This is the facelifted 2021 BMW 5-Series, complete with a sharp new look and bringing with it a host of new technologies.
The exterior design is easily discernible from the outgoing 5-Series model. Found up front are new standard Adaptive LED headlights that are slimmer in profile and complete with two L-shaped daytime running lights. These DRLs double as the turn signals. Spin around to the rear and you will find new taillights and trapezoidal tailpipes.
Changes have also been made to the M Sport Package with new front and rear bumpers, enlarged front air intakes, a rear trunk lid spoiler, and a re-sculpted rear diffuser.
Interior updates are quite subtle. All variants come complete with BMW’s iDrive 7 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display and include navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. There is also a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. In the U.S., all four-cylinder and six-cylinder models come equipped with new Perforated SensaTec upholstery with contrast stitching. Dakota Leather is a standard feature on the M550i xDrive and optional on other models, as is Nappa leather.
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One of the most important upgrades made over the outgoing model is the implementation of a mild hybrid system with a 48V starter-generator that offers enhanced performance, better efficiency and improved driving comfort in all six-cylinder 5-Series models. This piece of tech includes brake energy regeneration which kicks in when the driver releases the accelerator, transforming the kinetic energy into electricity to be stored in the 48V battery. Energy recuperated is supplied to the 12V electrical system and powers the lights, steering, power windows, ventilation, audio system, and seat heating. Stored energy can also be used to provide additional drive power.
Sitting at the base of the hybrid range in the U.S. is the 2021 BMW 530e and 530e xDrive. Powering the duo is a 2.0-liter petrol engine with 181 hp and supplemented by a 107 hp electric drive unit incorporated into the 8-speed automatic transmission. Combined power sits at 288 hp and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. Both variants can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.7 seconds and reach 130 mph (209 km/h) on all-season tires and 143 mph (230 km/h) with performance tires for the 530e xDrive and 146 mph (234 km/h) for the 530e.
Elsewhere in the 5-Series range is the 2021 BMW 530i and 530i xDrive models, both using a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 248 hp and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque, good enough for 0-60 mph (96 km/h) times of 5.9 seconds for both models.
The six-cylinder range kicks off with the 540i and 540i xDrive, both using a BMW 3.0-liter six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine rated at 335 hp and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm). The 540i can hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds while the all-wheel drive 540i xDrive achieves the same mark in 4.6 seconds. Topping out the U.S. range is the updated M550i xDrive featuring a 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo engine with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).
Additional variants set to be sold in other markets including the 530e Touring, 545e xDrive Sedan, 520i Sedan, 520i Touring, 530i Touring, 540i Touring, 520d Sedan, 520d Touring, 530d Sedan, 530d Touring, 540 xDrive Sedan, and the 540d xDrive Touring. Yes, that’s a lot of models and the family will only grow further when the updated M5 lands.
Order books for the 2021 BMW 5-Series open in the U.S. this month with the first deliveries scheduled for July. Prices start at $54,200 for the 530i Sedan and increase to $56,500 for the 530i xDrive Sedan, $57,200 for the 530e Sedan, $59,500 for the 530e xDrive Sedan, $59,450 for the 540i Sedan, $61,750 for the 540i xDrive Sedan, and $76,800 for the M550i xDrive Sedan.
