2020 BMW 5 Series
What’s new
- Increased power for M550i model
- 530e hybrid receives a larger, more powerful battery pack
- Minor changes to standard and optional features availability
- Part of the seventh 5 Series generation introduced for 2017
Pros & Cons
- Wide range of powerful and relatively efficient engines
- A host of innovative features and leading-edge technology
- Interior is quiet and comfortable
- Generous trunk capacity
- Evolutionary styling doesn't stand out in a crowded class
- Some interior materials are a bit below segment standards
2020 BMW 5 Series pricing
in Ashburn, VA2020 BMW 5 Series Review
Every new BMW launches under the weight of tremendous expectations, and this generation 5 Series was no exception.
For decades, the 5 Series has been a standard-bearer for midsize sport luxury sedans. But as cars have gotten bigger, heavier and packed with more technology, there's been pressure to provide more efficiency, more comfort and more performance all at the same time. It's fair to say the BMW 5 Series' talents have been stretched a bit thin by the pressure of meeting so many different demands.
But BMW isn't giving up on making the 5 Series a car that can meet the needs of a variety of buyers. For 2020 the company has tweaked both of the 5 Series' bookend models: the eco-minded 530e and the aggressive M550i. The plug-in hybrid 530e gets a slightly larger battery pack that provides up to 21 miles of all-electric range, which is 6 miles more than last year's 530e. Prefer octane to electrons? The M550i gains 67 horsepower and 73 lb-ft of torque, making this 523-hp sedan an even more appealing alternative to the more expensive M5 sport sedan.
Of course, the 5 Series faces stiff competition from its Teutonic neighbors. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers a more distinctive interior and a similar range of powertrain options, along with the availability of both coupe and wagon body styles. The newly redesigned Audi A6 offers plenty of driving fun along with an impressively tech-savvy array of features. Overall, however, the 2020 BMW 5 Series is worth a serious look if you're considering a midsize luxury car.
Our verdict
8.1 / 10How does it drive?
8.0Our test 530i had ultra-smooth M Sport brakes that stopped the car from 60 mph in just 108 feet, an admirable result for a midsize luxury sedan. The steering is nicely weighted but somewhat numb. Thankfully, the chassis is both balanced and communicative.
How comfortable is it?
8.0The only issue we had with the climate system was its capacity to keep us properly chilled. While the dual-temp, dual-fan speed controls offer a lot of variabilities, the fan speed was never quite strong enough to deal with temperature extremes.
How’s the interior?
8.0BMW is great at minimizing button count, but that leaves a lot for iDrive to control. The iDrive menus are pretty straightforward and easy to navigate, but it takes time to wrap your head around all the options and customizations available. It can be a little intimidating. We do like the clear views the 5 Series provides. The windows are nicely sized, especially in the rear. The optional surround-view camera system helps a lot too.
How’s the tech?
8.5The 5 Series' driver safety aids work extremely well. The adaptive cruise, for instance, maintains a tight gap behind the car ahead, and the actuating brakes stop hard yet smoothly when needed. The most impressive feature of the 5 Series is its parking cameras that help render an amazing 3D image of the outside of the car.
How’s the storage?
8.0BMW has done a decent job with in-cabin storage: water bottle pockets on all the doors, a retractable cover that houses a bin for wireless phone charging up front, and a decent-size glovebox and center armrest space. It's still not a lot of storage, but it's sufficient for a European luxury sedan.
How economical is it?
7.0Is it a good value?
7.5BMW's four-year/50,000-mile warranty coverage is on par for a German brand, though some American and Asian brands offer more. But the three-year/36,000-mile free maintenance coverage is uncommon in the luxury segment.
Wildcard
8.5Which 5 Series does Edmunds recommend?
BMW 5 Series models
The 2020 BMW 5 Series is available in four trim levels, all with different powertrains. The 530i (248 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) and the 530e iPerformance plug-in hybrid (248 hp, 310 lb-ft) are powered by variants of BMW's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
The 540i gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six (335 hp, 331 lb-ft). At the top of the range is the M550i with its turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 (523 hp, 553 lb-ft). BMW's all-wheel drive, called xDrive, is an option on the 530i, the 530e and the 540i. It's standard on the M550i. An eight-speed automatic is standard across the board.
