Aimed at the high harmonic content of a model predictive controller (MPC) without modulation modules, a novel model-based variable sampling period MPC strategy is proposed and applied to a five-phase induction motor drive system. The problem caused by the fixed-discretization of time in the MPC is analyzed, but the introduction of modulation or modulation substitution to solve this problem will increase the complexity of the control system. Therefore, a simpler and more natural idea is adopted. Specifically, the sampling interval is changed based on the pursuit algorithm, and the optimal control action and implementation time are determined by combining with the MPC, thus realizing the variable sampling period MPC strategy. Experiments were carried out using the five-phase induction motor drive system, and experimental results verified the excellent reference tracking and current harmonic performance of the novel variable sampling period MPC.