2021 BMW 5 Series facelift breaks cover

Though the 2021 5 Series is technically a facelift, the entire model range still gets a whole lot of new features as well as new variants.

BMW's plans of debuting the 2021 5 Series facelift with a solid bang were sort of hindered after the official images of the 2021 530e were leaked a few days ago. However, as the entire updated range has been unveiled today, the list of changes & revisions is quite extensive. To start with, 2021 5 Series' global line-up gets a new plug-in hybrid model (545e) as well as a new V8-powered flagship version (M550i).

The other most significant change is that BMW has introduced its 48V mild-hybrid technology to all four- and six-cylinder models of the 5 Series (country-specific), except the plug-in hybrid derivatives. As a result, all four- and six-cylinder engines are now Euro6 compliant. The petrol engines also benefit from optimised fuel injection, whereas all diesel power units get two-stage turbocharging.

Visually, the 5 Series facelift has escaped from BMW's recent steroid treatment of the kidney grille. Though wider & taller than before, the updated grille is still of an acceptable size. Other marked changes include revised front & rear fascias as well as completely redesigned headlights & taillights. The headlights look much sharper than before, courtesy of the L-shaped accents & DRLs. The taillights, like the new 3-Series, are more defined now. All 5 Series derivatives will also come fitted with trapezoidal exhaust tips.

The 5 Series facelift sedan, starting July 2020, will be available in most European markets as the 530e/530e xDrive and the 545e xDrive (both are plug-in hybrid versions). Those looking for the petrol variants will have a choice of the 520i, 530i/530i xDrive, 540i/540i xDrive or the new range-topping flagship M550i xDrive derivative. Diesel enthusiasts can opt for the 520d/520d xDrive, 530d/530d xDrive or the 540d xDrive.

As for the engine options, there are three petrol engines & two diesel engines to choose from. A 2.0-litre (1,998cc) four-cylinder petrol unit that powers the 520i (181bhp & 290Nm) & 530i (248bhp & 350Nm). A larger 3.0-litre (2,998cc) six-cylinder motor can be found in the 540i (329bhp & 450Nm). The range-topping M550i gets the mammoth 4.4-litre (4,395cc) M TwinPower Turbo V8 that puts out 523bhp & 750Nm.

Those interested in the diesel variants will have a choice between a 2.0-litre (1,995cc) four-cylinder motor in the 520d (188bhp & 400Nm) or the 3.0-litre (2,993cc)  six-cylinder unit in the 530d (282bhp & 650Nm) or the 540d (335bhp & 700Nm).

All five engines come paired to an 8-speed Steptronic transmission.

Coming to the changes inside the car, the 5 Series facelift gets BMW Operating System 7 as standard, that allows for greater connectivity features & options, like Android Auto (alongside the existing Apple CarPlay connectivity option), WiFi and remote, Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates, etc. Infotainment touchscreen sizes range from either a 10.3-inch unit (standard) or a 12.3-inch optional unit. Also marking their debut on the 5 Series facelift are features like BMW Maps, BMW Drive Recorder (optional) & Integral Active Steering (optional).

Expect the BMW 5 Series facelift to arrive in India sometime next year. The variant line-up is likely to remain unchanged.

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