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2021 BMW 5-Series

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Used Car Price Range
$23,829 - $63,885
$23,829 $63,885
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2021 530i 4dr Rear-wheel Drive Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $54,200
2021 530i xDrive 4dr All-wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $56,500
2021 530e 4dr Rear-wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $57,200
2021 540i 4dr Rear-wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $59,450
2021 530e xDrive 4dr All-wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $59,500
2021 540i xDrive 4dr All-wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $61,750
2021 M550i xDrive 4dr All-wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $76,800
2021 M5 Base 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $103,500
Expert Rating
3.7 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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Overview

What's New

The 5-Series is the progenitor of the midsize luxury sports sedan, and it has held forth over the segment in all that time by its combination of ritzy appointments and excellent driving dynamics. The updated 2021 BMW 5-Series leaves those attributes alone and instead focuses on new technology and fresh styling.

The updated styling isn't anything groundbreaking; its most apparent from up front, where a revised grille and bumper are paired with slimmer and more aggressive headlights. There's a new set of taillights in the rear.

On the tech front, 5-Series models now come standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen that has navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. A 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster has also been made standard.

Rounding out the changes is a new 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The centerpiece of this is a new starter-generator and auxiliary battery that allows for more frequent engine-off driving.

Choosing Your BMW 5-Series

The 5-Series is available in four trim levels: 530i, 530e, 540i, and M550i. Pricing starts at $55,195 including destination for the 530i and climbs to $77,795 for the M550i.

Engine Choices

Stick with the 530i and buyers will find a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood. The 530e also uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but forgoes the turbo for an electric motor and a 12-kwh battery.

The 540i trades off the four-cylinder for BMW's long-preferred choice of an inline-six, a 3.0-liter turbo unit in this case. At the top of the heap sits the M550i that uses a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8.

Engine TypeHorsepowerTorque0-60 mph TimeFuel Economy (Combined)
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder248 hp257 lb-ft5.9 seconds28 mpg
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder Plug-In Hybrid288 hp257 lb-ft5.7 secondsNot Yet Rated
3.0L Turbo 6-Cylinder335 hp331 lb-ft4.9 seconds27 mpg
4.4L Twin-Turbo V8523 hp553 lb-ft3.6 seconds20 mpg

All engines work with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All models save for the M550i get rear-wheel drive as standard. All-wheel drive, which is what's standard on the range-topping trim, is a $2,300 upgrade.

On the hybrid, a new overboost feature unlocks another 40 horsepower for up to 10 seconds when the throttle is depressed. Fuel economy and all-electric range are still to be determined, though last year's model was rated at 27 mpg combined and could go 21 miles on a charge, according to the EPA.

The 550i is well worth the price of entry for those who are otherwise considering the full-bore M5 (covered separately). But the 540i probably best captures the spirit of the 5-Series, with its silky inline-six and creamy power delivery.

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

All 5-Series models seat five people. However, rear leg room measures just 36.5 inches – less than what's offered by the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6. The 56 inches of shoulder room can make three abreast a tight squeeze as well.

The 14 cubic feet of cargo space is about on par for a sedan of this size. Cargo capacity drops to 10 cubic feet in the 530e plug-in hybrid. The rear seats are also of the split-folding design for more space and versatility.

BMW 5-Series

Safety Features

All 5-Series models get a comprehensive suite of active safety features, including: automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and adaptive LED headlights.

The Driver Assistance Plus Package ($1,700) tops that list off with adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, lane keeping assist, evasion aid assist, and front cross-traffic alert. An automated parking system and a surround-view camera system are bundled in the Parking Assistance Package ($800).

Connectivity

The 2021 model brings a dose of newly standard technology, including a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an all-digital instrument cluster of equal size. All models now come with navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard. Bluetooth, wi-fi capability, and multiple USB ports allow for seamless connectivity. Satellite radio and HD radio are bundled in as well.

Optional features include wireless charging, a head-up display, gesture control, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

BMW 5-Series

530i - From $55,195

Standard equipment on the base 5-Series includes 18-inch wheels, a moonroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, ambient lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, 16-way power front seats, leatherette upholstery, and keyless entry.

