Updated on: July 24, 2020
Automotive Journalist
The 5-series is the newest addition to the BMW's sedan lineup for the year 2020. The sedan is back with some new technology and safety features and an exciting list of drivetrain options to choose from. The BMW 5-series holds a lot of stakes for the Bavarian automaker due to its midrange position which slots right between the extravagant 7-series and the affordable 3-series.
The traditional BMW 530i carries the same 2-liter engine as the outgoing model. The 540i comes packed with a 3-liter powerful engine and offers a diesel variant too. This year, BMW has introduced a plug-in hybrid 530e trim which has an electric drive motor. The newly launched M550i tops the chart with a dual-turbocharged V8 engine which brings it a lot closer to the BMW M6.
See detailed review »Numerous efficient engine options to choose from
Best in class features and technologies
Quiet cabin
Enough space to keep your baggage on long drives
Best highway cruising experience in the segment
Dated styling in a very competitive segment
Few interior specs and build quality may feel old
Packages make the deal spicy but adds to the cost
Lacks BMW’s sporty appeal
Latest iDrive 7.0 operating system
Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument display comes as standard
Navigation and keyless passive entry
$53900
4dr Sedan
5
RWD
122 cu.in.
248 hp @ 5200 rpm
258 lbs.-ft. @ 1450 rpm
8-speed automatic
Unibody
Independent front double wishbone suspension
Independent rear multi-link suspension
117.1 in.
63.9 in.
73.5 in.
58.2 in.
3713 lbs.
5.7 in.
98.8 cu ft.
18.7 cu ft.
2299 lbs.
5.9 sec.
24/34/27 mpg
612 mi.
4 yr. /50000 mi.
4 yr./ 50000 mi.
12 yr. /unlimited
4 yr. /unlimited
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Features
Engine And Performance
Interior
Exterior
8.1
OVERALL RATING
$53,900 - $56,200
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
530i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | Starting at $53,900 MSRP | (24/27/34) | 248 hp @ 5200 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, premium unleaded (recommended) | 8-speed automatic | rear wheel drive | 5 | |
530i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | Starting at $56,200 MSRP | (24/27/34) | 248 hp @ 5200 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, premium unleaded (recommended) | 8-speed automatic | all wheel drive | 5 |
$59,450 - $61,750
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
540i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) | Starting at $59,450 MSRP | (24/27/34) | 335 hp @ 5500 rpm, 3 L, Inline 6, premium unleaded (recommended) | 8-speed automatic | rear wheel drive | 5 | |
540i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) | Starting at $61,750 MSRP | (24/27/34) | 335 hp @ 5500 rpm, 3 L, Inline 6, premium unleaded (recommended) | 8-speed automatic | all wheel drive | 5 |
Overall Rating
BMW has gone way ahead with the latest 5-series when it comes to tech features. It has introduced several fresh features such as the voice recognition system, Apple CarPlay, 3-D simulation and many other semi-autonomous features that poses a real threat to other competitors in the midrange luxury sedan segment including the defending champion Audi A6 which hit the record sales last year.
8.7/10
Features
7.5/10
Engine and Performance
8.0/10
Interior
8.0/10
Exterior
The base 530i variant is packed with a 2-liter inline-4 cylinder turbocharged engine to produce a maximum power of 248 hp. The 540i levels up the game with a few additional standard features and a turbocharged 335-hp 3-liter inline-6 cylinder engine. An option of all-wheel drive(AWD) is offered with both the variants.
