BMW M5

High performance doesn't necessarily mean high profile. Case in point: the 2021 BMW M5. From a distance the M5 can easily be mistaken for the standard 5 Series sedan. Much like one of those reluctant movie action heroes, it may be unassuming in appearance, but if that fuse gets lit, watch out! The M5 is a serious high-performance vehicle that delivers the kind of thrills expected of a much smaller exotic coupe, yet it can also be as docile as a luxury sedan.

For 2021, the M5 gets a styling update, a few infotainment enhancements and revised suspension tuning for the optional Competition package. These changes help keep it fully competitive with its main rivals: the Audi RS 7, the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S sedan and the Porsche Panamera Turbo. Which one is going to be the best pick for you? Check out the categories of our in-depth Expert Rating below to help you decide.

Which M5 does MatoCar recommend?

Since there's only one trim level for the BMW M5, you're left to decide which options to add. For the rare driver who seeks even more performance, the Competition package is a worthy addition. We'd also add the Driving Assistance Plus package for the adaptive cruise control and other features that reduce the demands on drivers.

The 2021 BMW M5 is available in a single trim level. Power comes from a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine (600 horsepower, 553 lb-ft of torque). An eight-speed automatic sends power to all four wheels.

M5 Comes well appointed with standard feature highlights that include:

19-inch wheels with performance tires
Adaptive suspension dampers
Power trunklid
Keyless ignition and entry
Four-zone automatic climate control
Heated front sport seats
Heated steering wheel
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
Remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app
12.3-inch touchscreen
16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Wi-Fi hotspot
Wireless charging pad

Every M5 also comes with these advanced safety features:

Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Adaptive LED headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
Automatic high beams
Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)

The optional Competition package increases power output to 617 hp and adds:

Special 20-inch wheels
Dark exterior accents
Lowered sport suspension
Sport exhaust system
Front sport seats
Premium leather upholstery
Unique M Sport seat belts

Other bundled option include: Driving Assistance Plus package

Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Lane keeping assist (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Forward collision avoidance (helps mitigate an accident by proactively swerving, if appropriate, to avoid a front collision)
Front cross-traffic alert (warns of potential side collisions at intersections)
Emergency stop assistance (senses if the driver is incapacitated and pulls the car over to the right while slowing to a stop with the emergency flashers activated)

Executive package

Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
Soft-close doors (catch as they're being closed and gently pull shut)
Ventilated front seats
Heated rear seats
Front-seat massage functions
Sunshades for rear passengers
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Dashcam-like drive recorder

M Driver's package