2022 BMW 5 Series M550i xDrive
MSRP Range: $76,800 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
8.1/10
edmunds TESTED
The BMW 5 Series lives up to the expectations set by its forebears. There's an engine for nearly every taste, and the car's handling capabilities are fundamentally sound. Factor in the 5 Series' top-shelf tech and safety features and you've got a prime pick for a midsize luxury sedan.
2022 BMW 5 Series Review
byMichael Cantu
Correspondent
Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.
, rating written byJonathan Elfalan
Director, Vehicle Testing
Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at Edmunds, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- Evolutionary styling doesn't stand out in a crowded class
- Some interior materials are a bit below segment standards
What's new
- Wireless smartphone charging is no longer available
- Other minor changes to feature availability
- Part of the seventh 5 Series generation introduced for 2017
Overview
The BMW 5 Series is essentially the middle child of BMW's sedan lineup. It's great if you're looking for a midsize premium sedan that's smaller than a full-size 7 Series but larger than a compact 3 Series. It's also an alternative to the smaller 4 Series Gran Coupe sedan in case you aren't a fan of its new, bold grille design. The 5 Series offers lots of luxury and comfort and should impress most buyers even if its styling isn't the most dynamic of the class.
In the past, the 5 Series was the go-to model for those wanting a top-performing sport sedan, but in recent years the 5 Series has softened up and now focuses more on luxury and tech. As such, the Audi A6, Genesis G80 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class should also be considered because they top the 5 Series in certain categories. For more information, checkout our test team's in-depth evaluation and Expert Rating.
What's it like to live with?
We tested a BMW 540i xDrive during its time in our long-term test fleet. We loved the 540i's powerful and efficient engine and praised its superb transmission. The quiet and comfortable 540i took very few complaints from our staff members. For more information, read our BMW 540i long-term road test wrap-up here.
Edmunds Expert Rating
great
8.1/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
The BMW 5 Series lives up to the expectations set by its forebears. There's an engine for nearly every taste, and the car's handling capabilities are fundamentally sound. Factor in the 5 Series' top-shelf tech and safety features and you've got a prime pick for a midsize luxury sedan.
Rated for you by America's best test team.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Which 5 Series does Edmunds recommend?
We recommend opting for the slightly more expensive 540i for the upgraded turbocharged six-cylinder engine. It adds almost 100 horsepower and has almost identical fuel economy ratings as the 530i's engine. Or if you're in the market for something more efficient, the plug-in hybrid 530e is also more powerful than the 530i and has a similar starting price.
BMW 5 Series models
The 2022 BMW 5 Series is available in four trim levels, all with different powertrains: the base 530i, the plug-in hybrid 530e, the more powerful 540i and the M550i performance model. BMW's all-wheel-drive system, called xDrive, is optional for the first three trims and standard on the M550i.
Helpful shopping links
Compare the BMW 5 Series
BMW 5 Series vs. Audi A6
The A6 and the 5 Series have very similar pricing and base engines. But because of the A6's more recent redesign, the Audi sports a more modern and sleeker-looking interior and exterior. The A6's interior also wins in all-around quality. You can't get a plug-in hybrid model with the A6, but it has the advantage over the 5 Series in tech. Both models ride and handle well.
BMW 5 Series vs. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The E-Class is the 5 Series' strongest rival. Like the 5 Series, the Mercedes offers a few engines to choose from but lacks a plug-in hybrid option. Besides the sedan, you can also get the E-Class in wagon, convertible and coupe body styles. Overall, the Mercedes looks newer and more exquisite and offers superior tech and more personalization options than the 5 Series.
BMW 5 Series vs. Genesis G80
The G80 doesn't carry a long-standing luxury brand name behind it, but that's OK because Genesis offers excellent build and materials quality, lots of standard advanced driver aids, and a more powerful base engine. The G80 offers fewer engine choices, but with its 2021 redesign, the G80 gained an exterior and interior that's more striking than the BMW's.
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FAQ
Is the BMW 5 Series a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2022 5 Series both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.1 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the 5 Series has 18.7 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a BMW 5 Series. Learn more
What's new in the 2022 BMW 5 Series?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 BMW 5 Series:
- Wireless smartphone charging is no longer available
- Other minor changes to feature availability
- Part of the seventh 5 Series generation introduced for 2017
Is the BMW 5 Series reliable?
To determine whether the BMW 5 Series is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the 5 Series. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the 5 Series's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2022 BMW 5 Series a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2022 BMW 5 Series is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2022 5 Series and gave it a 8.1 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2022 5 Series is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2022 BMW 5 Series?
The least-expensive 2022 BMW 5 Series is the 2022 BMW 5 Series M550i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $76,800.
Other versions include:
- M550i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $76,800
What are the different models of BMW 5 Series?
If you're interested in the BMW 5 Series, the next question is, which 5 Series model is right for you? 5 Series variants include M550i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of 5 Series models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more