New BMW 5 Series 2021 detailed: Mercedes-Benz E-Class rival channels inner 3 Series with facelift

BMW has revealed the facelifted versions for the current-generation 5 Series large sedan and Touring wagon, and 6 Series Gran Turismo large hatch, all of which are mechanically related.

Design-wise, the 5 Series and 6 Series Gran Turismo fall in line with the new-generation 3 Series mid-size car. This is evident by their front ends, which are punctuated by sharper adaptive LED headlights, bolder ‘kidney’ grilles and refreshed bumpers.

The rear ends get three-dimensional LED tail-lights and mildly tweaked bumpers with trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes, while fresh sets of alloy wheels round out the external revisions alongside optional red brake callipers.

Inside, the 5 Series and 6 Series Gran Turismo upgrade to BMW’s latest OS 7.0 multimedia system, which powers up to two 12.3-inch displays, the central touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. The former now also supports Android Auto.

The steering wheels have also been tweaked with rearranged multifunction buttons, while more gloss-black trim has been added to the centre console and more accent strips feature throughout.

The 5 Series and 6 Series Gran Turismo’s suites of advanced driver-assist systems have expanded to include junction warning, emergency assist and reversing assistant, among others.

All non-performance petrol and diesel engines now have 48V mild hybridisation, with the system’s integrated starter-generator providing an 8kW power boost during off-the-line acceleration, while regenerative braking recharges the battery when decelerating.

Two 5 Series plug-in hybrid variants are now available, including the returning 185kW/420Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder 530e (which can produce 215kW via its new XtraBoost function) and debuting 3.0-litre six-cylinder 545e that ups the ante with 290kW/600Nm.

For reference, the facelifted versions of the 5 Series’ M550d and M5 performance variants are yet to be revealed, although the M550i has.

UPDATE: BMW Australia has confirmed the facelifted 5 Series and 6 Series Gran Turismo ranges will enter showrooms in October, with the 520i, 530e and M550i confirmed so far for the former. Another petrol and a diesel are also locked in, likely the 530i and 530d.