2026 BMW 5 Series

Open the driver's door, and you can't miss BMW's Curved Display that dominates the 5 Series' dashboard. It houses the digital instrumentation and touchscreen infotainment system equipped with BMW Operating System 8.5 software, and it responds to touch, voice, or use of the iDrive controls on the center console. It can seem intimidating, but with time, drivers will acclimate to the high-tech interface. As an optional upgrade, the 5 Series offers Highway Assistant, a hands-free driving assistance technology that works on specific highways at speeds up to 85 mph. Buyers who select this feature receive eight years of complimentary service, which is renewable thereafter. Be sure to read our in-depth Expert Rating to learn more about the tech in the 5 Series.

Though the BMW 5 Series faces fewer competitors than in the past, its primary rivals — the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class — remain dominant players in the midsize luxury sedan segment. Each showcases traditional German engineering and driving dynamics, but with distinctive personalities that make it easier to select one over the other. If you're seeking something entirely different, the Genesis G80 is a worthy alternative to this trio of European models.