The 5 Series is available in a number of different configurations, with a total of 5 different engines available in the chassis. At the bottom is the 530i, powered by a turbocharged 2.0L, 4-cylinder engine making 248 horsepower. Next on the hierarchy is the 540i, powered by a turbocharged 3.0L, 6-cylinder engine making 335 horsepower. The 550i xDrive is powered by a twin-turbocharged V8 and makes 456 horsepower, good enough for a claimed 0-60 time of just 3.9 seconds. The BMW M5 sits at the top of the range and makes 600 horsepower from its twin-turbo V8, though a competition option boosts this to 617 horsepower. All 5 Series models utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission to send power to the rear wheels. All-wheel drive is optional on the 530i and 540i models, while it comes standard on the 550i xDrive and the M5.
Standard equipment on all 5 Series includes LED headlights, 16-way power adjustable front seats, as well as a sound absorbing headliner, a 10-inch screen located in the dashboard, a 205-watt 12-speaker stereo, dual-zone climate control, dynamic cruise control and 18-inch wheels.
Of course, the options list is where things really get fun. If those 16-way adjustable seats just aren't quite enough, 20-way adjustable multi-contour seats are available, which are trimmed in Nappa leather and equipped with ventilation. The optional seats also feature eight different massage functions using 20 different air chambers incorporated into the back of the seat cushion. Each of the eight massage programs has three different intensity levels.
A multi-color head-up display is also available for 2019, projecting things such as navigation instructions, audio tracks or even warnings up on the windshield where they would be more visible to the driver.
There are two optional stereos available for the BMW 5 Series. A 600-watt harmon/kardon sound system features 16 speakers and nine channels, whereas true audiophiles will want to spring for the Bowers & Wilkins stereo. It features diamond tweeters, 1400 watts and a 10-channel amplifier. The unit has speakers that subtly glow, as well as a microphone that measures ambient sound to tune sound quality just so. It is one of the most advanced audio systems to ever be installed in a car, according to BMW.
Besides standard safety features such as airbags, ABS and stability control, the BMW 5 Series has some innovative passive and active safety systems available. An evasion aid system operates at speeds of up to 100 mph. If the car detects a quick lane change, it will tighten up the steering and counter steering, allowing the driver to need fewer turns required to correct a skid. The car will also use information from the vehicle's sensors to detect how much unobstructed space is around the car. Those same sensors are used for the automatic parking system.
Bold Styling
Powerful Engine Options
Luxurious And Tech-laden Interior
Sporty Handling
Hybrid Engine Availability
The BMW 5 Series returns for 2019 with a few minor updates and differences. In-car entertainment systems have been improved this year with the addition of Apple CarPlay, which now comes standard across all models. The service will allow owners to stream music and directions from Apple branded phones using the car's built-in screen, rather than the screen on their phone. On the safety front, a blind spot detection system is also now standard along with a forward collision warning system and a lane departure warning system.
The BMW 5 Series is a mid-sized luxury sedan, competing with the Mercedes E-Class, the Audi A6 and the Lexus GS series. Costing upwards of $50,000, the 5 Series offers all the luxury of its various competitors while giving drivers a significantly sportier driving experience than any of its peers. Handling is and always has been world-class for the line, with powerful engines, sharp steering and a playful chassis. The 5 Series is even offered with a hybrid electric engine model that achieves extraordinary gas mileage, even while carving corners.
