BMW 5 Series review

The BMW 5 Series is one of few cars you could reasonably argue are the best all-rounders on sale. It has something for every occasion: it’s comfortable, practical, full of tech, good to drive and economical. The only thing stopping us from calling it a Swiss Army knife is the fact that it doesn’t have a bottle opener. Still, that hasn’t stopped if from picking up the Best Large Car award in the 2021 carwow Car of the Year Awards.

The 5 Series, including the Touring estate model, was updated in 2020 with some subtle exterior changes, but they didn’t change the fact that the BMW isn’t quite as handsome as an Audi A6 or a Mercedes E-Class, its two main alternatives.  The performance version, the BMW M5, was also updated around the same time.

It’s a different story on the inside, though, as it has a superb interior. The design is elegant and very upmarket, and the quality of the materials is excellent too. There are fewer cheap-looking plastics inside than in E-Class, though all three of these cars have a brilliant interior design in their own way.

The most recent version now comes with a 12.3-inch media system, using BMW’s latest operating system. Satellite-navigation is standard and instead of dials you get a display screen behind the steering wheel, just like in the E-Class and A6.

The BMW’s iDrive infotainment is the easiest to use of any car of its type, and it wouldn’t be hard to argue that it’s the best infotainment system in any car. The rotary controller on the centre console is the reason for this, although there are voice and gesture controls available if you want them. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included too.

The V8 M550i is sensational, but most buyers will be happy with the 520i petrol or 520d diesel in M Sport trim.

The 5’s seats are very comfortable and there’s loads of adjustment so the driving position is great too. Plus, there’s loads of room in the back for passengers – there’s more headroom than in an E-Class. The middle seat could be better as it is high up and a bit narrow, but it’s okay for short trips.

The BMW 5 Series saloon has a 530-litre boot, which is enough for a few suitcases. It’s on par with other cars of the same size, and the rear seats fold down if you need to carry long items. It’s not as practical as the Touring version but you can fit a bike in the boot with a bit of effort the rear seats folded flat, which means even the saloon is nicely practical.

There’s a good range of engines that all use mild or plug-in hybrid tech, so you can choose based on your driving expectations. The four-cylinder diesel engine in the 520d model is the bread and butter of the range, delivering north of 55mpg along with plenty of performance. There’s also the 520i with a four-cylinder petrol engine, which is a bit smoother but not as economical.

The six-cylinder models are great for those looking for more luxury. The 530d diesel is really powerful yet economical. There’s no plain petrol six-cylinder, but you can get the 545e plug-in hybrid, which has a six-cylinder petrol and an electric motor. Like the 530e, you can plug this in to travel over 30 miles on electricity alone.

Finally, there’s a M550i xDrive model at the top of the range, which is the most powerful model you can buy without stepping up into the BMW M5 super-saloon. All models come with a smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard and you can get versions fitted with four-wheel drive (BMW calls it xDrive).

The 5 Series pairs these great engines with an excellent driving experience. It’s fun to drive and agile without being uncomfortable, and in fact, only a Mercedes E-Class outdoes it on the comfort front.

All this should sound very positive, because the 5 Series is one of the best all-round saloons on the market. If that sounds like your sort of thing, head to our deals page for the very best prices.

Not made up your mind? Take a look at the BMW 5 Series Saloon against Audi A6, Mercedes E-Class and Lexus ES

BMW 5 Series Design

The BMW 5 Series is a large saloon car that uses typical BMW styling details, such as the kidney grille at the front and something called the Hofmeister Kink. This is the part of the rear side window that kinks back in towards the front. Depending on the spec of the car you choose, the exterior design can change. Here

BMW 5 Series SE
The SE model is the entry-level car and while it still gets plenty of equipment, it’s not as sporty-looking as more expensive M Sport cars. The 17-inch alloy wheels are the easiest way to spot one, as they have more tyre sidewall (though this helps with comfort for the driver). The SE also has different bumpers and chrome around the windows.

BMW 5 Series M Sport
M Sport cars have bigger intakes on the front bumper to give a sportier, more aggressive look. There’s different trim around the windows in a darker shade as well, plus much largr 19-inch alloy wheels with a five-spoke ‘V’ design.

BMW 5 Series M Sport Edition
The M Sport Edition model is the sportiest-looking of all, thanks to high-gloss exterior trim pieces, similar aggressive-looking vents on the front bumper and larger alloy wheels. They use a slightly different V-shape five-spoke pattern to the M Sport but are 20 inches across. This version also comes with Tanzanite Blue II metallic paint as standard.