more about this model The 2018 BMW 5 Series offers performance, luxury and room for five passengers. Since its introduction, the 5 Series has been a midsize luxury heavy hitter, and BMW has plenty on offer for 2018 to try to maintain the car's appeal. Not only is this luxury sedan quiet and comfortable, with a cabin packed with upscale materials, it offers an extensive menu of optional technology and four distinct powertrains.
The 5 Series came off its redesign last year with two trim levels: the 530i and 540i. The 530i is driven by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine (248 hp), while the 540i has a turbocharged six-cylinder (335 hp). Two more drivetrains join the 5 Series lineup for 2018.
BMW adapted its plug-in hybrid drivetrain for its midsize sedan, and the 530e iPerformance makes use of a turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an electric motor. Combined output is 252 hp and the EPA says you can expect 16 miles of all-electric range and 29 mpg combined when the gasoline engine is active. At the top of the 5 Series range is the M550i xDrive. It's powered by a turbocharged V8 engine (456 hp).
All 5 Series models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the 530i, 530e and 540i, and all-wheel drive is optional. The M550i comes with AWD as standard.
The 530i, 530e iPerformance and 540i start with the same equipment, including 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, power-adjustable front seats, simulated leather upholstery, and an iDrive infotainment system with a 10.2-inch display screen. The 2018 M550i xDrive, meanwhile, comes with quite a few luxury, performance and appearance upgrades as standard equipment.
A number of packages and stand-alone options are available to customize the BMW's comfort, technology and looks. Several packages upgrade the 5 Series' driver aids, adding extra active safety features and ultimately making the car capable of semiautonomous driving. A premium stereo, multicontour (with heating, ventilation and massaging), leather upholstery, and even ceramic-trimmed switchgear are all available as well.
With such a wide range of options, buyers in the market for a midsize luxury sedan should certainly give the 5 Series a look. Make sure to read Edmunds' full review for more information, and take advantage of our shopping tools to find the best deal on a 2018 BMW 5 Series near you. 2018 BMW 5 Series first drive
BMW and sport sedans go hand in hand, and there's a full roster of models to prove it. The 5 Series, though, has always been at the perfect price point for those wanting a premium sport sedan that could comfortably seat five yet still be enjoyable to drive.
But the market demands more these days from midsize luxury sedans. Improved efficiency is now part of the equation along with increased safety via assisted driving and connected technology. Oh yeah, and it still has to be comfortable, too. This meant BMW couldn't leave well enough alone, so for the 2017 model year there's an all-new lineup of 5 Series sedans.
Lighter, More Efficient and Still Packed With Power
Like all other 5 Series before it, this new 2017 model is available in multiple powertrain and engine combinations. But first, let's start with the basics.
In order to improve efficiency, the chassis has been lightened by up to 137 pounds compared to the previous model. BMW used more aluminum and high-strength steel in strategic places to keep weight down. Most of the exterior body panels are aluminum and have been designed to give the car a slimmer look.
The interior has also been lightened, albeit visually, with a new dash and heavily updated center control area that mirrors the sleeker exterior design. Most importantly, the new dash improves visibility and the overall feeling of space.
Initially, only two variants will be offered: the 530i, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and the 540i, with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder. Shortly after that, two additional variants will be made available: a plug-in hybrid, the 530e, and a turbocharged V8-equipped performance model, the M550i. The 530i and 540i can be had in either rear- or all-wheel drive, while the 530e and M550i will be available only with all-wheel drive. Regardless of configuration, all 5 Series sedans will feature an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 530i is rated at 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The engine delivers solid shove from a stop, and even at higher speeds, it feels responsive to inputs. You can tell it's working hard in some situations, however, so if you want universally effortless acceleration, the 3.0-liter engine is the better choice. That engine produces 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque and delivers smooth torque and power instantly at all points in the rev range.
Unique New Technology
If you're a previous BMW owner, you'll catch onto the latest iDrive user interface very quickly. Even if you're not, it's easy to get accustomed to. The 10.5-inch high-resolution screen now accepts multitouch inputs, so there are multiple ways to interact with the system. The 5 Series also features gesture controls that can accept and reject calls, raise and lower volume, and navigate around the menu structure with a wave of your hand. Gesticulators beware, you may want to turn this feature off because your hand motions will cause iDrive to react.
Other features of the new system include Wi-Fi, wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity. In conjunction with BMW's Connected app, some unique new features are available through your smartphone including a skill from Amazon's Alexa that will enable some basic vehicle monitoring and a built-in LTE modem that can access weather and let you know the likelihood of finding street parking at your destination. Pretty nifty stuff, if you have the patience to learn how to use all of it.
BMW's Display Key is also available on the 5 Series. The Display Key puts a small color display and transceiver inside the key, so that it can receive vehicle status information from the car, and even allow you to start and stop the engine, and either pull in or pull out of a particularly tight parking spot from outside the vehicle. Definitely a cool party trick, but it also causes the key to become humorously large, and it's yet another device that you'll need to keep charged.
Initial Impressions
During a short rainy drive between San Francisco and Sonoma, both the 530i and the 540i felt more than capable of delivering long-distance comfort and the kind of performance necessary to uphold the 5 Series' reputation as a sport sedan. The smoother power delivery of the 540i makes it the one to get if you like the idea of always having something in reserve, but the 530i will satisfy everyone else.
Overall, there were no surprises. BMW's "just right"-size sedan combines solid engine choices, cutting-edge technology and numerous options wrapped in a svelte, new body. It might not be groundbreaking on any level, but it does all the things a midsize luxury sedan is supposed to do without losing its uniquely German look and feel.
Is the 2018 BMW 5 Series a good car?
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 BMW 5 Series and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 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
All of our reviews are 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.
