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 Type | Horsepower | Torque | 0-60 mph Time | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 248 hp | 257 lb-ft | 5.9 seconds | 28 mpg |
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder Plug-In Hybrid | 288 hp | 257 lb-ft | 5.7 seconds | Not Yet Rated |
3.0L Turbo 6-Cylinder | 335 hp | 331 lb-ft | 4.9 seconds | 27 mpg |
4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | 523 hp | 553 lb-ft | 3.6 seconds | 20 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.