Used 2021 BMW M5 Base

2021 BMW M5: The Ultimate Sports Sedan Redefined

The 2021 BMW M5 continues its reign as a benchmark for high-performance luxury sedans, seamlessly blending exhilarating driving dynamics with everyday practicality. It's a machine engineered for those who demand both speed and sophistication, offering a potent combination of raw power, advanced technology, and refined comfort. For the 2021 model year, BMW focused on subtle refinements and enhancements to an already stellar formula.

Highlights

• Engine and Performance:

  • 4.4-liter Twin-Turbocharged V8: At the heart of the M5 lies a monstrous 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. In the standard M5, this powerhouse churns out a formidable 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque.
  • M xDrive All-Wheel Drive: This intelligent all-wheel-drive system is a game-changer, offering rear-biased power delivery for a classic M car feel. It can be fully disengaged for pure rear-wheel-drive exhilaration, selectable through the M Drive modes.
  • 8-Speed M Steptronic Transmission: A quick-shifting, smooth, and responsive automatic transmission that complements the V8's power delivery perfectly, offering manual control via paddle shifters.
  • Acceleration: Expect blistering acceleration. The M5 rockets from 0-60 mph in the low three-second range, making it a true supercar slayer.

• Safety Features:

  • Active Driving Assistant: This suite of advanced driver-assistance systems provides a comprehensive safety net. It includes:
    • Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation: Detects potential frontal collisions and can automatically apply brakes to mitigate or avoid them.
    • Lane Departure Warning: Alerts the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane.
    • Blind Spot Detection: Monitors the blind spots for approaching vehicles and warns the driver.
    • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns of approaching traffic when reversing.
  • Active Protection: Prepares the vehicle for an imminent collision by pretensioning seatbelts, closing windows, and activating post-crash braking.
  • Park Distance Control: Front and rear sensors provide audible and visual cues to help navigate tight spaces and avoid obstacles.
  • Surround View Camera: Offers a bird's-eye view of the vehicle's surroundings, aiding in parking and low-speed maneuvering.

• Trims:

  • BMW M5: The standard M5 provides an exceptional blend of performance and luxury, offering the full 617 horsepower V8 and a wealth of advanced features.
  • BMW M5 Competition: This apex predator of the M5 range elevates performance even further. It boasts an even more potent version of the V8, often with a slight horsepower bump and more aggressive tuning. Expect sharper handling, upgraded suspension components, and sportier interior accents.

• Other Notable Aspects:

  • Luxurious and Driver-Focused Interior: The cabin is a masterclass in German engineering, featuring high-quality materials, comfortable and supportive M Sport seats, and intuitive ergonomics.
  • M Mode Button: Allows drivers to instantly switch between modes like "Road," "Sport," and "Track," altering steering feel, suspension damping, powertrain response, and even the all-wheel-drive system's bias.
  • Advanced Infotainment: The iDrive 7 system is user-friendly and feature-rich, offering seamless smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), navigation, and access to a plethora of vehicle settings.
  • Comfortable Ride: Despite its performance capabilities, the M5 offers a surprisingly compliant ride in its comfort-oriented modes, making it a capable long-distance cruiser.

What to Expect

Owning a 2021 BMW M5 is an experience defined by potent performance and refined luxury. You can anticipate exhilarating acceleration on demand, precise and engaging handling that belies its size, and a cabin that cocoons occupants in comfort and cutting-edge technology. Daily driving will be a pleasure, with the car’s adaptive suspension and various driving modes allowing it to adapt to your needs, from spirited canyon carving to relaxed commuting.

Maintenance will be consistent with a high-performance luxury vehicle. Expect regular oil changes, fluid checks, and tire rotations. Given the advanced nature of the V8 engine and all-wheel-drive system, specialized M-trained technicians are highly recommended for servicing to ensure optimal performance and longevity. While routine maintenance might be more frequent and potentially costly than a standard sedan, BMW's Ultimate Care+ plans can help manage these costs.

Insurance premiums for a vehicle of this caliber and performance will likely be higher than for a typical sedan due to its power, luxury appointments, and the cost of repairs for specialized components. Shopping around and comparing quotes from different providers is advisable.

Potential Considerations

• Fuel Economy: The powerful twin-turbocharged V8 is thirsty. Expect significantly lower fuel economy figures compared to less performance-oriented vehicles, especially when driven with enthusiasm.
• Ride Stiffness (in Sport/Track modes): While the adaptive suspension is excellent, in its firmest settings, the ride can become quite stiff, which might be jarring for some on imperfect road surfaces.
• Complex M Drive System: While the M Drive system offers incredible customization, navigating through the various settings and understanding how they interact can take some time and effort to master.
• Rear Seat Space: While adequate, the rear seat space is not the most generous in its class, especially for taller passengers, due to the sloping roofline and the focus on the front occupants' experience.

Overall Summary

The 2021 BMW M5 remains an icon in the sports sedan segment. It's a meticulously engineered machine that delivers an intoxicating blend of raw power, sophisticated technology, and luxurious comfort. The M5 Competition further refines this formula for those seeking the absolute pinnacle of performance. While it demands a certain level of commitment in terms of maintenance and fuel consumption, the rewards are an unparalleled driving experience that few other sedans can match, making it a compelling choice for discerning automotive enthusiasts.