How do people like the 2018 BMW 5 Series?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 BMW 5 Series and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 5 Series 4 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 2018 5 Series.
Vehicle
540i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Review
Seat belt recievers in front seats are to low, hard to connect belts. Door sills by front seats are to high, which makes it hard to get in and out. Seat settings are not automatic, you can set the seat the way you want them,but you have to push 1 or 2 on the door to activate, this is going backward if you ask me. The last six cars I have had all had seat setting that happened automatic when getting in or out of the car. You need to get side view option as there is a blind spot when pulling into left lane, I have to be very careful, side mirror needs help. The 540 I is a good driving and handling car. This is my first BMW. always had top GM or Lincolns in the past. I guess all cars have some good and bad points.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2018 BMW 5 Series
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What options are available on the 2018 BMW 5 Series?
Available BMW 5 Series 2018 Submodel Types: Sedan, Hybrid, Diesel, Wagon, M550i xDrive
Available Trims: 535i xDrive, 528i xDrive, 528i, 530i xDrive, 535i, 550i xDrive, 540i xDrive, 530i, 550i, 535xi, 525i, 530e xDrive iPerformance, 535d xDrive, 528xi, 530xi, 525xi, 540i, 545i, 535d, M550i xDrive, 530e iPerformance, ActiveHybrid 5
Exterior Colors: Jet Black, Alpine White, Black Sapphire Metallic, Dark Graphite Metallic, Titanium Silver Metallic, Space Gray Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic, Monaco Blue Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Callisto Grey Metallic, Platinum Gray Metallic, Bluestone Metallic, Deep Sea Blue Metallic, Cashmere Silver Metallic, Dark Graphite Metallic II, Silver Gray Metallic, Jatoba Brown Metallic, Orient Blue Metallic, Amethyst Gray Metallic, Mediterranean Blue Metallic, Titanium Gray Metallic, Champagne Quartz Metallic, Citrin Black Metallic, Deep Green Metallic, Jatoba Metallic, Mineral Grey Metallic, Milano Beige Metallic, Mojave Metallic, Tasman Green Metallic, Atlas Cedar Metallic, Glacier Green Metallic, Montreal Blue Metallic, Olivin Green Metallic, Oxford Green Metallic, Pyrite Brown Metallic, Steel Blue Metallic, Sterling Grey Metallic, Blue Water Metallic, Cashmere Beige Metallic, Mystic Blue Metallic, Platinum Bronze Metallic, Platinum Bronze Metallic (Late Availability), Sterling Gray Metallic
Interior Colors: Black Dakota leather, Black premium leather, Cinnamon Brown Dakota leather, Black Nappa premium leather, Black Dakota w/Contrast Stitching/Piping leather, Beige leatherette, Black leatherette, Black SensaTec leatherette, Venetian Beige Dakota leather, Cognac Dakota w/Contrast Stitching/Piping leather, Gray premium leather, Black Dakota w/Blue Contrast Stitching/Piping leather, Black Dakota w/Exclusive Stitching leather, Amaro Brown Extended Merino premium leather, Canberra Beige/Black Dakota w/Contrast Stitching/Piping leather, Cinnamon Brown leather, Black, Venetian Beige leather, Ivory White/Black Nappa premium leather, Cream Beige premium leather, Mocha w/Black Nappa premium leather, Natural Brown premium leather, Everest Gray leather, Beige, Black Nappa w/Contrast Stitching/Piping premium leather, Canberra Beige/Black SensaTec leatherette, Gray, Mocha Nappa w/Black premium leather, Venetian Beige/Black Dakota leather, Everest Gray Dakota leather, Veneto Beige leatherette, Oyster and Black Dakota leather, Oyster/Black leather, Night Blue Dakota w/Contrast Stitching/Piping leather, Venetian Beige Dakota w/Exclusive Stitching leather, Ivory White w/Oyster Nappa premium leather, Oyster and Black Nappa premium leather, Venetian Beige SensaTec leatherette, Beige premium leather, Black leather, Ivory White Nappa w/Black premium leather, Ivory White Dakota w/Contrast Stitching/Piping leather, Ivory White Nappa w/Contrast Stitching/Piping premium leather, Mocha Nappa w/Contrast Stitching/Piping premium leather, Silk Gray/Black Extended Merino premium leather, Venetian Beige/Black SensaTec leatherette, Auburn premium leather, Individual Platinum Extended Merino premium leather, Ivory White Dakota w/Contrast Stitching/Piping and Dark Coffee Dashboard leather, Ivory White Nappa w/Contrast Stitching/Piping and Dark Coffee Dashboard premium leather, Nutmeg Extended Merino premium leather, Sand, Sand Beige, Venetian Beige/Black Dakota w/Exclusive Stitching leather
Popular Features: Alarm, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Power Driver Seat, Rear Bench Seats, Trip Computer, Auto Climate Control, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Stability Control, Sunroof/Moonroof, Tire Pressure Warning, Bluetooth, Automatic Emergency Braking, Aux Audio Inputs, Post-collision safety system, Upgraded Headlights, AWD/4WD, USB Inputs, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Navigation, Leather Seats, Back-up camera, Parking sensors, Heated seats, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Pre-collision safety system, Heads up display, Keyless Entry/Start, Upgraded Stereo, Blind Spot Monitoring, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Lane Departure Warning, Mobile Internet, Adaptive Cruise Control, 360-degree camera, Cooled Seats, Rear Entertainment System
Engine/Mechanics: 6, 4, 8 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, AUTOMATED_MANUAL, MANUAL
Fuel Types: premium unleaded (required), premium unleaded (recommended), diesel, regular unleaded
Drivetrains: all wheel drive, rear wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