Trims |
BMW 530i |
BMW 540i |
---|---|---|
MSRP (RWD) |
$53,900 |
$59,450 |
MSRP (AWD) | $56,200 | $61,750 |
Key Features |
Air Curtains and Air Breather system |
Live Cockpit Professional |
Electronic throttle control |
Electronically controlled engine cooling (map cooling) |
|
Brake Energy Regeneration |
Rear-wheel drive system |
|
Twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers |
Double-wishbone multi-link aluminum front suspension | |
Electromechanical parking brake |
Black Chrome Exhaust Tips | |
Expanded Check Control vehicle monitor system |
Active Kidney Grille |
Talking of packages, the BMW 5-series comes with numerous options that add a lot of flair to this sedan. Some of the most notable ones include:
Package Name |
Driving Assistance Plus Package |
Dynamic Handling Package |
Lighting Package |
---|---|---|---|
Cost |
$1,700 |
$1,650 |
$1,050 |
Features |
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go |
Dynamic Damper Control |
Adaptive Full LED Lights |
Active Driving Assistant |
M Sport Brakes |
Automatic High Beams |
|
Integral Active Steering |
We recommend
Although the 530i provides enough power and comfort, the 540i comes loaded with additional features with a more powerful engine which makes it worth paying a little more money for. No matter which trims you choose but the driver-assist package is surely a must-have which includes the active steering, heated seats, and additional safety features.
BMW has brought up a wide range of engine and drivetrain options to choose from. The 2020 BMW base variant 530i is powered by the 2-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder engine which produces a maximum power of 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The transmission duties are carried out by an 8-speed automatic gearbox which is the only option in all variants.
A purist can opt for 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six-cylinder which dishes out 335 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque and comes to the same 8-speed automatic transmission.
People who crave for a more individual touch, the transmission has a manual mode that permits you to use the paddle shifts. The Launch Control is a nice addition for exhibiting off the grunt of the engine at the traffic lights if not much else. You get RWD as standard while AWD can be had with both variants as an option.
Models |
BMW 540i xDrive | Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic | Audi A6 Prestige | Volvo S90 |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$61,750 |
$61,550 | $63,700 | $53,650 |
Engine |
3.0L Turbocharged inline-6 | 3.0L Biturbo V6 | 3.0L Turbocharged V6 | Twin-Charged 2.0L inline-4 |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
Transmission |
8-Speed Sport Automatic w/ Manual Mode and Launch Control | 9-Speed G-Tronic Automatic | 7-Speed S Tronic Dual-Clutch Automatic | 8-Speed Geartronic Automatic with Adaptive Shift |
Power (hp @ rpm) |
335@6,500 | 362@6,000 | 335@5,000 | 316@5,700 |
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) |
331@1,500 | 369@1,800 | 369@1,370 | 295@2,200 |
The 2020 BMW 5-series lies at the bottom when it comes to torque and just inches ahead of Volvo S 90 in power though it uses an engine of similar size and costs at least a grand more than all its competitors. The most powerful luxury sedan medal goes to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class with its unusual Biturbo V6 engine, which makes over 360 hp.
Despite its mediocre performance in terms of torque and power, the 2020 BMW 5-series shows top-notch performance in terms of acceleration. The 530i pulls up from 0-60 in just 6 seconds which is fastest among the rivals. Taking advantage of the legacy of lighter craftsmanship that comes with the brand, the 5-series puts up a fabulous figure of 14.4 sec in the quarter-mile mark.
The 540i xDrive can climb from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds and covering a quarter-mile run in 13.8 seconds, the BMW 5-series displays a lot in terms of becoming a true sports sedan.
Models |
BMW 540i xDrive | Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic | Audi A6 Prestige | Volvo S90 |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH (sec) |
4.5 | 5.0 | 5.1 | 5.6 |
Quarter Mile (sec) |
13.8 | 13.6 | 14.2 | 14.1 |
Top Speed (MPH) | 130 | 130 | 153 | 130 |
Engine |
3.0L Turbocharged inline-6 | 3.0L Biturbo V6 | 3.0L Turbocharged V6 | Twin-Charged 2.0L inline-4 |
Emission (tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15k mi/year) |
5.9 | 6.5 | 6.0 | 5.9 |
Interestingly, the Volvo S90 is not that tardy despite its petty engine. It is essentially because of the practical use of both a supercharger and a turbocharger to cause the swede to go wild. The Audi A6 has a solid Quattro AWD method to profit from the traction but its gearbox lands in the way of passing that power to the wheels more dramatically.
The sedan offers snappy handling and shows quick movements even on narrow corners. The steering is amazing but not as responsive as the M6. The sport mode works just fine but the comfort mode feels more premium, matching the luxury of a 7-series sedan. Being a BMW it definitely justifies their signature line- ‘Sheer driving pleasure’.