The sportier M5 is reviewed separately.
The base 530i and the 530e come pretty nicely equipped from the start with features such as LED adaptive headlights, power-folding and heated mirrors, and a sunroof. You also get the iDrive interface with a 10.2-inch touchscreen display, a navigation system and phone integration. Standard advanced safety features include forward collision warning and mitigation, lane departure warning, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.
The 540i is equipped very similarly to the previous two trims but has standard leather upholstery.
It's a significant price jump to the performance-focused M550i xDrive, which includes everything above plus performance upgrades to the wheels and tires, brakes, suspension and differential, along with upgraded front seats and an M Sport steering wheel.
From there, assorted packages and stand-alone options make up the rest of your choices. Be on the lookout for the Convenience, Premium and Executive packages to get some useful feature upgrades. We also recommend the Driving Assistance Plus package to get more advanced safety features. Are you looking for enhanced performance? The Dynamic Handling package includes an adaptive suspension and active roll stabilization.
Sponsored cars related to the 5 Series
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2020 BMW 5 Series.
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
Just picked the 2020 M550 version with the improved HP and The idrive 7. Custom spec with almost all options included. As an prior owner of multiple other luxury cars and SUVs, this one is the best combination of speed, luxury and technology at around 85k-95k MSRP point. The car has multiple personalities depending on which driving mode you engage in. Driving in adaptive mode has been my main daily routine but put this car in sports or sports + and it changes into a violent beast !! Great luxurious seats, especially if you choose the luxury seating package. I also opted for the dynamic handling package which likely makes a difference as some reviewers noted heavy handling that I have not quite encountered - likely due to this added option. I find the driving quite nimble for a car this size and honestly wanted a car with a more civilized driving experience with a sporty/fast mode on call as needed. Love the bower Wilkinson audio and the iDrive system with the larger and more informative HUD is a decent upgrade. There are many other tech options I opted for, such as parking assist with display key, driving assistance plus but I am finding little practical use of many of these add ons. Some of the safety options are quite useful but lane assist is one that I can personally do without. Options in general are costly but in this class (E53, S6, etc.) either cheaper or a superior offering. Fuel economy is closer to the lower promised end at 16mpg (less than a week driving) but I have been a bit of sports mode driver at times so may be its my driving style rather than the expected norm. There’s multiple independent reviews out there (YouTube) with folks experience fuel economy in the 20s mpg range which is quite decent for the size of the car / engine output.
Features & Specs
| 530i 4dr Sedan 2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $53,900 |
| MPG | 25 city / 33 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 248 hp @ 5200 rpm |
| M550i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD 4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $76,650 |
| MPG | 18 city / 25 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 523 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| 540i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD 3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $61,750 |
| MPG | 22 city / 29 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 335 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| 540i 4dr Sedan 3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $59,450 |
| MPG | 22 city / 30 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 335 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Safety
Our experts’ favorite 5 Series safety features:
- Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection
- Uses infrared technology to see and alert you of things such as people and animals in the road before they become visible to the naked eye.
- Active Blind-Spot Detection
- Alerts you of vehicles in the adjacent lanes using radar sensors and will indicate if it's safe to change lanes.
- City Collision Mitigation
- Automatically brakes the car at speeds under 38 mph when it detects an imminent collision and the driver has taken no action.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
| Side Impact Test | Good |
|---|---|
| Roof Strength Test | Good |
| Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
| IIHS Small Overlap Front Test | Not Tested |
| Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
BMW 5 Series vs. the competition
BMW 5 Series vs. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The E-Class might be the current king of midsize luxury sedans. It offers an incredible interior design with top-notch materials and comfort. There's also a blazing V8 AMG trim and available wagon and coupe body styles. That said, in lower trims the BMW does a better job of balancing performance and comfort, delivering a sportier experience without asking for any real sacrifices.
