2021 BMW 5 Series price set for South Africa
Recently released local pricing for the new 2021 BMW 5 Series has gotten us all talking. Despite this being next years model, we can expect to see it land on our local shores in the final quarter of 2020. BMW has planned 4 variants of the 5 series for 2021 in South Africa. To be specific, we will get the 520d, 530i, M550i xDrive and then the flagship M5 Competition. Let’s find out what is new for this sedan.
2021 is bringing a fresh face to the BMW 5 Series.
Several features have been updated to the face, this is a facelift after all. The kidney grille is wider and taller while the LED headlights have been redesigned. At the back, there are updated taillights and a trapezoidal exhaust tailpipe trim. 18-inch alloy wheels come as standard on the lower range, but the 2021 BMW 5 Series will get up to 20-inch wheels higher up the range. A brand new optional addition to this 5 Series is are BMW Individual Air Performance Wheels.
The M550i xDrive will come with BMW’s M Sport package as standard with a rear spoiler and metallic Cerium Grey finishes on highlight details. Right at the top of the range, the M5 Competition will receive the M Driver’s Package as well as a carbon-fibre engine cover, glass sunroof, Lasterlight headlamps and the M Sport Exhaust system. A more noticeable change to the design is the BMW Individual’s high-gloss Shadow Line kit that will come standard too.
Noticeably better cabin and spacious interior.
Rich colours and great design are a notable upgrade from the previous cabin interior. A combination of black, silver and leather details find their way onto every surface including the very adjustable 16-way multi-contour front seats which can be upgraded to 20 ways for that extra 4 ways of comfort. The new 5 Series also boasts an automatic climate control system and fantastic passenger space.
As standard, the 2021 BMW 5 Series will come with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system equipped with navigation, a USB port, Bluetooth audio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This screen gets as big as 12.3-inches in the higher range options.
Additionally, the M5 Competition will come with four-zone climate control and front-seat ventilation.
The four model’s equipment and local prices.
Each model is equipped slightly differently and we will cover each offer individually. There are some things that remain constant through all models and that is the eight-speed automatic transmission and the plenty of driver-assistance features. There will be some additional tech that buyers can get optionally. Here are the engine options and prices for each model:
Starting the local lineup is the 520d which starts at R932,351. As the only diesel option planned to launch in South Africa, it comes with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine capable of sending 140 kW and 400 Nm through the rear wheels.
Next on our list is the first petrol engine. The 350i will start at R934,501 with a 2,0-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol engine. This too is rear-wheel-drive only.
Following that is the M550i xDrive and as the name suggests, this model is all-wheel-drive although it is rear-wheel biased. It’s starting price is R1,427,339. Inside it is a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine that reaches 390 kW and 750 Nm. This should accelerate it to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds but the top speed is limited to 250 km/h.
Finally is the M5 Competition. Initially, there were no plans to see this model at launch in South Africa, but we are glad to see that change. Starting at R2,202,960 this flagship model gets the twin0turbo 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine but will get up to 460 kW and 750 Nm. The speed is not as electronically limited reaching a max of 305 km/h and can sprint to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds. The M5 Competiton will additionally include new shock absorbers and tweaks to the suspension and springs.
Source & images: Car and Driver | Car Magazine
