The BMW 5 Series is a luxury midsize sedan with several attractive features, including a high safety rating and a comfortable ride. It offers a stylish and spacious interior and numerous high-tech gadgets. This sedan also comes with a number of powerful engine options. The 5 Series is expensive, but it’s so well-rounded that it might be worth it. But, if you still want to look into the second-hand market, you are in good luck! A used BMW 5 Series is just as good and worth the money. Keep on reading to find out more.
Major Changes Over The Years
Here are the significant changes to the 5 Series since BMW updated it for the 2017 model year:
2018: saw the introduction of plug-in hybrids and M5 vehicles.
2019: Apple CarPlay and BMW’s Active Driving Assistant were added to the list of standard equipment.
2020: The 530e PHEV gained 5 miles of range, and the M550i gained 67 horsepower.
2021: more standard equipment, the debut of a mild-hybrid engine, and a revised style
Engine
There is no bad powertrain for this series. The standard engine is powerful enough for everyday driving and provides quick acceleration. That trend continues in the higher trims, with the six-cylinder and V8 engines all being powerhouses, particularly in the top-tier M5 and M5 Competition. A sophisticated automatic transmission rounds out the powertrain. The 540i also gets a new 48-volt mild hybrid system, which increases fuel efficiency and smooths out the engine’s stop-start system at stoplights. Each comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts intuitively and rapidly, maximizing available power.
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BMW 5 Series Powertrain/Performance Options:
- Base engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 248 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque; starts at $54,200 (530i)
- Available powertrains:
- 2.0-liter turbo-four engine and an electric motor with a combined 288 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque; starts at $57,200 (530e)
- 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque; starts at $59,450 (540i)
- 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque; starts at $76,800 (M550i)
- 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque; starts at $103,500 (M5)
- 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque; starts at $111,100 (M5 Competition)
- Drivetrain: standard rear-wheel drive; available all-wheel drive (xDrive)
- Transmission: eight-speed automatic
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Ride and Handling
5 Series passengers will enjoy a peaceful ride. This automobile floats over potholes and bumps in the road. The steering is light, and the brakes are powerful. While the 5 Series has excellent handling, it lacks the sportiness of other BMW models or previous iterations of the same car.
The 530e plug-in hybrid sports a regenerative braking system, which works well and has a pleasant, progressive pedal feel. The six-cylinder engine in the 540i is silky smooth and powerful, generating pleasant noises.
BMW states that the 530i sedan accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 or 5.8 seconds, depending on the drivetrain. The 530e plug-in hybrid accelerates in 5.7 seconds. The 540i is slightly quicker, reaching 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with rear-wheel drive and 4.6 seconds with all-wheel drive. The M550i sprints there in 3.6 seconds, while the M5 rockets there in 3.2. In the top-of-the-line BMW M5 Competition, that time drops to 3.1 seconds.
According to BMW, the 530i, 540i, and M550i have a top speed of 155 mph when properly equipped. The 530e has a top speed of 146 mph (143 mph with AWD), whereas the M5 and M5 Competition sedans have a top speed of 156 mph.
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Interior
The inside of the BMW 5 Series is lavish, with soft leather throughout, including high-end Merino leather in the M5. Nonetheless, some observers found the design to be a tad bland in comparison to competitors’ more luxurious interiors. The 5-series cockpit is a civilized area thanks to luxurious furnishings and outstanding design. It’s a noticeable improvement over the relatively drab interior of its predecessor. It also has plenty of space for rear-seat passengers and an astounding array of technology. The regular chairs aren’t as luxurious, but they can still be adjusted in 16 different ways. The BMW’s trunk size is comparable to that of its competitors, accommodating six carry-on suitcases. However, the cabin lacks cubbies and storage drawers.
