2021 BMW 5 Series Hybrid
2021 BMW 5 Series Hybrid Review
- Wide range of powerful and relatively efficient engines
- A host of innovative features and leading-edge tech
- 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
- Updated grille design
- Larger touchscreen and improved voice controls
- 540i gains 48-volt mild hybrid system
- More power for the 530e plug-in hybrid
- Part of the seventh 5 Series generation introduced for 2017
For much of the 1990s and 2000s, the BMW 5 Series was the quintessential midsize luxury sport sedan. With a keen mix of strong power, engaging handling and refined comfort, it fit in perfectly between BMW's smaller 3 Series and larger 7 Series. To the disappointment of some, more recent versions of the 5 Series have focused more on luxury. But it's still one of the preeminent midsize sedans on the market.
For 2021, BMW has updated the 5 Series with a restyled front end, a larger infotainment touchscreen and improved voice controls. There's also a new 48-volt mild hybrid system for the 540i that slightly improves fuel efficiency and smooths out the operation of the engine's stop-start system at stoplights. How does it compare against the likes of Audi's tech-forward A6 and Mercedes-Benz's impressive E-Class? Across individual categories, the BMW doesn't always come out on top. But on the whole, the 5 Series is a satisfying luxury sedan that deserves a close look. Check out our Expert Rating for our in-depth evaluation.
What's it like to live with?
To find out what life is like with the current-generation BMW 5 Series, check out our Long Term blog of our time with a 2018 540i xDrive. Some (minor) changes have been made to the 5 Series since then but our findings and impressions are still very relevant.
Our verdict | |
The BMW 530e is a smart pick if you're looking for a fuel-efficient, top-notch luxury sedan. The 5 Series' impressive driving dynamics aren't compromised by the addition of the plug-in hybrid powertrain. This is a well-built, high-tech sedan that bathes you in quiet comfort. | |
How does the 5 Series drive? | |
The 530e drives a lot like a regular 530i. Our test 530e managed to cover 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, a good showing for a hefty sedan and about a half-second quicker than the standard 530i. Our test car had upgraded M Sport brakes and performance tires that stopped the car from 60 mph in just 106 feet, an admirable result for a midsize luxury sedan. The steering is nicely weighted, which complements its balanced and communicative handling. The 530e operates smoothly and responsively in any mode since the engine, electric motor and eight-speed automatic transmission all work well together. | |
How comfortable is the 5 Series? | |
The 5 Series is a genuinely comfortable car, especially with the optional multi-contour front seats that provide massage, ventilation and heat. We are also impressed with the ride quality. It's comfortable and relatively plush yet well damped so the 530e doesn't bob around endlessly on bumpy roads. Our test vehicle had the optional M Sport package with high-performance tires, so a mild amount of road noise crept in, but there's no wind noise and the engine is barely audible when cruising. The climate control system manages cabin temp well in moderate climates but struggled to keep us properly chilled when it was truly hot outside. One oddity of BMW systems is that the fan speed doesn't automatically adjust when you use the automatic setting. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The 530e's cabin is an excellent place to spend time. Front passengers have ample room and thanks to the highly adjustable seat and steering wheel, drivers of just about all sizes should be able to find a comfortable position. Climbing in or out is a breeze thanks to generous door openings with plenty of head clearance. Rear legroom and headroom are relatively adequate by midsize sedan standards but not exceptional. We do like the clear view out of the 5 Series' cabin. The windows are nicely sized, especially in the rear, and the optional surround-view camera system helps a lot too. Cars are becoming increasingly complicated these days, and BMW's iDrive infotainment menus offer a decent way to navigate through everything. But it does take time to dig through and wrap your head around all the options and customizations available. It can be a little overwhelming. | |
How’s the tech? | |
The optional Harman Kardon stereo provides high-quality sound, and the large touchscreen responds well to gesture controls. Once you know the prescribed gestures, it's a convenient way to control things without searching for a button or knob. BMW's voice assistant works very well with natural language commands to control many vehicle functions. Even speaking simple things like "Channel 26" will get your desired radio station without any fuss. Smartphone connections are managed with or without wires and worked without issue throughout our test. For the most part, the 5 Series' driver safety aids work well. The adaptive cruise 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. Lane keeping assist is a bit unrefined, however, with more of a bounce-off-the-lane-lines attitude than lane-centering. | |
How’s the storage? | |
