2026 BMW 5 Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$59,900 to $74,800

Original MSRP

8
of 10

expert review

--

avg user rating

(0 reviews)

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Comfortable

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Occasional digital voice assistant quirks

  • Not much cargo space

8
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
7/10
Technology
9/10
Performance
9/10
Safety
9/10
Form & function
7/10
Cost-effectiveness
7/10
Photo by Christian Wardlaw. 2026 BMW 5 Series front quarter view.

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.

7/10

BMW has evidently adopted the tenets of Bauhaus design in its latest products, and it shows in the 5 Series. Geometric forms, clean lines, and minimalism rule, but the details can result in jarring juxtapositions.

For example, our 540i test car had the M Sport package, with more expressive bumpers with blacked-out sections. It also had Extended Shadowline trim, blacking out the grille as well. The result was a grinning, gaping, toothless maw of disparate shapes and textures running from the top of the hood to the bottom of the air intake. The Iconic Glow grille illumination didn’t help, making it even more garish.

Inside, the test car’s Copper and Grey Merino leather upholstery looked and felt decadent, adding warmth to the fundamentally cold and businesslike interior. A BMW Curved Display panel spans half the dashboard, containing the digital instrumentation and infotainment displays that provide access to most of the car’s features and functions. The automaker minimizes physical controls as much as possible, and groups them primarily on the center console.

BMW’s approach to the ambient lighting is sensational. It decorates the dashboard, bleeds into the door panels, and adopts a faceted, textured appearance even though the plastic surface is smooth. BMW embeds touch-sensing controls into these lighting strips, further reducing clutter. We must also point out the gorgeous metal speaker grilles of the Bowers & Wilkins high-end audio system, patterned to mirror the overall themes found throughout the 540i’s cabin.

The 2026 BMW 5 Series models include the 530i, 540i, 550e, i5, i5 M60, M5, and M5 Touring. The BMW 530i and 540i use mild-hybrid technology to improve efficiency, the BMW i5 models are all-electric, and the BMW 550e/M5 variants are plug-in hybrids. Prices range from $59,875 to $125,275, including the destination charge and, in the case of the M5 models, a gas-guzzler tax.

Our 540i test car arrived loaded with equipment. In addition to the Oxide Grey paint, Merino leather, and fancy sound system, it had the M Sport, M Sport Professional, Driving Assistance Professional, Executive, and Luxury Seating option packages. Unsurprisingly, the extras bumped the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) to $84,025, including the $1,175 destination charge.

Christian Wardlaw
Published May 21, 2025 by Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw has 25 years of experience reviewing cars and has served in editorial leadership roles with Edmunds, J.D. Power, the New York Daily News, Autobytel, and Vehix. Chris prefers to focus on the cars people actually buy rather than the cars about which people dream, and emphasizes the importance of fuel economy and safety as much as how much fun a car is to drive. Chris is married to an automotive journalist, is the father of four daughters, and lives in Southern California.

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2026 BMW 5 Series Pricing

Original MSRP
$59,900 to $74,800
Price range
$63,728 to $65,542
Average price on CG
$63,728
YoY price change
$65,116 to $63,728

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Internet radio app: Spotify · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 205 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: wood · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leatherette

Convenience Features

Active parking system: fully automated · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB-C front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.15

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 255 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 4700 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 295 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1600

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color with chrome accents · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: starter/belt alternator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment screen size: 14.9 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: rear · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: vibrating steering wheel · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rear pre-collision warning system: rear-end impact · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: perforated

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.2

Suspension

Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: over-the-air map updates (OTA) · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: Amazon Alexa · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Internet radio app: Spotify · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 205 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leatherette

Convenience Features

Active parking system: fully automated · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB-C rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: tablet holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.15

Engine

Battery: lithium ion · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 255 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 4700 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 295 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1600

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color with chrome accents · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: starter/belt alternator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment screen size: 14.9 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: anti-trapping feature · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rear pre-collision warning system: rear-end impact · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: perforated

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.7

Suspension

Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: over-the-air map updates (OTA) · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: BMW ConnectedDrive · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Internet radio app: Spotify · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 205 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: leatherette · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leatherette

Convenience Features

Active parking system: fully automated · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB-C rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.08

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 375 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5200 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 398 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1850

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color with chrome accents · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: starter/belt alternator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment screen size: 14.9 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: driver side auto-dimming

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: remote operation · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: rear · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: vibrating steering wheel · Pre-collision warning system: intersection/junction cross · Rear pre-collision warning system: rear-end impact · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.7

Suspension

Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: over-the-air map updates (OTA) · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: BMW ConnectedDrive · Smart device app function: lock operation · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Internet radio app: Spotify · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 205 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: leatherette · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Active parking system: fully automated · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: tablet holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.08

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free · EV battery capacity: 19.4 kWh · EV on-board charger rating: 11 kW · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 194 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 145 · Electric Motor Torque: 207 · Electric charge cord: autoswitching 110V/240V · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time (120V): 20.25 hours · Electric motor charging time (240V): 3.75 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 33 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 308 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 332 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1750

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment screen size: 14.9 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low battery

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Sunroof: panoramic

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: rear · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: alert system · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: vibrating steering wheel · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rear pre-collision warning system: rear-end impact · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: perforated · Upholstery accents: faux suede

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.7

Suspension

Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: Amazon Alexa · Smart device app function: send destination to vehicle · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum with painted accents

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

See all trims (4)