Germany has perfected the art of the luxury car, as evidenced by the 2026 BMW 5 Series.
The BMW 5 Series is one of three cars that prove the country known for Autobahns, the Nürburgring, and Oktoberfest builds the best luxury sedans on the planet. It competes with the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, each taking a distinct approach to design but measuring up closely in other parameters. The 2026 5 Series is virtually unchanged, entering its third year following a 2024 redesign, and this review is about the 540i xDrive model.
Verdict: Putting BMW’s love-it-or-hate-it design aside, the 2026 540i xDrive is a sensational automobile offering the right blend of luxury, technology, and performance. Choose the M Sport setup for maximum driving enjoyment, or stick with the standard specification to emphasize luxury. Either way, the styling is the most controversial thing about the 5 Series.
4.6 Overall rating
(1,464 reviews)Customers say
The BMW 5 Series is highly regarded for its powerful performance, luxurious interior, and smooth handling across all model years. Owners appreciate the sporty yet refined driving experience, making it enjoyable for both daily use and longer trips. Many praise the comfortable and well-equipped interiors, along with advanced technology features. However, some drivers express concerns about high maintenance costs, limited rear seat space in some models, and the complexity of the iDrive system, which can be confusing. Overall, it remains a favorite among those seeking a blend of luxury and performance.
AI generated from the text of customer reviews.
What people say
The 540i with M Sport, Shadowline and Executive packages checks a lot of boxes. Power and quickness to spare, excellent mileage for a sport sedan, luxurious interior and a topflight sound system. Its practical, comfortable and speedy. Many reviewers bemoan the muted steering feedback in this generation of bimmers and theyre not wrong. But this isnt a sports car and it isnt lightweight. It a smooth operator running on what feels like an underrated 335 hp B58 engine. Feels closer to 375 the way is launches from a standstill or leaps from 70 to 85 on the freeway. This is my third 5 series over a span of 15 years with a couple of other cars in between, and its the most refined yet.
Love the gas mileage of the hybrid. Super comfortable and quiet.
Extensive, but at this price point ventilated seats should be included with the Premium package. Compared to the Mercedes E Class.
Nice car and comfortable for a commute to work
I think it needs tighter handling . Hi tech it is! . I’ve had 2016 528 was easier control. I also had a 3 , now a 740 21’ as alternative.
BMW 5 Series FAQs
How much does the 2026 BMW 5 Series cost?
The 2026 BMW 5 Series has a starting MSRP of $59,900 and can cost up to $74,800 depending on the trim package and upgrades. The 646 new models for sale on CarGurus have an average listing price of $63,729.
Is the BMW 5 Series a good car?
CarGurus experts gave the 2026 BMW 5 Series an overall rating of 8/10 and BMW 5 Series owners have rated the vehicle a 4.5/5 stars on average. If a vehicle has both strong expert and owner reviews, you can feel confident in its quality. If either expert reviews, owner reviews, or both are spotty, you might want to do some research to figure out where the car falls short.
Is the BMW 5 Series safe?
CarGurus experts gave the 2026 BMW 5 Series a safety rating of 9/10.
What fuel types are available?
Diesel, Gasoline, Hybrid engines are available.
-
All Used Cars
-
Manual Transmission Cars
-
Luxury Cars
-
Cars with Red Interior
-
Cheap Manual Cars
-
Hybrid Cars
-
Sports Cars
-
Electric SUVs
-
Cheap Trucks
-
Small Cars
-
Third Row SUVs
-
Three Quarter Ton Trucks
-
Lifted Trucks
-
Manual Transmission Trucks
-
Diesel Trucks
-
Hybrid SUVs
-
Dually Trucks
-
One Ton Trucks
-
Cheap SUVs
-
Lifted Ford Trucks
-
4x4 Trucks
-
Work Trucks
-
AWD SUVs
-
Ford Trucks
-
Chevrolet Trucks
-
Toyota Trucks
-
Trucks Under $10,000
-
Cars Under $15,000
-
Sports Cars Under $20,000
-
Trucks Under $20,000
-
Used Sedans for Sale with Low Mileage
-
Used SUVs / Crossovers for Sale with Low Mileage
-
Used Hatchbacks for Sale with Low Mileage
-
Used Convertibles for Sale with Low Mileage
-
Used Vans for Sale with Low Mileage
-
Used Minivans for Sale with Low Mileage
-
Used Pickup Trucks for Sale with Low Mileage
-
Used Coupes for Sale with Low Mileage
-
Used Wagons for Sale with Low Mileage