BMW 5 Series vs. Audi A6
The recently redesigned A6 is another German powerhouse, with exceptional driving dynamics and extensive technology features. Those features might also prove an Achilles' heel to some, and the dual touchscreen interface can be more distracting. Still, this premium sedan combines athleticism and luxury every bit as well as the BMW.
BMW 5 Series vs. BMW 3 Series
The 5 Series' little brother, the 3 Series, started off as the ultimate expression of the luxury sport sedan. While the current generation was more recently redesigned than the 5 Series, it doesn't do as well walking the line between comfort and dynamics. In our testing, we thought the new 3 Series sacrificed too much comfort for not enough sportiness. It may be bigger and cost a bit more, but all around we prefer the 5 Series.
FAQ
Is the BMW 5 Series a good car?
What's new in the 2020 BMW 5 Series?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 BMW 5 Series:
- Increased power for M550i model
- 530e hybrid receives a larger, more powerful battery pack
- Minor changes to standard and optional features availability
- Part of the seventh 5 Series generation introduced for 2017
Is the BMW 5 Series reliable?
Is the 2020 BMW 5 Series a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2020 BMW 5 Series?
The least-expensive 2020 BMW 5 Series is the 2020 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $53,900.
Other versions include:
- 530i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $53,900
- M550i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $76,650
- 540i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $61,750
- 540i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $59,450
- 530e 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $53,900
- 530i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $56,200
- 530e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $56,200
What are the different models of BMW 5 Series?
More about the 2020 BMW 5 Series
2020 BMW 5 Series Overview
The 2020 BMW 5 Series is offered in the following submodels: 5 Series Sedan, 5 Series M550i xDrive, 5 Series Hybrid. Available styles include 530i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), M550i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A), 540i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A), 540i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A), 530e 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A), 530i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), and 530e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A).
What do people think of the 2020 BMW 5 Series?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 BMW 5 Series and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2020 5 Series 5.0 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2020 5 Series.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 BMW 5 Series and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 5 Series featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2020 BMW 5 Series?
2020 BMW 5 Series M550i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
The 2020 BMW 5 Series M550i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $93,410. The average price paid for a new 2020 BMW 5 Series M550i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $2,998 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,998 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $90,412.
The average savings for the 2020 BMW 5 Series M550i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) is 3.2% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 6 2020 BMW 5 Series M550i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 BMW 5 Series 540i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
The 2020 BMW 5 Series 540i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $81,110. The average price paid for a new 2020 BMW 5 Series 540i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $1,729 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1,729 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $79,381.
The average savings for the 2020 BMW 5 Series 540i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is 2.1% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 29 2020 BMW 5 Series 540i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 BMW 5 Series 530i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
The 2020 BMW 5 Series 530i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $74,210. The average price paid for a new 2020 BMW 5 Series 530i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $2,080 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,080 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $72,130.
The average savings for the 2020 BMW 5 Series 530i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) is 2.8% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 61 2020 BMW 5 Series 530i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 BMW 5 Series 530e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A)
The 2020 BMW 5 Series 530e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $80,185. The average price paid for a new 2020 BMW 5 Series 530e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) is trending $1,555 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1,555 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $78,630.
The average savings for the 2020 BMW 5 Series 530e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) is 1.9% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 2 2020 BMW 5 Series 530e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
The 2020 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $78,360. The average price paid for a new 2020 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $1,807 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1,807 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $76,553.
The average savings for the 2020 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is 2.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2020 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Which 2020 BMW 5 Serieses are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 BMW 5 Series for sale near. There are currently 194 new 2020 5 Serieses listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $58,335 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2020 BMW 5 Series. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $2,000 on a used or CPO 2020 5 Series available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2020 BMW 5 Seriess you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new BMW 5 Series for sale - 8 great deals out of 18 listings starting at $8,530.
Find a new BMW for sale - 12 great deals out of 17 listings starting at $20,402.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2020 BMW 5 Series?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out BMW lease specials