BMW AUSTRALIA WILL INTRODUCE the latest iteration of the legendary M5 sedan to the Australian market in October this year.
The 2021 M5 will further elevate the renowned dynamic prowess of the model thanks to extensive chassis tweaks while also debuting a new styling package and updated interior elements.
The M5 will be offered in Competition-spec only for Australia to provide the maximum level of specification and output for the performance-focused local market.
Exterior design: stylistic fine-tuning
As with the new BMW 5 Series, the M5’s front design is characterised by an updated kidney grille that drops down further into the front apron.
A one-piece high-gloss black surround design frames both elements of the grille, while M-specific double bars in combination with an M badge provide unmistakable hints of the vehicle’s pedigree.
The front apron has bolder contouring and larger air intakes at the sides 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 for the Active Cruise Control (ACC) system.
The new L-shaped light tubes add a dynamic flourish to the newly designed headlights.
BMW Individual Shadow Line lights, a new addition, provide a dark-tinted accent to the BMW Laserlight system.
The aluminium bonnet, front side panels with signature M gills, streamlined M exterior mirrors and a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof join the BMW kidney grille’s double bars as hallmark design features.
The thinner walls of the M-specific twin tailpipes also create a greater sense of high-tech precision.
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.
M5 Competition set apart by black styling details
Additional black styling details underline the elite status of the M5 Competition.
The BMW kidney grille surround, mesh on the M gills, exterior mirror caps and the boot lid spoiler all have a high-gloss black finish. Black inserts are also integrated in the rear apron.
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.
Five new paint finishes are available for the new model including Brands Hatch Grey, Motegi Red metallic, Tanzanite Blue II metallic, Aventurine Red II metallic and matte Frozen Bluestone metallic finishes from BMW Individual.
Champagne Quartz metallic offered previously has been renamed Alvit Grey metallic.
Light-alloy wheel options now also include the 20-inch M double-spoke design in polished Orbit Grey familiar from the BMW M8.
Larger central display and new operating concept with M modes
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-focused than ever.
The new screen makes it easier to keep a clear eye on the many functions associated with the driving dynamics systems and BMW M xDrive all-wheel drive.
Two new buttons on the centre console – like those found in the new BMW M8 – provide more direct access to system settings and the various readouts in the instrument cluster and Head-Up Display.
At the press of the M Mode button, the driver can toggle swiftly between the Road and Sport settings. In the default Road setting, all driver assistance systems are fully activated.
With the Sport setting engaged, the active driver assistance systems (in the configuration set by the driver) only transmit alerts on speed limits and overtaking restrictions.
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.
The Setup button takes drivers straight to the configuration menu. Pressing the button positioned above the M Mode button allows programming of an individual configuration for the powertrain and chassis options.
Simplified operation using the touchscreen display or iDrive Controller makes it straightforward for the driver to choose different settings for the engine, suspension, steering and M xDrive system.
The two red-painted M1 and M2 buttons next to the gearshift paddles on the M multifunction steering wheel enable rapid movement between the setups.
They allow drivers to configure two individual setups, comprising their choice of M xDrive, DSC, engine, transmission, damper and steering characteristics, as well as the appearance of M View in the Head-Up Display.
Track mode – which is enabled by holding down the M Mode button – is new for the new M5 Competition and designed exclusively for use on race circuits.
This mode deactivates all comfort and safety functions of the driver assistance systems while also muting the audio system and switching off the central display to keep the driver’s attention on the road ahead.
In addition, the instrument cluster switches to M View and the Head-Up Display dispenses with readouts from the driver assistance systems. Automatic activation of the hazard warning lights in response to emergency braking is suppressed and the collision warning system is also deactivated.
M multifunction seats deliver luxurious feel and support
M multifunction seats with integrated head restraints, an illuminated M5 logo and extended functions are key highlights of the luxurious and sport-focused M5 Competition cabin.
The seats are trimmed in merino leather 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.
Imposing power from high-revving V8 powerplant
The V8 unit under the bonnet of the BMW M5 Competition goes about its business in race car-derived, high-revving style.
Peak torque of 750Nm arrives from as low down as 1,800rpm and is sustained at this elevated level all the way to 5860rpm. Maximum output of 460kW is achieved at 6000rpm.
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 reaches 200km/h in a staggering 10.8 seconds.
The top speed of the BMW M5 Competition is 305km/h thanks to standard fitment of the M Driver’s Package on Australian-delivered BMW M5 Competition models.
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 eight-speed M Steptronic transmission enables extraordinarily short shift times and fast, precise responses to every nudge of the accelerator.
The Drivelogic rocker switch on the gear selector allows three modes to be chosen for efficient, sporty or dynamically intense track driving – the latter involving extremely rapid gearshifts. The driver can use both the selector lever and the shift paddles on the steering wheel to intervene manually.
Bespoke engine mounts provide immediate response, sharper turn-in
Bespoke engine mounts with a stiffer spring rate are among the special features of the BMW M5 Competition.
The drive unit’s firmer connection to the vehicle’s structure is clearly perceptible, resulting in even more rapid engine response and immediate transmission of its power to the drivetrain.
The M5 also turns into corners with noticeably greater directness and precision thanks to the additional stiffness in the mounts.
High performance, everyday usability
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, with a choice of Comfort and Sport modes, 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, with wheel and body movements minimised.
As well as a 7mm drop in ride height and other well-conceived tweaks to the suspension and springs, the BMW M5 Competition’s setup benefits from further upgrades which take into account the car’s extra power.
Its talents can only be properly appreciated on the race track. New shock absorbers from the BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupé both improve on-the-limit handling and bring extra comfort to the driving experience.
Bumps and ruts in the road surface are passed through the body – and therefore to the passengers – to a far lesser degree, and this is achieved without blunting the car’s sporting edge and precision at high or low speeds.
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).
M Compound brakes fitted as standard
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.
Optional M carbon ceramic brakes are recognisable by gold calipers with M logo (six-piston fixed calipers at the front, single-piston floating calipers at the rear).
The carbon ceramic brakes withstand wear exceptionally well, are 23kg lighter, provide even greater braking performance and thermal stability and improved fade resistance.
Local arrival
The new BMW M5 Competition will launch in Australia this October with full pricing and specification details to be revealed in the lead-up to launch. The current BMW M5 Competition is listed at $234,900 (plus on road costs)
Once we have tested and assessed the new BMW M5 Competition, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.