M better: Revamped BMW M5 revealed, set for August release

MANILA: Last June 16, BMW unveiled the upgraded 2021 BMW M5 and M5 Competition Sedans. Remarkable changes have been observed in the four-door M sedans, which provide supercar performance with daily usability for a maximum of five passengers. Its global market debut is set for August 2020.

In terms of its exterior, the 2021 BMW M5 and M5 Competition Sedans feature new rear and front styling, shadow line exterior trim, high-gloss red or black finish for standard compound brake calipers, and new standard and optional exterior colors (Motegi Red Metallic, matte finish Frozen Bluestone metallic, Aventurine Red II metallic, Tanzanite Blue II metallic, and Hatch Grey, among others).

The M5 Sedan also includes standard 19 x 9.5-inch front and 19 x 10.5-inch rear M alloy bi-color wheels with 275/40R19 front and 285/40R19 rear performance tires. As for the M5 Competition, it has 20 x 9.5-inch front, and 20 x 10.5-inch rear forged M alloy wheels with 275/35R20 and 285/35R20 rear performance tires.

The reconfigured rear and front bumpers and the new, massive BMW kidney grille emphasize the functional and aggressive appearance of the 2021 M5 Sedan. The front bumper demonstrates robust lines having bigger intakes on either side. The extensive hexagonal center intake area offers space for the radar sensor and oil cooler.

New L-shaped light tubes inside the slimmer and reconfigured LED headlights provide a more modern and focused appearance to the M5, same with the redesigned and muscular rear bumper and diffuser frame the iconic M-specific quad exhaust pipes in the rear. New rear L-shaped taillights also feature a three-dimensional lens configuration.

An S63 4.4-liter TwinPower turbocharged V8 engine powers the 2021 BMW M5. The engine generates 750Nm of torque and 600hp of power. Meanwhile, the engine of the M5 Competition Sedan produces 617hp and 750 Nm. 

The engine includes updated cooling and oil supply, direct injection, cross-bank exhaust manifolds, and two-turbochargers. The cross-bank exhaust manifolds enhance throttle and turbocharger response through the reduction of the distance that the exhaust gases require for flowing to reach the turbocharger. The water-to-air intercooling aids in decreasing the temperature of the incoming air for enhanced power.

The BMW M5 Competition specifically has new shock absorbers and wholly recalibrated damper control system to improve ride comfort when encountering over bumps and during high-speed highway driving.

As for the BMW M5, it includes a double-wishbone front and five-link rear suspension style to bring accurate chassis responses and neutral steering behavior. The M Servotronic steering and standard dynamic damper control provide a range of electronic drive modes, namely, Sport, Sport+, and Comfort.

The eight-speed M Steptronic transmission offers short shift periods and quick, accurate responses to every accelerator input. The Drivelogic switch located on the gear selector lever enables three modes, namely, sport, efficient, or track with exceedingly fast gearshifts.

The standard Live Cockpit Professional with iDrive 7, a 12.3-inch digital central touchscreen central information display, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display highlights the interior of the 2021 BMW M5 Sedan. Standard navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility are also included.

Other features include the Sensatec dashboard, improved Bluetooth and USB, WiFi hotspot with three-month or 3-gb trial, wireless charging for compatible mobile gadgets, and the Harman Kardon surround sound.

Standard features of the 2021 BMW M5 and M5 Competition Sedans include comfort access keyless entry, rear-view camera, ambient lighting, alarm system, individual shadow line lights, power tailgate, more durable engine mounts, four-zone climate control, and model-specific sport suspension.

The two sedans also feature a universal garage door opener, remote engine start, heated steering wheel, heated multi-function front seats with lumbar support, 40/20/40 folding rear seat, M seat belts, new bicolor Full Merino Leather in Black and Midrand Beige with Alcantara inserts (specifically for the M5 Competition Sedan), and auto-dimming driver-side and rear-view mirrors.

As for advanced driver assistance systems, the 2021 BMW M5 Sedan features the lane departure warning with steering correction, speed limit information, automatic high beams, rear collision preparation, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot detection, frontal collision and pedestrian warning with braking function, and lane departure warning with steering correction. These advanced safety systems are designed to bring enhanced driving comfort and peace of mind.

Navigation has been made easier thanks to the new digital cloud-based feature, the BMW Maps. This aids in dynamic recalculation and rapid route calculations that are based on accurate real-time traffic information.

The new 2021 M5 Sedan also features the latest version of the Intelligent Personal Assistant of the auto brand to assist in precise and natural interaction with the vehicle during driving.

Photos from BMW

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