Of the many available options and packages, the most popular one will likely be the $850 Convenience Package, which includes heated front seats, remote start, and a power trunk. The Premium Package adds all that plus wireless charging, gesture control, a head-up display, and the Harman Kardon audio system for $2,700.

530e - From $58,195

The 530e is equipped identically to the 530i – the $3,000 upcharge is directly attributable to the hybrid powertrain. The setup includes the electric motor, 12-kWh lithium-ion battery, a 3.5-kW onboard charger, and a 1.2-kW charging cable.

540i - From $60,445

The 540i is also equipped similarly to the 530i, but this time with the 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder engine. Perforated leather upholstery also comes standard.

The newly-available Dynamic Handling Package includes active roll bars, adaptive dampers, and multiple drive modes for $3,500.

M550i - From $77,795

The big kahuna of the lineup, the M550i sits at a much higher price point. Besides its hot-rod V8 and all-wheel drive, it also gets a power trunk, 19-inch wheels, an M Sport limited-slip differential with torque vectoring, upgraded brakes and suspension, an aerodynamic kit, a rear spoiler, and remote start.

The interior benefits from full leather upholstery, a leatherette dashboard, 20-way power front seats, heated fronts, and the 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Compare 5-Series Trims Side-By-Side

CarsDirect Tip

Of the models in the 2021 BMW 5-Series lineup, we'd get the 540i. It's classic BMW: well equipped, smooth, fast, sporting. In other words, it offers the perfect blend of luxury and performance. Pick a few options – the Premium Package and M Sport Package sound good to us – and head out the showroom a happy camper.

author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Pros
  • Loads of tech
  • Refresh looks sharper
  • Spacious interior
  • Various available engines
Cons
  • Not exactly affordable
  • Gets larger every year
  • Small range for PHEV model
Expert Rating
3.7 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

Sharper looks. The 2021 BMW 5-Series gets a slight makeover. Last year, the midsize sedan had a design that was more mundane than its competitors. That changes for the new model year, as the 5-Series now looks more angular, more assertive, and matches many rivals.

From the front, the 5-Series now has a more angular face thanks to sharp headlights, a larger version of BMW’s kidney grilles, and more defined lines on the front fascia. Things aren’t that different at the back, but the 2021 model gets updated taillights and new exhaust outlets that remain the same regardless of powertrain.

Small changes, but the 5-Series now looks sportier than before, which is a good thing as it’s more attractive than some of its portlier competitors.

Oozing with technology. BMW has bolstered the 5-Series’ list of standard tech features to now include two 12.3-inch digital screens. One acts as an instrument cluster, while the other is a central display that’s running BMW’s latest iDrive 7.0 infotainment system. In addition to being one of the larger standard touchscreens on the market, BMW's system is intuitive to use thanks to natural voice commands, a rotary knob, gesture controls, and touch controls.

On top of coming with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Apple users can use the company’s Digital Key with compatible iPhones. The Digital Key allows 5-Series owners to open, unlock, and start the vehicle with their iPhone. The 2021 5-Series is the first vehicle to have Apple’s Digital Key.

Beyond the fancy screens, the new 5-Series also comes with a variety of standard safety features. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and pedestrian detection are all standard.

Active Protection System, which prepares the vehicle if it senses an impending collision, is also standard. Of course, BMW offers a variety of optional safety features that include parallel park assist, a night vision camera, and a surround-view camera.

BMW 5-Series

Wide selection of powertrains. There are five available powertrains with the 5-Series that range from an adequate amount of oomph to insanely powerful. With so many choices, there’s a good chance that there’s a perfect powertrain in the lineup for you.

The base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is rated at 248 horsepower, which may not sound like a lot, but it’s plenty peppy with a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds with all-wheel drive. The 530e plug-in hybrid trim adds an electric motor and a 12-kWh battery pack for a combined output of 288 hp. More importantly, the PHEV can travel 20 miles on electricity alone. That figure certainly isn’t worth the $3,000 upcharge over the base trim, but for consumers that live in urban areas, it’s worth checking out.