The electronically outlined engine cooling makes 540i's powerhouse is kept at peak shape even with varying weather or driving modes. The M-Package adds the M-suspension and M-steering wheel and while serving together complements to its driving dynamics. An instantaneous hike in the performance is due to its harmonised TwinPower engine which is intended for road slides and the final touches to the performance are courtesy of the M package. Yet, don't expect it to impress you, when out on the track.
The 530i's braking is as smooth as it can get but also powerful when you need it. The car can come to a halt from 60 mph in just 108 ft which is one of the best in the segment while the Mercedes- Benz is a bit lazy hits the bottom of the chart. The ABS helps in maintaining the car’s stability and composure even when one goes hard on the pedal.
With highlights like Brake Fade Compensation, Brake Drying, and Stop-and-Go assist, you can rather, recline in the belief that the brakes will be eager as soon as needed.
Models |
BMW 540i xDrive | Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic | Audi A6 Prestige | Volvo S90 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Rotors Front (in) |
N/A |
14.2 |
12.7 |
13.6 |
Brake Rotors Rear (in) |
N/A |
12.6 |
11.8 |
12.6 |
Curb Weight (lbs) |
3942 |
4134 |
4266 |
4819 |
60-0 MPH (ft) |
108 | 110 | 103 | 107 |
Being lighter than the Mercedes-Benz, it is better in terms of braking. Not solid enough to excel the Audi A6 or an S90 sedan, though. Both these cars profit from a better AWD system that awards them much better traction than the BMW, in turn strengthening the braking performance.
The BMW 530i maintains a combined fuel economy of 29 mpg which helps it share the podium of the table with Audi A6. Despite pretty good economy figures as a whole, the BMW 7-series seems to be a bit thirsty when it comes to city roads. Also, by a massive 18-gallon fuel tank, you can travel a lot of distance before pausing at a gas station wanting a refill.
Model |
BMW 540i xDrive | Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic | Audi A6 Prestige | Volvo S90 |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
22 | 20 | 22 | 21 |
MPG (Highway) |
29 | 28 | 29 | 31 |
MPG (Combined) |
25 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
Fuel Capacity (Gallons) | 18.0 | 21.1 | 19.3 | 15.9 |
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) (mi) | 396/522/450 | 400/557/485 | 463/618/463 | 334/493/397 |
Volvo S90 is the most fuel-efficient in the city, while the highway economy is the same for all. Audi and Mercedes follow behind, with identical figures. Highway economy figures are the same for all cars here.
The interior of the 2020 BMW 5-series is surely exquisite. The dual-tone leather and tasteful use of chrome at minute places like air vents and knobs show the carmaker’s focus on luxury. The interior of this sedan is undoubtedly better than its primitive but doesn't hit the 7-series benchmark.
The heated armrests in front and rear, ambient carpet lighting and futuristically designed customizable dashboard don't just look amazing but also work fluently with every move of the passenger.
5 passengers can easily settle in the cabin and with comfort. Sufficient legroom and headroom keep the cockpit breathy and spacious. Add in a few features like air aroma and circulation and this car can go up against any Audi or Merc in this price range.
Model |
BMW 540i xDrive | Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic | Audi A6 Prestige | Volvo S90 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Front Room(Head/Shoulder/Leg)(in.) |
38.8/58.7/41.4 | 37.9/57.8/41.3 | 38.0/57.8/41.3 | 37.8/57.5/42.2 |
Rear Room(Head/Shoulder/Leg)(in.) |
37.5/55.9/36.5 | 38.2/56.9/35.8 | 38.1/56.5/37.4 | 37.8/55.4/40.4 |
The 5-series leads the segment in headroom but its smaller wheelbase as compared to its competitors inhibits ample room in the rear cabin space and drags it down in the chart. The cabin is quiet enough unless you're on city roads at peak hours and there's lots of honking noise.