The plug-in hybrid 530e has four fewer cubic feet of trunk space than nonhybrid models and can only fit two fewer carry-on bags, but unlike many other hybrids, it still includes folding rear seats. The cabin of the 530i is a fantastic location to spend time. Front passengers have plenty of space. Drivers of various sizes should be able to find a comfortable position thanks to the extensively adjustable seat and steering wheel. The large door openings with plenty of head space make it easy to get in and out. Rear legroom is ample, and rear headroom is adequate but not extraordinary.
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Infotainment
The iDrive infotainment system may be controlled in a variety of ways, including a rotary dial, a touch screen, and voice commands, making it simple for consumers to learn. Every 5-Series comes with a huge 12.3-inch high-resolution central display. You can control it with the iDrive rotary knob, by tapping the screen, or by using voice commands. You can also control the system with hand gestures if you choose BMW’s Gesture Control option. All 5-series models include a digital gauge display that may be set to provide the driver with a range of information. The tech package includes navigation, a USB outlet, Bluetooth audio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, but you must pay extra for the SiriusXM satellite radio.
- Standard infotainment features: a 12.3-inch touch screen, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a navigation system, two USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD Radio, and a 12-speaker stereo
- Available infotainment features: wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hot spot, two additional USB ports, and a Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins 16-speaker audio system
- Additional standard features: dual-zone automatic climate control, a moonroof, proximity keyless entry, and push-button start
- Other available features: remote start
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Fuel Economy
The standard BMW 530i gets 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. Despite having a six-cylinder engine, the 540i comes close to matching those figures – 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway – thanks to its 48-volt mild-hybrid arrangement. Those are respectable statistics for the luxury midsize car segment. The addition of all-wheel drive (referred to as xDrive by BMW) affects fuel consumption.
The M550i gets 17/25 mpg city/highway, while the M5 and M5 Competition gets 15/21 mpg.
The plug-in hybrid BMW 530e has an all-electric range of 21 miles and a combined city/highway rating of 64 MPG equivalent. When all-wheel drive is added, the all-electric range is reduced to 18 miles and the combined rating is reduced to 62 MPGe. Its battery can be recharged in around three hours using a standard 240-volt power outlet.
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Safety Features
Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross-traffic alert
- Available adaptive cruise control with a semi-autonomous driving mode
Verdict
BMW’s electronics are of the highest quality, from the center touchscreen to the driver’s gauge cluster. The inside panel fit is also good, but the materials utilized for the wood trim and leather can appear a tad fake.
We recommend starting with the 540i for the best experience. The turbocharged six-cylinder engine’s power-to-efficiency ratio is commendable for a vehicle of this size. We’d also get the Driving Assistant Plus package, which includes adaptive cruise control and other essential driver aids, as well as the Parking Assistance package, which includes a surround-view camera and parking sensors. If you want a little more performance, the M Sport option, which includes a sport suspension, grippy tires, and a unique external appearance, is a must-have.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BMW 5 Series a good used car?
The BMW 5 Series is a fantastic used sedan and one of the most well-rounded vehicles in the luxury midsize car segment. Inside, you’ll discover two rows of comfortable seats, a long list of standard equipment, a large trunk, and luxury cabin materials. Another strong suit is performance. This car offers a silky-smooth ride, lively handling, and a diverse range of powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid and a V8 engine with over 600 horsepower. As an added bonus, this BMW boasts an excellent safety rating.
Is the BMW 5 Series a reliable car?
The 2022 BMW 5 Series is anticipated to get an 80 out of 100 reliability rating. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the best, 81-90 is considered great, 70-80 is considered acceptable, and 0-69 is considered fair and below average.
Where is the BMW 5 Series made?
BMW manufactures the 2022 5 Series in Germany.
Which BMW 5 Series is the best?
The 540i remains the best value in the 5-Series lineup, with a nice blend of performance and comfort. This model has rear-wheel-drive as standard, although all-wheel drive is optional.
How many miles is a BMW 5 Series good for?
If you’re looking for a premium sedan, the 5-series is a good option. The 5-Series, as previously stated, has a potential lifespan of 195,000 miles. If you travel 15,000 miles per year, the car has a potential lifespan of 13 years.
