The 5 Series is available in several different configurations, with a total of 5 different engines available in the chassis. At the bottom is the 530i, powered by a turbocharged 2.0L, 4-cylinder engine making 248 horsepower. Next on the hierarchy is the 540i, powered by a turbocharged 3.0L, 6-cylinder engine combined with a 48-volt hybrid system making 335 horsepower. The 550i xDrive is powered by a twin turbocharged V8 and makes 523 horsepower, good enough for a claimed 0-60 time of just 3.6 seconds. The BMW M5 sits at the top of the range and makes 600 horsepower from its twin-turbo V8, though a competition option boosts this to 617 horsepower. All 5 Series models utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission to send power to the rear wheels. All-wheel drive is optional on the 530i and 540i models, while it comes standard on the 550i xDrive and the M5.
Standard equipment on all 5 Series includes LED headlights, as well as a sound absorbing headliner, Comfort Access keyless entry and push button start leather steering wheel, power lumbar front seating, power folding heated mirrors, power sunroof, driver seat memory dynamic cruise control and 18-inch wheels. The infotainment system includes a 12.3-inch screen located in the dashboard, a 205-watt 12-speaker stereo, five USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Wi-Fi hotspot, five 12v power sockets and two USB ports.
The multi-color head-up display projecting things such as navigation instructions, audio tracks or even warnings up on the windshield where they would be more visible to the driver.
There are two optional stereos available for the BMW 5 Series. A 600-watt Harmon/Kardon sound system features 16 speakers and nine channels, whereas true audiophiles will want to spring for the Bowers & Wilkins stereo. It features diamond tweeters, 1400 watts and a 10-channel amplifier. The unit has speakers that subtly glow, as well as a microphone that measures ambient sound to tune sound quality just so. It is one of the most advanced audio systems to ever be installed in a car, according to BMW.
The 5-series standard safety systems include Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, Frontal Collision Warning, rear collision mitigation, front and rear parking sensors, pedestrian detection prevention and speed limit info.
Besides standard safety features such as airbags, ABS and stability control, the BMW 5 Series has some innovative passive and active safety systems available. An evasion aid system operates at speeds of up to 100 mph. If the car detects a quick lane change, it will tighten up the steering and counter steering, allowing the driver to need fewer turns required to correct a skid. The car will also use information from the vehicle's sensors to detect how much unobstructed space is around the car. Those same sensors are used for the automatic parking system.
Bold Styling
Powerful Engine Options
Luxurious And Tech-laden Interior
Sporty Handling
Hybrid Engine Availability
For 2021, BMW 5-Series returns with minor changes including a refreshed exterior, larger touchscreen monitor and upgraded features.
The BMW 5 Series is a mid-sized luxury sedan, competing with the Mercedes E-Class, the Audi A6 and the Lexus GS series. The 5 Series offers all the luxury of its various competitors while giving drivers a significantly sportier driving experience than any of its peers. Handling is and always has been world-class for the line, with powerful engines, sharp steering and a playful chassis. The 5 Series is even offered with a hybrid electric engine model that achieves extraordinary gas mileage, even while carving corners.
