BMW 5 Series vs BMW i3
Overview | |
Years produced1972-Present | Years produced2014-2021 |
MSRP$59,900 | MSRP$42,400 |
Listings8731 | Listings250 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.0 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| |
Reviews SummaryThe 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. | |
Reviews SummaryThe small, lumpy i3 hatchback may not look like a BMW underneath all of its badges and grilles, but it does have enough tech to make up for it. A carbon fiber and aluminum body, and lightweight materials inside, help a 22kWh battery power the i3 for 80 miles on electricity alone—when fitted with an optional "range extending" gas-powered generator, twice that. Its $42,400 entry price isn't for the squeamish, but the "gee-whiz" tech helps make up for that. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine168 hp Electric |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity4 |
Horsepower255 hp @ 4700 rpm | Horsepower |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity27 kWh |
MPG City28 | MPG City137 |
MPG Highway35 | MPG Highway111 |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | Battery Charge Time (240V)4 hours |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine Name168 hp Electric |
Torque295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower255 hp @ 4700 rpm | Horsepower |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | Battery Charge Time (240V)4 hours |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity27 kWh |
MPG City28 | MPG City137 |
MPG Highway35 | MPG Highway111 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity4 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation SystemStandard |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/Moonroof |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space18.4 cu ft | Cargo Space11.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight4041 lbs | Curb Weight2634 lbs |
Height59.6 in | Height62.1 in |
Length199.2 in | Length157.8 in |
Width84.9 in | Width70.0 in |
Wheelbase117.9 in | Wheelbase101.2 in |
Maximum Payload977 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1972-Present | 2014-2021 |
MSRP | $59,900 | $42,400 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | 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. | The small, lumpy i3 hatchback may not look like a BMW underneath all of its badges and grilles, but it does have enough tech to make up for it. A carbon fiber and aluminum body, and lightweight materials inside, help a 22kWh battery power the i3 for 80 miles on electricity alone—when fitted with an optional "range extending" gas-powered generator, twice that. Its $42,400 entry price isn't for the squeamish, but the "gee-whiz" tech helps make up for that. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 168 hp Electric |
Drive Train | RWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm | |
EV Battery Capacity | 27 kWh | |
MPG City | 28 | 137 |
MPG Highway | 35 | 111 |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | 4 hours | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 168 hp Electric |
Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm | |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | 4 hours | |
Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
EV Battery Capacity | 27 kWh | |
MPG City | 28 | 137 |
MPG Highway | 35 | 111 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | Standard |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 18.4 cu ft | 11.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4041 lbs | 2634 lbs |
Height | 59.6 in | 62.1 in |
Length | 199.2 in | 157.8 in |
Width | 84.9 in | 70.0 in |
Wheelbase | 117.9 in | 101.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 977 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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