As the pandemic loosens its grip, auto enthusiasts are anxious to get out to a local showroom and get up close and personal with the new 2021 offerings. Though the 2021 BMW 5 Series doesn’t differ drastically from 2020 models, it has undergone enough of a refresh to meet the needs of BMW fans without driving them to frenzy. Facing stiff competition, are the changes enough to keep BMW at the top of its class?

What can BMW 5 Series fans get excited about on the 2021 model?

A subtle refresh is what is in store for expectant BMW fans. With typical German stoicism on the faces of their engineers, there is the hint of a smile hiding the glee of the latest improvements to the 2021 BMW 5 Series. Let’s take a look at what is behind that smirk.

Instead of going with a completely outrageous change to the 5 Series exterior, like the beaver fang grille on the 4-Series, BMW designers kept things simple. While sticking with the signature kidney grille, designers made it taller wider, making it a bit more proportional. Though the 1.2-inches of extra body length will go largely unnoticed, LED head and taillights and trapezoidal exhaust finishers are noticeable.

Great engine and transmission choices are also available for 5 Series buyers. A Berkeley study labeling BMW drivers as the most aggressive in the world could relate to the performance power at their fingertips. 2021 5 Series drivers won’t be backing off given the engine and transmission choices available on this year’s models. The range of choices starts with a 248 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivering 258 lb-ft torque on the 530, and ends with a 523 hp 4.4 liter-V8 on the M550, which places 553 lb-ft of torque in the driver’s control.

Between the two extremes is an option for more responsible drivers; a 335 hp, 332 lb-ft 3.0 liter-V-6 with a 48V mild hybrid system. To control the torque in these engines are a choice of a regular eight-speed automatic transmission or a sport-tuned eight speed automatic, which comes standard on the M550.

Seating comfort continues to be a priority with perforated leatherette upholstery being standard on all models with upgraded Dakota leather upholstery coming standard on the M550 while buyers can upgrade to Nappa leather on all models. The 5 Series infotainment system receives a 2-inch display enlargement up from 10.25-inches with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto all standard features. Also, standard on all 2021 5 Series models is BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional digital gauge cluster.

2021 BMW 5 Series adds more standard safety features

Though it might seem that BMW drivers are impervious to danger, the 2021 5 Series selections integrate a variety of standard safety features that were options on previous models. Safety features for all models will include forward collision warning (including pedestrian/cyclist detection) and automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning (along with steering correction), blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams.

Safety features that buyers can add to their 5 Series include the Parking Assist Package (PAP) with panorama and 3D surround-view camera angles with automatic parallel and perpendicular parking and BMW’s Back-Up Assist. Adaptive cruise control, including BMW’s Extended Traffic Jam Assist, along with lane-keeping assist and side collision avoidance round out the list of safety upgrade options available for buyers.

Refreshing the 2021 BMW 5 Series is exactly what fans wanted

In typical German engineering fashion, the 2021 BMW 5 Series includes subtle changes, refreshing select features on an already satisfying model series. Slight exterior improvements, a few interior upgrades for standard models, a great choice of engine and transmission options and some standard safety upgrades included in this year’s 5 Series represent are a minor refreshing rather than anything drastic. However, BMW fans will get what they need and want without sacrificing features they already love.