BMW 5 Series vs Chevrolet Malibu
Overview | |
Years produced1964-1965 | Years produced1972-Present |
MSRP$21,680 | MSRP$59,900 |
Listings9282 | Listings7655 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 |
Pros
| |
Reviews SummaryRodney Dangerfield was a legendary stand-up comedian, and while his on-stage shtick was all about how he didn’t get any respect, as a comedic talent he was held in the highest esteem. That’s not the case for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The oft-maligned Malibu literally gets no respect, which is too bad because with its most recent redesign for the 2016 model year, the car absolutely deserves it. | |
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. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.5L 160 hp I4 | Engine |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive Train |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower160 hp @ 5700 rpm | Horsepower |
MPG City27 | MPG City |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.5L 160 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Torque184 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | Torque295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
Horsepower160 hp @ 5700 rpm | Horsepower255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City27 | MPG City |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemStandard |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.8 cu ft | Cargo Space18.4 cu ft |
Curb Weight3086 lbs | Curb Weight4041 lbs |
Height57.6 in | Height59.6 in |
Length193.8 in | Length199.2 in |
Width73.0 in | Width84.9 in |
Wheelbase111.4 in | Wheelbase117.9 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload977 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1964-1965 | 1972-Present |
MSRP | $21,680 | $59,900 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.3 out of 10Read full review | 8.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| |
Summary | Rodney Dangerfield was a legendary stand-up comedian, and while his on-stage shtick was all about how he didn’t get any respect, as a comedic talent he was held in the highest esteem. That’s not the case for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The oft-maligned Malibu literally gets no respect, which is too bad because with its most recent redesign for the 2016 model year, the car absolutely deserves it. | 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. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.5L 160 hp I4 | |
Drive Train | FWD | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 160 hp @ 5700 rpm | |
MPG City | 27 | |
MPG Highway | 36 | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.5L 160 hp I4 | 2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
Horsepower | 160 hp @ 5700 rpm | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 27 | |
MPG Highway | 36 | |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.8 cu ft | 18.4 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3086 lbs | 4041 lbs |
Height | 57.6 in | 59.6 in |
Length | 193.8 in | 199.2 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 84.9 in |
Wheelbase | 111.4 in | 117.9 in |
Maximum Payload | 977 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |

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