Updated BMW M5 Competition Revealed

BMW has taken the wraps off the 2021 M5 Competition. What's new? Let's take a look.

Much like the recently-facelifted BMW 5-Series, the updated BMW M5 boasts a new-look front end and headlights. The new bumper looks aggressive, while at the rear, there's a diffuser and new tail lamps.

The most striking thing you'll notice is this red finish. BMW M has given the updated M5 a new colour palette and this includes what you see here: Motegi Red Metallic. There are an additional 4 new colours to choose from. Keen-eyed spotters will notice these 20-inch alloy wheels come straight from the BMW M8.

What else is new? The engine has been carried over from before and the 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine continues to churn out 460 kW and 750 Nm. Power goes to all 4 wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission and in terms of performance, you're looking at a claimed 0-100 kph of just 3.3 seconds. In terms of top speed, it will crack 250 kph, but if you have the optional M Drivers Package ticked, 305 kph is possible.

Under the skin, the BMW M engineers have been hard at work refining the suspension of the M5 Competition. There are revisions to the damper control system that BMW claims 'will enhance ride comfort during high-speed highway driving as well as over bumps' as well as new shock absorbers which are lifted from the BMW M8 Gran Coupe. There are also revisions to the BMW M Servotronic steering setup.

Inside, the cabin of the updated BMW M5 gets a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Android Auto and cloud-based navigation makes its debut into this model. There are also revisions to the upholstery and an updated central console with 2 new buttons to access the vehicle's settings.

BMW M5 Arrival in South Africa

The updated BMW M5 Competition will arrive in South Africa alongside the rest of the updated BMW 5-Series range towards the end of 2020. Stay tuned for pricing and SA-specific features.