The interior features of the 2020 BMW 530i include:
The 2020 BMW 5 Series receives two notable upgrades: the iDrive 7 infotainment system and the joining of BMW's latest Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation display. The iDrive system can be utilized to control the cool 10.25-inch central display by voice, via the touchscreen, or using the conventional touchpad central controller. While there is a fundamental learning curve to master, the system is very instinctive and smooth.
The 2020 BMW 530i comes fitted with infotainment features such as:
The clever design of BMW5-Series manages to make up a huge space for the rear boot. The credit goes to the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats. Despite being smaller in length, this car provides generous 18.7 ft-cube of the cargo space which is great for the segment.
Despite being smaller in length, this car provides generous 18.7 ft-cube of the cargo space which is great for the segment.
Model |
2020 BMW 530i 4dr Rear-wheel Drive Sedan |
2020 BMW 530e iPerformance 4dr Rear-wheel Drive Sedan |
2020 Mercedes Benz Base E 350 4dr Rear-wheel Drive Sedan |
---|---|---|---|
Cargo Volume (ft.3) |
18.7 |
14.5 |
13.1 |
When matched with different sedans in the division, the BMW certainly surpasses everyone. The cargo can fit up to 6 carries on suitcases.
Unlike the X7 and 7 Series, for now, the 5 Series preserves a more concise primitively-sized grille design, and it's all the better for it. This ensures a beautiful and dignified mid-size sedan but, for some, the 5 is a bit too cautious in its styling. BMW 540i is highest in the segment which gives it a coupe look, making ample headroom in the cabin.
The sedan is lighter than its older sibling due to its cutting-edge design featuring high-strength aluminum chassis which gives it unmatched acceleration and handling yet stable and strong build quality. The BMW 5-Series also offers a decent ground clearance of 6.2 inches.
Model |
BMW 540i xDrive | Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic | Audi A6 Prestige | Volvo S90 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb weight (lbs.) |
3942 | 4134 | 4266 | 4819 |
Length(in) |
194.6 | 193.8 | 194.4 | 200.1 |
Width(in) |
73.5 | 72.9 | 74.3 | 74.4 |
Height(in) |
58.2 | 57.8 | 57.4 | 57.1 |
Ground clearance (in) |
5.5 | 4.3 | 6.5 | 6.0 |
Wheelbase (in) |
117.1 | 115.7 | 115.1 | 120.5 |
Track width F/R(in) |
63.0/63.9 | 62.8/63.0 | 64.2/63.7 | 63.7/63.7 |
Audi A6 has the largest ground clearance, great for saving the underbelly from scraping at any surface. Offroading isn't in the official description for any, but taking the beaten path won't be too challenging for these cars.
Exterior Features
On the exterior front, the 2020 BMW 530i comes with exterior features such as:
The 2020 BMW 5-Series comes with all the essential safety features as per standards. The features include:
The Volvo S90 comes loaded with a similar-sized engine that produces the same power and torque as that of a BMW. The Volvo has a better base package than that of BMW's with all the essential features like parking assist, remote locking, and smartphone-integrated infotainment system at a lesser cost than BMW. However, the price difference seems to make sense when we look at the premium styling, handling, comfort, and fuel economy of the 2020 BMW 5-series.
The Audi A6 L is powered by a 2-liter 4 cylinder engine that produces the best in class power and torque. It also offers a plush and luxurious interior equivalent to the BMW's but 5-series basically one-ups A6 in the driving experience as A6 isn't as responsive as 530i, also the ride quality is quite poor due to larger alloy wheels.
Conflict of comfort sedans, the 530i fights well with the E350. Requiring a few dollars more than the 2020 530i, the Merc E350 makes somewhat more power and added torque. Both cars are comfort-focused and are built for cruising. Buy the Merc E350 for its very pure driving experience while getting the BMW 530i available in 2020 will give you a lively transmission, various drive modes and various combinations to choose from.
BMW 5-series offers great efficiency along with the effortless handling, impressive driving dynamics, and stout acceleration. The car doesn't feel exceptional and lacks punch on straight highways due to its less powerful engine, however, the luxury of the cabin and Sub-autonomous features make up for it.
So, if you're looking for a good car around 50 grand and won't mind spending some more money on the lucrative add-on packages.