2021 BMW M5 Competition
The 2021 BMW M5 Competition is a sedan. It has a 4.4-litre turbocharged eight-cylinder engine producing 617 hp (460 kW), with an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 3.2 seconds and top speed is 190 mph (306 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2021 BMW M5 COMPETITION
The 2021 BMW M5 Competition is the most powerful version of the sixth-generation M5 (F90), the high-performance edition of the 5 Series saloon. Its 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 produces 617 hp and 553 lb-ft, sent through an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic to BMW’s M xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
Facelift year
The 2021 model year brought the F90’s mid-life update, in step with the facelifted 5 Series. Changes included slimmer headlights, new L-shaped tail lights, a larger central touchscreen and revised chassis tuning for the Competition, with a focus on body control. The Competition model’s output stayed at 617 hp, and it continued to be built in Dingolfing, Germany.
Performance with practicality
The F90 was the first M5 with all-wheel drive, but its M xDrive system is rear-biased and can be switched to a pure rear-drive mode for experienced drivers. That combination makes the M5 Competition extremely quick in any weather while still offering a full-size boot, a comfortable rear seat and the comfort features of a luxury saloon. Learn more about how output figures relate in our guide to horsepower vs torque.
Buying one today
The S63 V8 needs careful maintenance. Commonly reported points include oil leaks, rising oil consumption and the cost of consumables such as brakes and tyres. Check for evidence of track use and confirm that servicing has been carried out on schedule.
Rivals
The M5 Competition’s main rivals in 2021 were the Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4MATIC+, Audi RS 7 Sportback and RS 6 Avant, and the Porsche Panamera Turbo S.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | M5 Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2021 | Version / Trim | BMW 2021 M5 Competition |
| Body Style | Sedan | Doors | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | Ext. Colour | Alpine White, Black Sapphire Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, Brands Hatch Gray Metallic, Motegi Red Metallic, Marina Bay Blue Metallic, Donington Gray Metallic, Tanzanite Blue II Metallic, Individual Colours available |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | Germany |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Engine | 4.4L 8-cyl Turbo | Engine Size | 4,400 cc |
| Power | 617 hp / 460 kW | Torque | 750 Nm / 553 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 3.2 sec | Top Speed | 190 mph (306 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 15 mpg city / 21 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,975 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,975 kg (4,354 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2021 SEDANS
Compared with other 2021 sedans in our database, its 617 hp is 100% more than the average 2021 sedan (309 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 2.8 seconds quicker than average, and it is 18% heavier than the typical sedan.
| 2021 BMW M5 Competition | Average 2021 sedans | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 617 hp | 309 hp (96 cars) | +100% |
| Torque | 750 Nm | 415 Nm (96 cars) | +81% |
| 0–60 mph | 3.2 s | 6.0 s (95 cars) | -46% |
| Top speed | 190 mph | 139 mph (95 cars) | +36% |
| Kerb weight | 1,975 kg | 1,670 kg (104 cars) | +18% |
| Engine size | 4,400 cc | 2,615 cc (86 cars) | +68% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2021 sedans with similar power to the 2021 BMW M5 Competition.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 BMW M5 Competition | 617 hp | 3.2 s | 1,975 kg |
| 2021 Bentley Flying Spur | 626 hp | 4.0 s | 2,437 kg |
| 2021 Ferrari Portofino M | 591 hp | 3.5 s | 1,545 kg |
| 2021 Audi RS 7 | 591 hp | 3.5 s | 1,920 kg |
| 2021 Tesla Model S Long Range | 670 hp | 2.3 s | 2,162 kg |