The 540i packs a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that’s good for 335 hp. The 540i now comes with a mild-hybrid system for 2021 that boosts fuel economy and improves performance, too. For even more performance, there’s the M550i, which features a 523-hp 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. While 523 hp would be enough for the majority of people, BMW also offers the M5. It comes with the same 4.4-liter V8, but is rated at 600 hp.

Spacious, comfortable cabin. While the updated BMW 5-Series has grown 1.2 inches in overall length, its wheelbase has remained the same at 117 inches. That means the 5-Series continues to offer a spacious cabin with all-day comfort.

For the starting price, one would expect to see leather upholstery as standard, but that’s not the case. The 5-Series comes with BMW’s synthetic leather upholstery. Thankfully, it looks and feels nice and the front seats offer 16 different adjustments.

If it were up to us, we’d go with leather upholstery for an extra $1,500 or Nappa leather upholstery for $2,500 more. Additionally, the available Luxury Seating Package ($1,000) ups the 5-Series’ opulent feel with multi-contour seats with 20 different adjustments. Ventilated front seats are also offered with the package. Massaging seats are available for an extra $1,000 as a standalone option.

Final thoughts. With the changes, the 2021 BMW 5-Series is a better competitor to vehicles like the Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Lexus ES. It’s got more standard tech than the majority of midsize sedans in the class and no longer has boring styling. Consumers will find plenty of interior space, as well as one of the more robust powertrain lineups in the class.

The BMW 5-Series continues to impress in ways few others can. Our main gripes with the sedan are mostly about cost. With a starting price tag of $55,195 including destination, the sedan seems to get more and more expensive every year. The options are also pricey.

If you’re looking for a truly luxurious experience, the Mercedes E-Class is the leader in the segment. It comes with more powerful engines, an even more opulent cabin, and similar standard tech features. The Audi A6 isn’t as sporty as the 5-Series and it doesn’t come with the same amount of technology, but it’s a comfortable, upscale sedan with gutsy engines.

Check prices for the 2021 BMW 5-Series »

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 248 HP / 258 ft.lbs.
Transmission
8-spd STEPTRONIC w/OD
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
25 / 33 / 29 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 248 HP / 258 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
25 / 33 / 29 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
18.0 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$69
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
14.0 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
99 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
195.8 "
Exterior Width
73.5 "
Exterior Height
58.2 "
Front Headroom
38.8 "
Rear Headroom
37.5 "
Front Legroom
41.4 "
Rear Legroom
36.5 "
Front Shoulder Room
58.7 "
Rear Shoulder Room
55.9 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,765 Lbs.
Wheel Base
117 "
Turning Radius
19.7 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
18.0 " Silver Aluminum / 18.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum / 19.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum / 20.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum / 19.0 " Black Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Heated, Power Remote Driver, Power Remote W/tilt Down Passenger
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Chrome / Black
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish / Stainless Steel With Dark Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Sensatec Leatherette / Dakota Leather / Nappa Leather
Front Seat Type
Sport Bucket / Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
(12-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
(12-way Power)
Front Armrests
(12-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
40-20-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Siriusxm With 360l Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
12 / 16 Harman/kardon
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Power Telescopic Tilt Style
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Express Open/close
Rearview Mirror
Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob And Smart Device-as-key
Power Outlets
5
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Frontal Collision Warning W/city Collision Mitigation Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Active Blind Spot Detection Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure Warning With Steering Correction Lane Departure / Lane Keeping Assistant With Side Collision Avoidance Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Extended Traffic Jam Assistant Hands-on Steering Assist
Pedestrian Detection
City Collision Mitigation Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Driver Attention
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
High Beam Assistant Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Directionally Adaptive
Parking Sensors
Park Distance Control Front And Rear / Parking Assistant Plus Automated / Active Park Distance Control Automated
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
48 Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation
144 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2021 BMW 5-Series for Sale

89 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
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Phone: (626) 964-5111
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