Pros: Excellent ride and handling balance; impressive build quality and materials; available all-wheel drive; availability of hybrid and diesel-powered models
Cons: Steep prices escalate even further as options are added; intrusive automatic start/stop system; rear-seat legroom is not particularly generous
CG Says: For 2015, BMW’s midsize car gets minor trim-package changes and adds LED fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and enhanced USB and Bluetooth smartphone integration as standard equipment. The 5-Series remains a fine choice for high-end shoppers who want to be fully immersed in the driving experience. That driving experience will cost you, as any version of this midsize sedan can get very pricey when equipped with even a partial load of its numerous technology and convenience features. Note that in addition to the engines listed below, the BMW 5-Series is also available as the 535d (with 255-horsepower turbo-diesel 3.0-liter 6-cylinder); the ActiveHybrid5 (with a turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine and electric motor that make 335 total horsepower); and the high-performance M5 (with a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with 560- or 575 horsepower and performance hardware inside and out).
| Class | Premium Midsize Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Nation of Manufacturer | Germany |
| Base Prices | 528i: $50,700 AWD 528i xDrive: $53,000 535i: $56,300 AWD 535i xDrive: $58,600 535d: $57,800 AWD 535d xDrive: $60,100 550i: $65,500 AWD 550i xDrive: $67,800 ActiveHybrid5: $62,600 |
| Base Engine 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 240 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 22-23 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 33-34 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder |
| Horsepower 300 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 20 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 29-30 |
| Optional Engine twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 |
| Horsepower 445 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 16-17 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 24-25 |
