Few cars are as important in the executive car world as the BMW 5 Series, which had led the way in this competitive class for some time.
Always a step ahead of the competition, the 5 Series is one of the best cars to drive in its class, and has one of the best interiors around too.
It has also recently been updated, with key changes including a more modern design thanks to its slimmer grille and headlights, more electrified powertrains, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and additional connectivity and safety features.
So if you’re looking at a new BMW 5 Series, here’s what you need to know…
What powertrains are available?
BMW offers loads of choice on the new BMW 5 Series, with the line-up including petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrids.
Let’s begin with petrol options, with the line-up beginning with the 520i, which uses a 181bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine. At the complete opposite end of the spectrum is the M550i xDrive, which uses the same monstrous 4.4-litre V8 engine as the M5 which produces 523bhp, allowing for a 0-60mph time of just 3.6 seconds. The M550i engine is only offered in saloon form, but the Touring (estate) version is available in a 540i derivative, which uses a 328bhp 3.0-litre petrol engine enabling a 0-60mph time of five seconds.
Moving over to diesels, there are two to choose from – the 520d or 530d. The 520d uses a 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine, whereas the latter features a larger 282bhp 3.0-litre unit. Both offer a great mix of performance and efficiency, with the 520d being a superb all-rounder as it’s able to accelerate to 60mph in seven seconds yet return nearly 60mpg. It’s worth noting that all but the M550i now feature mild-hybrid technology to improve responsiveness, and also use automatic gearboxes.
Then there is the 530e plug-in hybrid, which mates a 2.0-litre petrol engine together with a battery and electric motor. The result is 288bhp, along with the capability to run on electricity for up to 37 miles. That electric range makes the 530e the most efficient BMW 5 Series available – returning up to 201.8mpg, with CO2 emissions of 32g/km. The 530e was previously just available with rear-wheel-drive, but a new xDrive all-wheel-drive version has now been introduced. Later in 2020 you’ll also be able to choose the more powerful 545e plug-in hybrid, too.
What trim levels are offered?
Four grades are available on the 5 Series – SE, M Sport, M Sport Edition and the ‘M’ variant. Equipment highlights and pricing are as follows.
SE – from £38,590 (Saloon/£41,165 (Touring)
Standard equipment includes 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels (depending on engine), along with LED headlights, climate control, cruise control and an automatic tailgate in the case of the Touring. You also get heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen.
M Sport – from £41,830 (Saloon/£44,080 (Touring)
If you want a sportier look, choose the popular M Sport grade, which adds 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, a sports styling kit, sports seats and a black headlining. Additional gloss black styling elements feature, too.
M Sport Edition – from £46,330 (Saloon)/£47,580 (Touring)
Upgrade to the M Sport Edition and you get large 20-inch alloy wheels, the choice of Tanzanite Blue or Donington Grey colour, a spoiler and an extended gloss black styling kit. Other features include upgraded brakes, high beam assist, adaptive LED headlights and adaptive suspension.
‘M’ – from £68,445 (Saloon)
If you chose the M550i, it comes with an M Sport differential, a harmon/kardon sound system, four-zone climate control, revised 20-inch alloy wheels and a host of Cerium Grey styling cues. There is also its monstrous engine to help justify the price
What about personalisation?
If you want to make your 5 Series different to the rest, there’s certainly no shortage of choice. Starting with colours, there’s plenty of options available – from Carbon Black (dark blue) to Aventurine Red and Alvite Grey. Various leather colours are also on offer, along with various stitches and patterns, with the ‘Merino Leather’ being the priciest option. The interior trim is also offered on various shades – such as wood, piano black and aluminium.
Plenty of conventional optional extras are available as well, with a heated steering wheel and a 360-degree camera being particularly useful. You can also bundle optional extras together – the Technology Pack and Comfort Plus pack likely to prove popular.
Enquire on a new BMW 5 Series
