What's New for 2025?
The 5 Series received a complete overhaul for 2024, marking the start of its eighth generation. For 2025, BMW is mostly keeping the existing trims unchanged, but they are adding a new 550e plug-in hybrid and a high-powered BMW M5 with 717 horsepower. Fans of wagons can also celebrate as the M5 Touring will be available in the U.S., although other variants of the Touring won’t be offered.
What Are the 5 Series’ Interior and In-Car Technology Like?
The interior of the 5 Series is a standout, offering high-quality materials, whether you choose real leather or vegan options. The trim and ambient lighting design strike a balance between high-tech sophistication and luxury. It’s a comfortable space, packed with features to keep occupants satisfied. BMW has also put thought into the finer details, like the hidden air vents in the dashboard. However, for those seeking the utmost in luxury, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class might offer more in terms of comfort and opulence.
The 5 Series comes with a single curved display that houses a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, which can be controlled via a rotary knob on the center console or through voice commands. The iDrive 8.5 software is a significant upgrade from 8.0, making it easier to control features like heated and ventilated seats, as well as the heated steering wheel. The system is smoother, faster, and the ventilated wireless phone charging pad is a vast improvement over the previous design, which often caused phones to overheat.
How Big is the 5 Series?
The BMW 5 Series comfortably seats five passengers. As a spacious sedan, it provides ample room for adults in the back seat, making long drives more comfortable. The added length in the 2025 model enhances the feeling of driving a larger car.
The gas-powered 5 Series offers 18.4 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk, slightly more than the i5’s 17.3 cubic feet. The trunk is spacious for its class, with convenient cubbies behind the wheel wells to secure smaller items. The upcoming M5 Touring will provide even more cargo space, with up to 57.6 cubic feet available when the rear seats are folded down.
What's the 5 Series Like to Drive?
The 530i delivers its power through an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth and quick shifts. Peak torque is available at a low 1,600 rpm, but the engine’s performance feels more muted than exhilarating, lacking the satisfying sound and acceleration some might expect. While the i5 offers a more enjoyable driving experience, those looking for a more engaging drive may prefer a 5 Series equipped with BMW’s renowned inline-six engines.
The optional M Sport Suspension, while not as advanced as the full i5 M60’s features, still enhances handling with a more aggressive damper and spring setup. The 530i xDrive performs well on winding roads, with manageable body roll and responsive steering. The M Sport brakes offer strong stopping power, though they might be overkill for everyday driving. Overall, the 530i is capable, but BMW seems to be holding back on the full performance potential, likely reserving it for future models.
When driven gently, the M Sport Suspension demonstrates its versatility by providing a comfortable ride even on rough roads. The dampers effectively smooth out bumps without compromising cabin comfort, making the 5 Series more comfortable than the 3 Series but not quite as luxurious as the 7 Series.
