Used 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 5-passenger BMW 5 Series is lauded for its European-inspired driving dynamics and class-leading technology. With this makeover, BMW is pushing the envelope a bit on styling — embracing its controversial oversize twin-kidney grille — while doing a more conservative tweaking of the mechanical package. The new 5 Series rides on the same wheelbase as the outgoing model, although overall length is up by 1.2 inches.

The powertrain lineup is also carried over, although with some tweaks to the mid-range 6-cylinder engines, which add a 48-volt mild-hybrid assist. Also, the 530e will be available as a plug-in hybrid. At the top of the range, BMW retains the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 for its M550i xDrive flagship.

BMW knows it has a good thing going in the 5 Series, which offers a great balance of ride comfort and handling. It’s the benchmark for the segment, and it faces competition from the likes of the Audi A6, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and the Genesis G80. Lexus, curiously, has decided to retire its GS sedan.

This is a car that feels like a comfortable European luxury sedan when driven in a relaxed fashion. However, when it’s driven with aggression, the 5 Series reveals the agility for which the BMW brand is famous.

While the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine in the 530i and 530e PHEV get the job done with minimal fuss (and good fuel economy), we’re partial to the smooth power delivery of the turbocharged inline-6 in the 540i model. We also like the pulse-quickening performance of the M550i’s turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, which puts out a stout 523 horsepower.

BMW has continued to step-up its interior design game, prodded by rivals like Audi and Mercedes-Benz. The new 5 Series interior features a high-tech approach to its layout to capitalize on its standard Live Cockpit Professional system that showcases iDrive 7, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, and a 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen. This new center display is larger than the previous 10.25-inch unit. Adding a touch of elegance is the high gloss black finish on the center-console buttons.

Standard upholstery on 4- and 6-cylinder models is perforated SensaTec leatherette. The M550i xDrive comes with standard leather seating. Nappa leather is optional on all models. SensaTec material can be specified as a dash cover on lower-trim models and comes standard on the M550i.

Even though we’re not thrilled with the increasing size of BMW’s signature twin-kidney grille, there’s much to like about the exterior of the new 2021 BMW 5 Series. The look is cleaner and crisper with a sweeping profile. In contrast to the larger grille, the lighting elements are slimmer LED units that incorporate L-shaped daytime driving lights.

At the rear, the new 5 Series is distinguished by trapezoidal tailpipes integrated into the rear fascia. Rear L-shaped taillights are outlined by black edging and feature 3D lenses. The M Sport Package adds different front- and rear-bumper treatments, larger air intakes with mesh inserts, and a different texture to the rear diffuser. The M550i xDrive boasts aerodynamic exterior accents, including a trunk-lid spoiler and inlays in the front air intakes.

EXTENDED TRAFFIC JAM ASSIST
On limited-access highways, this available Level 2 autonomous system allows for extended hands-free vehicle operation. It functions with the help of the lane-keeping assist with side collision avoidance, front cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking.

LIVE COCKPIT PROFESSIONAL
As part of this standard driver assist, navigation is enhanced with 3D visualization of your surroundings including vehicles picked up by cameras and sensors. In addition to calling out these objects, the system also overlays directions if navigation is active.

The base 2021 BMW 530i comes with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, fully independent suspension, and front and rear disc brakes. It comes with 18-inch wheels, power front seats, a 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench seat, and seating for five passengers.

Also standard are 12.3-inch screens for the instruments and infotainment, automatic climate control, adaptive LED lighting, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and active driver assists including lane-departure warning, front-collision and pedestrian warning, city-collision mitigation, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and speed limit information.

Among the options available on the 2021 BMW 5 Series are a power trunk lid, heated or heated/ventilated front seats, active cruise control with stop and go, lane-keeping assist with active side-collision avoidance, 19- or 20-inch wheels, parking assist, a surround-view camera, a head-up display, gesture control, Harman Kardon premium audio, and wireless charging. An optional M Sport package includes variable sport steering, aluminum or ash interior trim, M Sport suspension, a dynamic handling package, an M steering wheel, and an aerodynamic kit.

The 2021 5 Series offers rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) and engines ranging from a turbocharged inline-4 to a twin-turbo V8. The base 530i model’s 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder makes 248 horsepower in both rear-drive and all-wheel-drive variants.

The 530e plug-in hybrid offers 288 combined horsepower from its 181-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder engine and 107-horsepower electric motor. The battery can be completely replenished at Level 2 240-volt charging in three hours for a pure electric range of 16 miles. It also features an XtraBoost feature that delivers 40 additional horsepower for up to 10 seconds. This allows the 530e to accelerate to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds on the way to a 130-mph top speed on all-season tires.

The 540i uses a 335-horsepower inline-6 and boasts a 48-volt mild-hybrid assist to help with acceleration. With the additional 11 horsepower of boost by the hybrid, BMW says the 530e is good for 0-60 mph sprint of 4.9 seconds in rear-drive and 4.6 seconds with xDrive AWD.

The AWD M550i xDrive has a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 making 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds.

All models come equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission and as well as auto stop/start that can be disabled by the driver.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (530i, 530i xDrive)
248 horsepower @ 5,200-6,500 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,450-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25 mpg/33 mpg (530i), 23 mpg/32 mpg (530i xDrive)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 + AC synchronous electric motor (530e, 530e xDrive)
288 horsepower (combined)
310 lb-ft of torque (combined)
EPA combined fuel economy: 26 mpg (530e on gas), 64 MPGe (530e gas & electric), 25 mpg (530e xDrive on gas), 62 MPGe (530e xDrive gas & electric)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (540i, 540i xDrive)
335 horsepower @ 5,500-6,500 rpm
332 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25 mpg/32 mpg (540i), 23 mpg/31 mpg (540i xDrive)

4.4-liter turbocharged V8 (M550i xDrive)
523 horsepower @ 5,500-6,000 rpm
553 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17 mpg/25 mpg