BMW 5 Series
Used Car Review

Overview

The BMW 5 Series: where executive presence meets thrilling dynamism. The BMW 5 Series might be exactly what you need. This flagship executive saloon represents BMW at its finest, offering sophisticated engineering, cutting-edge technology, and that distinctive driving experience Bavaria is famous for. It’s the car for professionals who want prestige without compromising on practicality or driving enjoyment.

From first glance, the 5 Series commands respect on the road. Its elegant proportions and signature kidney grille create an unmistakable presence that rivals like the Mercedes E-Class or Audi A6 struggle to match. Step inside and you’re greeted by a cabin that sets the benchmark for executive luxury. Premium materials, intuitive technology, and meticulous attention to detail create an environment that feels both sophisticated and welcoming.

Behind the wheel, the 5 Series delivers the perfect balance of comfort and engagement. Whether you choose the efficient diesel engines or the spirited petrol options, each delivers smooth, refined power that makes every journey effortless. The chassis strikes an ideal compromise between sportiness and comfort, ensuring you arrive relaxed whether you’ve navigated city traffic or covered motorway miles. While the price reflects its premium positioning, you’re investing in German engineering excellence that delivers satisfaction day after day.

How Does the BMW 5 Series Drive?

The BMW 5 Series offers a comprehensive range of engines designed to suit different driving preferences and efficiency needs. The entry-level 520i delivers around 184 horsepower, providing smooth acceleration and reaching 60mph in approximately 8.2 seconds. For those seeking more performance, the 540i and M550i variants offer substantially more power, with the M550i delivering explosive acceleration that reaches 60mph in just 3.8 seconds.

Where the 5 Series truly excels is in its refined driving dynamics. The steering is perfectly weighted, offering precision at low speeds for easy parking yet providing excellent feedback at higher velocities. The suspension expertly balances comfort with control, absorbing road imperfections while maintaining composure through corners. This executive saloon feels planted and secure in all conditions, whether you’re cruising motorways or navigating winding country roads. The result is a car that feels both luxurious and engaging, setting it apart from many competitors in the executive segment.

BMW 5 Series Interior, Tech & Comfort Review

Sink into the 5 Series and experience the cabin architecture that defines modern executive luxury. The interior design is a masterclass in luxury and functionality, featuring high-quality leather upholstery, genuine wood or aluminium trim, and soft-touch materials throughout. The latest iDrive infotainment system takes centre stage, offering crisp graphics and intuitive operation through the central touchscreen or traditional rotary controller.

The front seats are superbly comfortable, offering extensive electric adjustment and memory settings that ensure the perfect driving position every time. Heated and ventilated seat options add to the premium experience. The cabin ambience is exceptionally quiet, with excellent sound insulation creating a serene environment even at motorway speeds. Advanced climate control maintains the ideal temperature throughout, while ambient lighting adds a sophisticated touch. Standard equipment includes wireless smartphone charging, multiple USB ports, and premium audio systems that transform every journey into a first-class experience.

The BMW 5 Series represents executive car excellence, successfully combining luxury, performance, and practicality in one compelling package. It delivers the refined driving experience BMW is renowned for, wrapped in a sophisticated and comfortable interior that rivals anything in the class. The technology is intuitive, the build quality exceptional, and the range of engines ensures there’s a variant for every preference.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the BMW 5 Series Expensive to Run?

The 5 Series’ running costs scale higher than mainstream rivals, though modern efficiency improvements have meaningfully reduced that premium burden. The diesel engines, particularly the 520d, can achieve real-world fuel economy of around 45-50 mpg, helping to manage fuel expenses. Even the petrol engines offer respectable efficiency, with the 520i delivering around 40 mpg in mixed driving conditions.

The initial purchase price reflects the car’s premium positioning, typically starting around £40,000 for new models and offering strong used car values. Insurance groups are higher than average, reflecting the car’s performance capabilities and repair costs. However, the 5 Series benefits from BMW’s reputation for reliability and comprehensive warranty coverage. Regular maintenance costs are reasonable for the segment, and the availability of car finance options makes ownership more accessible. The strong residual values help offset the higher initial investment, making total cost of ownership more palatable over time.

BMW 5 Series Practicality & Boot Space

The BMW 5 Series proves that executive luxury doesn’t mean compromising on everyday usability. The generous 530-litre boot easily accommodates weekly shopping, golf bags, or multiple suitcases for extended trips. The rear seats fold in a 40:20:40 split configuration, allowing you to carry longer items while still seating passengers. Throughout the cabin, you’ll find thoughtfully placed storage compartments for phones, drinks, and personal items.

Rear passenger space is generous, offering ample legroom and headroom for adult passengers on longer journeys. The wide door openings make entry and exit effortless, while the comfortable rear seats ensure passengers arrive as relaxed as the driver. For families or business users, the 5 Series strikes an excellent balance between prestige and practicality. While it may not match some used BMW cars in terms of pure cargo space, it offers more than enough room for most lifestyle needs while maintaining that essential executive car presence.

When it comes to blending executive sophistication with genuine performance capability, the BMW 5 Series simply delivers on every front. It wraps BMW’s legendary driving dynamics, advanced technology, and meticulous build quality into a sophisticated package that excels in every situation. While it may command premium pricing, it delivers exceptional value through superior refinement, strong residual values, and that intangible prestige that comes with the blue and white roundel.

You choose the 5 Series because you want an executive car that doesn’t compromise. Its elegant styling, sumptuous interior, and composed driving experience make every journey memorable. Whether you’re commuting through city traffic or covering long distances, it remains comfortable, quiet, and engaging. For those seeking the pinnacle of executive car excellence, the BMW 5 Series should be at the top of your consideration list, especially with flexible finance options available through car finance calculator tools.