2021 BMW 5-Series Gets New Tech and an Altered Look

From Car and Driver

• The BMW 5-series is updated for 2021 with a new look and additional features.

• The lineup remains the same and includes 530i, 540i, M550i, and 530e plug-in-hybrid models.

• The 2021 5-series will reach U.S. dealerships in July 2020.

BMW is subjecting its 5-series to a comprehensive if modest facelift that's designed to steal the thunder of Mercedes's somewhat more aggressively restyled E-Class and the still-fresh Audi A6. Set for a launch in mid-2020 as a 2021 model, the lineup will again comprise the 248-horsepower 530i, the 335-horsepower 540i, the 523-horsepower M550i, and the 288-horsepower 530e plug-in hybrid.

All models will continue to be available with rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive, called xDrive, except for the AWD-only M550i xDrive. The even more powerful M5 will be updated in the not-too-distant future, mirroring the changes to these more pedestrian 5-series models.

At first glance, the facelifted 5-series looks more angular and slightly more angry, its LED headlights featuring sharp creases. The protruding grille looks more assertive as well, and while the headlights gain L-shaped lighting elements, the same elements now disappear from the taillights. The exhaust pipes now all look the same regardless of engine—keep the badges on, people!