BMW M5 Competition LCI 2021 Review
The name M5 brings to mind a plethora of super fast saloons over the years; from its origin back 5 generations and from then to its current 6th generation car.
The M5 packs not only a twin-turbo V8 with 625hp and 750Nm of torque but the latest technology that allows it to drive itself, park itself and reverse itself.
In fact if you are worried about a performance saloon not being safe there is a valid argument that this car makes you safer on the road with all of its technology.
| Engine | Twin-Turbo V8 |
| Power | 625hp |
| Torque | 750NM |
| Assisted Driving | Adaptive cruise, Traffic Jam assist, Cross traffic assist, Reversing assistant, Parking assistant, Heads-up Display |
| Connectivity | Wireless Android Auto, Wireless Apple CarPlay, Phone Mirroring |
It is a striking car, sitting in the middle of the BMW range of saloons and whilst it isn’t as large as the 7 series it will most definitely stick out of most parking spaces in the UK.
Once again that technology helps you as even if you park it yourself you can use the fantastic 360 degree cameras to see exactly where you in that space and how much space there is to open you doors.
This technology doesn’t just make the car safe but it also make the driving experience even better when you do want to go into sports car BMW drifting mode – a mode I am not a fan of – but it is still possible.
This car is a massive achievement in technology and driving and starting at £88,880 it should be but is it worth every penny? Absolutely, even as my car specced at £99,000 I would take it in a heart beat; or should I say M1 button press?
The X-Drive system can give you rear-wheel drifting with the press of a button (just like the previous pre LCI facelift model) so you can smoke your tyres if you want to relive your youth. Or you can be safe and solid in 4-wheel drive mode. The choice is yours.
Set the car up as you want – and use the M1 and M2 buttons that sit on the steering wheel for quick access. Buttons that remind you that your fast driving is right there for you.
As a 5-series the suspension feels comfortable and there is plenty of space in the back of the car and the rear boot at 530-litres.
And just in case you have passengers in the back there are 4 USB-C connectors and an HDMI.
The heads-up display will allow you to keep your eyes on the road and the steering wheel even has lights on it to let you know when you need to adjust it if you’re letting the car drive itself.
But the crowing technology achievements of this car are wireless Android Auto and the ability to use your phone as digital key.
BMW are the first to bring wireless Android Auto to their vehicles to join wireless Apple CarPlay and on that fantastic 12.3 inch centre display there is no way you will ever get lost or want for entertainment choice.
The digital key allows you to share your car with friends and family and restrict their access and speed and where they can go all from your phone. And then remove that access when you feel like it.
