BMW 5 Series review
The BMW 5 Series is a superb executive car that perfectly blends a luxurious, high-tech interior with a brilliant driving experience and impressive practicality.
Author: The Cazoo editorial team
7th Jan 2026 – 9 mins read
The BMW 5 Series has long been the benchmark for executive cars, and this seventh-generation model, launched in 2017, is arguably the best yet. It’s a car that truly does it all, delivering a premium experience that makes every journey feel special. It’s comfortable, packed with technology, and still manages to be fantastic to drive, carrying on a tradition that started back in the 1970s. Available as a sleek saloon or a super-practical Touring estate, the 5 Series feels like a scaled-down version of the luxurious 7 Series limo. It offers a wonderfully built interior, a range of powerful and efficient engines, and a refined, relaxing drive. While it carries a premium price tag, it feels worth every penny, delivering a near-perfect balance of comfort, performance, and class.
Pros
- Fantastic build quality and a premium interior
- Packed with high-end technology and features
- Wide range of excellent petrol, diesel, and hybrid engines
Cons
- It's a premium car with a premium price tag
- The options list is long and can be expensive
- The ride on sporty M Sport models can be a bit firm
Interior
Dashboard & tech
Step inside the 5 Series and you’re greeted by a cabin that oozes quality and sophistication. The design is clean and driver-focused, with a large central infotainment screen that’s easy to use via the intuitive iDrive rotary controller. The system is one of the best around and includes satellite navigation, while a standout feature on some models is 'Gesture Control', which lets you do things like change the audio volume just by waving your hand.
The quality of the materials is top-notch, with everything you touch feeling solid and well-made. While the overall look is quite business-like, especially with dark leather, choosing a lighter interior colour and a panoramic roof can make the cabin feel wonderfully bright and airy.
Comfort
The 5 Series is an incredibly comfortable car, perfect for long-distance cruising. The seats are supportive, the cabin is quiet and refined, and there’s plenty of space for everyone to relax.
The standard suspension provides a smooth and supple ride, soaking up bumps with ease. It’s worth noting that the popular M Sport models, which come with larger alloy wheels and lower, stiffer suspension, can have a firmer ride. It's not uncomfortable, but it's something to be aware of if you prioritise a cushioned ride above all else.
Quality
Build quality is a real strong point for the 5 Series. Everything feels robust and built to last, from the solid thunk of the doors to the premium feel of the switches and controls. It’s a car that feels like it has been engineered to an incredibly high standard, which helps to justify its premium price tag and makes it a rival for the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6.
Practicality & boot space
Interior space
The 5 Series is a spacious car with plenty of room for family and friends. There are lots of useful storage cubbies dotted around the cabin, and passengers in the back are treated to excellent head and legroom. You’re unlikely to hear any complaints from those in the rear, even on a long cross-country trip.
Boot space
Even in saloon form, the 5 Series offers a generous 530 litres of boot space, which is more than enough for a couple of large suitcases or the weekly shop. However, it's worth noting that the 530e plug-in hybrid model has a smaller boot (410 litres) because of the space needed for the batteries.
For ultimate practicality, the Touring estate version is the one to go for. It offers 570 litres of space with the rear seats up, expanding to a huge 1,700 litres when you fold them down. The seats fold completely flat, making it easy to load large, bulky items.
Versatility
The 5 Series is a fantastically versatile car. The saloon is a comfortable and spacious executive cruiser, while the Touring estate adds a huge amount of practicality, making it a perfect upmarket family workhorse. The availability of BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system on many models also adds extra traction and confidence in slippery conditions.
Driving
Driving experience
For a large, comfortable car, the 5 Series is brilliant to drive. It has always been known for its engaging handling, and this latest model is no different. It feels agile and responsive on a winding road, with precise steering that gives you plenty of confidence.
When you’re not in the mood for fun, it settles down into a supremely quiet and refined motorway cruiser, making long journeys feel effortless. It strikes a near-perfect balance between comfort and driver enjoyment, making it a rewarding car to drive in any situation.
Performance
There's a huge range of engines available for the 5 Series, so there’s something for everyone. The lineup ranges from the efficient 2.0-litre petrol in the 520i up to a powerful 3.0-litre straight-six diesel in the 530d. All models come with a smooth automatic gearbox as standard.
For those who want incredible performance, the M5 model features a thunderous 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with nearly 600bhp, giving it supercar-rivalling acceleration. There is also an excellent 530e plug-in hybrid, which combines a petrol engine with an electric motor for silent, zero-emission driving around town and great fuel efficiency.
Running costs
Fuel economy & CO2 emissions
For such a large and powerful car, the 5 Series can be surprisingly efficient. The diesel models are the best for fuel economy, with the popular 520d being a fantastic all-rounder that provides a great blend of performance and low running costs.
Even the smaller petrol engines offer decent economy. If you do a lot of short journeys, the 530e plug-in hybrid is a great choice. It can travel for around 28 miles on electric power alone, which could mean very cheap commuting costs if you can charge it regularly.
Value for money
The 5 Series is a premium car, and its price reflects that. New models start from over £36,000, and the long list of tempting optional extras can quickly push the price up further. However, it feels like a high-quality product, and it holds its value well, which can make it a sensible long-term purchase. On the used market, you can find significant savings, making it a very tempting proposition.
Reliability & Warranty
BMW has a good reputation for reliability, and while some previous generations of the 5 Series have had issues, this latest model should prove to be a dependable choice. From new, all BMWs come with a three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, which provides excellent peace of mind.
Safety
Safety features
The BMW 5 Series is a very safe car, packed with technology to protect you and your passengers. It achieved the maximum five-star rating when it was crash-tested by the safety experts at Euro NCAP, with excellent scores across the board.
It comes with a host of advanced driver assistance systems, many of which have trickled down from the even more expensive 7 Series. This includes features like autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assist to help you stay safe on the road.
Trims & Engines
Trim levels
The trim level structure for the 5 Series is quite simple. The range starts with the SE model, which is well-equipped with satellite navigation, automatic air conditioning, and heated seats.
The most popular trim is the M Sport, which adds a sportier look with a stylish body kit, larger alloy wheels, and sports seats. It also has a slightly lower and stiffer suspension setup for a more engaging drive. Over the years, various special edition and 'tech' focused packs have also been offered, adding even more equipment.
Engines
The engine range is extensive. The petrol lineup includes a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the 520i and 530i, and a powerful 3.0-litre six-cylinder in the 540i. Diesel options are centred around a 2.0-litre four-cylinder in the 520d and a 3.0-litre six-cylinder in the 530d.
The 530e is a plug-in hybrid that combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor. Most models are rear-wheel drive, but BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system is available on many engines for extra traction. All versions come with a smooth and responsive automatic gearbox as standard.