2021 Porsche Panamera GTS
2021 BMW M5 Final Verdict
Yes. We definitely recommend you to buy one. The BMW M5 is one of the best performance cars money can buy. Opt for the Competition trim and it unlocks more power and torque on tap with the Shadowline Package. And add M-Driver’s Package, it unlocks the speed governor with extreme agility at its service. The interior feels typical BMW and there is nothing extraordinary you get for spending 100 grand but this car is all about performance and setting the tracks ablaze rather than comfort.
Can take kids to school and also take pricks off the race track
Pros - Bold design, Insane acceleration, Family friendly too.
Cons - Stiff drive dynamics, Expensive.
Needs a heavy bank account My M5 even though not the most aggressive looking car has the appearance of a car that’s ready to rip the road apart and it sure can as the acceleration is just bonkers. A car this performance oriented is surprisingly family friendly too and has a very premium and spacious cabin with comfortable seats. The M5 didn’t come cheap as it burnt as $103,448 worth of a hole in my pocket. Also, This car has a rather stiff ride setting that might not be the best for everyday drive but take it on a twisty ...
Pros - Track worthy performance. Loaded to the brim with features. Can drive it everyday.
Cons - Way too expensive. Hard suspensions.
Not at all affordable but is a worthy package. This car has literally every single feature that I’ve heard of, you name it and its there. The M5 is definitely a car that fits the modern day well but this comes at a package of $113,460 and that is definitely not a cheap price tag. Another reason why its so costly is because my car is the sportier M5 Competition and due to that reason, the suspensions are pretty hard but that only becomes a when I encounter bumps and uneven patches. Otherwise, the M5 is very engaging especi...
Pros - Brutally quick and fast, playful all wheel drive system, stunning looks and very luxurious inside.
Cons - Drive-mode settings buried in menus and very pricey.
stylish and comfortable luxury sedan I've had this automobile for approximately six months now. It's a great automobile for cruising around town and provides an ample amount of luxury. The latter adds features like heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats with massaging functions, soft-close doors, four-zone automatic climate control, self-parking assist, and more. It appears quite similar to a conventional 5 Series sedan from the exterior, with just a few emblems distinguishing the two. The M5 is a different b...