Storage space in the trunk measures a mere 10 cubic feet in the 530e, compared to the standard 5 Series at 14 cubic feet. The trunk has a wide opening and a low liftover, but it narrows a fair amount toward the back of the rear seats. The folding rear seats are split 40/20/40, which provides some nice flexibility, and there is a nice drop-down shelf that helps keep groceries from sliding around. In-cabin storage is decent: 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. However, the cupholders are shallow and don't have very useful anti-tip mechanisms so your small coffee cup or slim soda can may fall over without much of a fight. There are two pairs of car seat anchors at each outboard seat that are easily accessed under plastic flip doors. Top tethers are also easy to access. | |
How’s the fuel economy? | |
The rear-wheel-drive 530e has an EPA-estimated electric range of 21 miles. Once the battery runs out of juice, the EPA estimates 26 mpg in combined city and highway driving. On our 115-mile test route, we saw just 15 miles of electric range but averaged 36 mpg over the entire drive and 33.6 mpg over the length of the test. While the 530e's combined rating and 21-mile all-electric range are not particularly impressive for the class, the margin by which we exceeded the combined rating in our test was impressive. | |
Is the 5 Series a good value? | |
The quality of BMW's electronics is top-notch, from the central touchscreen to the driver's gauge cluster. Interior panel fit is also nice, but the materials used for the wood trim and leather can come across as slightly fake. You'll pay for every option you add, but prices are fair for the segment and worth it considering the quality of the upgrades. BMW's four-year/50,000-mile warranty coverage is typical for a German brand, though some American and Asian brands offer more. But the three-year/36,000-mile free maintenance coverage is still uncommon in the luxury segment. | |
Wildcard | |
Saying the 530e is "just a 5 Series with some added electric range" might sound like an insult, but we consider it a compliment. The 530e drives well and doesn't push its EV credentials in your face with excessive badges or goofy styling. It would be nice if the 5 Series in general got a bit less bland in the styling department, but overall this car works well as a whole. | |
Which 5 Series does Edmunds recommend?
BMW 5 Series models
The 2021 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 plug-in hybrid (288 hp, 310 lb-ft) are powered by variants of BMW's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The EPA estimates you can go about 21 miles on electric power in the 530e before switching to regular hybrid operation.
2021 BMW 5 Series Hybrid pricing
in Ashburn, VA
2021 BMW 5 Series Hybrid Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $57,200
- MPG & Fuel
- N/A City / N/A Hwy / 26 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 12.1 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: rear wheel drive
- Transmission: 8-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 288 hp @ N/A rpm
- Torque: 310 lb-ft @ N/A rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 195.8 in. / Height: 58.4 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 83.7 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 73.5 in.
- Curb Weight: 4220 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 10.0 cu.ft.
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 indicates 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.
BMW 5 Series vs. the competition
2021 BMW 5 Series
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
BMW 5 Series vs. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The E-Class is our top-rated luxury sedan, and for good reason. Its interior is rich in both luxury and technology, and any one of the available engines wows with power, efficiency or both. But the 5 Series isn't far behind, offering its own mix of performance, comfort and practicality, especially in the lower trim levels.
BMW 5 Series vs. Audi A6
Balancing technology with impressive driving dynamics is a thread that runs through Audi's products, and this is especially true of the A6. What it lacks in traditional luxury it more than makes up for with its bold, tech-forward interior. But its dual-touchscreen infotainment setup can be distracting to use, and the A6 lacks the range of engines and personalities offered by the 5 Series.
BMW 5 Series vs. Volvo S90
Just because the S90 flies under most buyers' radar doesn't mean it's not worth a look. Volvo has outfitted its luxury sedan with some of the most comfortable seats in the class, and the S90 holds true to the company's dedication to safety with many of the best advanced driver aids. The 5 Series, however, still has an edge on performance.
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FAQ
Is the BMW 5 Series a good car?
What's new in the 2021 BMW 5 Series?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 BMW 5 Series:
- Updated grille design
- Larger touchscreen and improved voice controls
- 540i gains 48-volt mild hybrid system
- More power for the 530e plug-in hybrid
- Part of the seventh 5 Series generation introduced for 2017
Is the BMW 5 Series reliable?
Is the 2021 BMW 5 Series a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 BMW 5 Series?
The least-expensive 2021 BMW 5 Series is the 2021 BMW 5 Series 530e 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $57,200.
Other versions include:
- 530e 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $57,200
- 540i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $61,750
- 530e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $59,500
- 540i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $59,450