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Among midsize luxury cars, the 2026 BMW 5 Series is a great choice. In addition to providing a quiet and comfortable cabin loaded with all of BMW's latest tech, it is remarkably fuel-efficient. But it's not quite as enjoyable to drive as you would expect considering the car's sporty heritage.Read full review
Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at Edmunds and was the first editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.
Keith Buglewicz has worked in the automotive industry since 1994, writing thousands of car-related articles, and he's tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Keith is the managing editor of CarMax at Edmunds, and his byline can be found at KBB, MotorTrend, Autobytel and many others. Keith considers himself exceptionally lucky to be working the dream job he’s had since high school.
Pros
Comfortable ride and handling
Lots of standard in-car tech features
Outstanding materials and build quality
Excellent fuel economy for the class
Cons
The 530i is not as enjoyable to drive as expected
Climate controls are embedded into the infotainment system
What's new
The 5 Series carries over unchanged from 2025
Part of the eighth 5 Series generation introduced for 2024
Overview
Midsize luxury sedans are not as popular as they were a decade or two ago, but BMW remains committed to the segment with its impressive 2026 5 Series. Available with a turbocharged four-cylinder (530i), turbocharged six-cylinder (540i) or plug-in hybrid (550e) powertrain, the 5 Series is comfortable, pleasant to drive, and loaded with the latest technology. The BMW's exterior styling and interior design distinctly differ from its primary rivals, yet another reason to consider a 5 Series. If you like how it looks, you'll probably like everything else about the BMW 5 Series.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
BMW 5 Series PHEV Insights
Trim:
5 Series 550e xDrive
All Electric Range
EPA Estimated Range not available
Charging
No charging time information available
EV Battery Warranty
No battery warranty information available
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Cost to Drive
Not EPA Tested
5 Series
vs
$186/mo
Car Avg.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Minnesota
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Edmunds spotlight: The best tech in the 2026 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.
Competitors to consider
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.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our Verdict
The 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.
Very Good
8.2
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
We drove the 2026 BMW 5 Series on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team
conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
How does the BMW 5 Series drive? By the numbers, it's hard to fault this BMW. We've tested both the 530i and the 540i xDrive. The 530i sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 5.7 seconds. The 540i xDrive, thanks to its increased power and extra all-wheel-drive traction, made it in just 4.3 seconds. Our test cars were also fitted with the optional summer tires and sport-tuned suspension. So equipped, the 5 Series has plenty of grip and confidence during hard braking and cornering, but it does result in a harsher ride over rough streets. That said, the suspension manages to combine excellent body control and stability at highway speeds.
Around town, the 5 Series is an effortless companion. There's always ample power, and the BMW's sharp handling helps it confidently zip through traffic. But it feels devoid of real personality and simply isn't as fun or as engaging as we'd like.
Comfort
8.5/10
How comfortable is the BMW 5 Series? The 5 Series excels as a luxury sedan. The supportive front seats can keep you comfortable for hours on end, and the rear seat is roomy enough for adults or a rear-facing child seat. Adding to the comfort of the 5 Series are its low noise levels. The six-cylinder engine sounds great when you floor it but otherwise is functionally inaudible.
The 5 Series' climate system is powerful but is a little more complicated to operate than it should be. The air vents are needlessly difficult to adjust and fine-tune, and the touchscreen-based controls can be distracting to use while driving.
In-cabin tech
9.5/10
How’s the tech? BMW puts most of the car's controls in the quick and responsive touchscreen, which can also be used through voice command, a dial on the center console, or by literally waving your fingers in the air. While we prefer physical buttons, we like the customizable interface. However, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has a more intuitive system that's also a little closer to the driver and easier to reach.
The optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system sounds superb, and it syncs wirelessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless charging is also standard, but the initial pairing with Apple CarPlay proved a little more complicated than we're accustomed to. Luckily, it's a one-and-done affair, and it worked fine once connected.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $2,402 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $2,402 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the 550e xDrive trim.
2026 BMW 5 Series Plug-in Hybrid pricing in Chaska, MN
How’s storage and cargo? The 5 Series has one of the larger trunks in the class. There's a temporary spare tire that takes up a bit of space, but it can be easily removed if you need to maximize cargo capacity. Even without removing the spare tire, we had no issue loading four carry-on suitcases into the trunk. Storage inside the cabin is pretty good too. There are spots to stash sunglasses, a keycard and more. The small bin in front of the cupholders is large enough to stash two phones.
Value
7.7/10
Is the BMW 5 Series a good value? BMW clearly builds the 5 Series with care, with panels fitting just right inside and out, high-quality materials everywhere, and touches like the faceted crystal knob for the iDrive control classing up the whole interior. The LED panels on the dash look great as well. It's a different vibe than you get in the Mercedes E-Class, which arguably has slightly nicer materials, but in reality it's no less luxurious.
While nobody could call the 5 Series a bargain, it undercuts the E-Class by thousands of dollars. Just note that you'll pay extra for things like driver's aids and even cooled front seats. BMW's warranty is competitive with others in the class but not particularly standout.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Electric range/MPG
7/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the 530i will get 31 mpg in combined city/highway driving (30 mpg combined with xDrive all-wheel drive). The 540i xDrive drops a bit to 28 mpg. Both are good numbers for the class and are a bit better than estimates for comparable versions of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. During our testing, we had no issue getting to those numbers, which tells us the EPA's scoring is close to the mark.
X factor
8/10
While the 5 Series has a strong reputation as being fun to drive, this generation leaves some of that on the cutting-room floor. The 540i's more powerful engine certainly helps give it a leg up on the 530i, but ultimately it's not a very engaging driving machine. On the other hand, it has just about every feature you could want, and in a world where BMW's styling has gone off the rails on many models, the 5 Series is still on track.
Which 5 Series does Edmunds recommend?
For the best blend of power and efficiency, we recommend the 540i xDrive. It costs a few thousand more, but we think it's a small price to pay for BMW's silky smooth turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. The hit to fuel economy is negligible, and the improved performance, refinement, sophistication and all-weather confidence are things you'll appreciate throughout your ownership experience.
Future Cars to Get Excited About | The Best New & Upcoming Cars for 2024-2025
NOTE: This video is about the 2024 BMW 5 Series, but since the 2026 BMW 5 Series is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
New year, new cars! There are tons of all-new or updated vehicles coming to market next year, and we're here to tell you all about the most exciting models. Join Edmunds' Brian Wong and Alistair Weaver for a full rundown of 2024's upcoming cars!
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Good
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good
FAQ
Is the BMW 5 Series a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 5 Series both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.2 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 18.4 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 2026 BMW 5 Series?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2026 BMW 5 Series:
The 5 Series carries over unchanged from 2025
Part of the eighth 5 Series generation introduced for 2024
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 2026 BMW 5 Series a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 BMW 5 Series is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2026 5 Series and gave it a 8.2 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 5 Series is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2026 BMW 5 Series?
The least-expensive 2026 BMW 5 Series is the 2026 BMW 5 Series 550e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $73,400.
Other versions include:
550e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) which starts at $73,400
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 550e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A). For a full list of 5 Series models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more