Introduction

The 2020 BMW 5-Series mid-size sedan ranks as the standard-bearer of the German automaker's lineup. It delivers a satisfying blend of performance, luxury, and comfort. 

Standard equipment has been enhanced for the 2020 model year, led by a more powerful engine for the M550i xDrive model. A larger battery pack goes into the hybrid 530e xDrive sedan. Comfort Access entry/start system is now standard on lower trim levels. 

As before, the 5-Series is available in 530e, 530i, 540i, M550i, and M5 configurations. Base 530i sedans use a 248-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine. Stepping up a notch, the 2020 540i unleashes a turbo-6 that makes 335 hp and 331 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration to 60 mph takes about five seconds. 

The M550i xDrive and the M5 both use a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8. In the M550i, the V-8 generates 523 horsepower-an increase of 67 hp. The M550i can now reach 60 mph in a snappy 3.6 seconds. Under an M5 hood, V-8 output reaches 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. An even more potent V-8 goes into the M5 Competition. 

BMW continues to offer a plug-in hybrid sedan, mating the turbo-4 engine with an electric motor and battery pack, yielding 248 horsepower. The 530e can travel about 20 miles on electric power alone. 

All-wheel drive costs an additional $2,300 on every model except the M550i and M5, where it's standard. 

Safety features abound, but crash-test scores are incomplete. The NHTSA has not tested the current 5-Series. The IIHS has not evaluated the 2020 model, but gave the 2019 5-Series “Good” ratings in every instrumented test. 

With an optional Lighting Package installed, including adaptive LED headlights, the 5-Series earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. Standard headlights were rated “Marginal.” Frontal crash prevention was deemed “Superior.”

Every 5-Series gets active-safety features that include automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warnings, lane-departure warnings, and blind-spot monitors. 

Lineup

Prices include $995 destination charge. 

The base 530i ($54,895 with rear-drive, $57,195 with xDrive all-wheel drive) is equipped with18-inch wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, a moonroof, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. 

The 530e Plug-in Hybrid ($54,895 with rear-drive, $57,195 with AWD) features an electric/gasoline powertrain that can be plugged into a charger. 

The 540i ($60,445 with rear-drive, $62,745 with AWD) upgrades to leather upholstery, substituting a turbo-6 engine. 

The M550i xDrive ($77,645 with AWD) gets a 523-hp 4.4-liter V-8 engine. 

The M5 Sedan ($103,695 with rear-drive) is powered by a 4.4-liter V-8, rated at 600 horsepower. A Competition version ($110,995) benefits from a 617-hp rendition of the V-8. 

Walkaround

All 5-Series models display straightforward sedan shaping with a conservative bent. As horsepower rises, the 5-Series grows wilder-looking. 

The base 530i and 530e plug-in hybrid sport low noses and sharp lines, compared to earlier 5-Series models. Still, appearance hasn't changed dramatically for the latest version. M-badged sedans get bigger wheels, tougher-looking flares, and richer exhaust notes. 

Interior

Inside, the 5-Series turns more daring and contemporary.
Every version is comfortable, fitted with numerous luxury touches that can include soft leather, real wood, and brushed metals. Soft ambient lighting adds to the cool character of the cabin. 

Five adults can sit comfortably. Upholstered in synthetic leather, the standard front seats adjust 16 ways for long-day comfort. Genuine leather is the province of upper trim levels. Rear seats also are comfortable, at least in outboard positions. 

Even though the 5-Series dashboard is technology-strong, it doesn't look “busy.” Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard, mating with a good 10.3-inch touchscreen. 

Most 5-Series versions offer 18.7 cubic feet of trunk space. Hybrid batteries in the 530e shrink space by a third. 

Driving Impression

Regardless of model, power and ride comfort excel. Depending on engine choice, the 5-Series can be anything from an efficient plug-in hybrid to a burly, asphalt-stomping sport sedan. 

The base 530i engine is smooth, powerful, and perfectly satisfying for most drivers, whether fitted with rear-drive or all-wheel drive. Turbo-6 and V-8 models quicken 0-60 mph acceleration substantially, but even the base car is swift. 

BMW's 8-speed automatic transmission seems almost telepathic in its gear choices. Not only are shifts clean, they occur at just-right times. 

Despite hauling some 600 pounds of batteries, acceleration of the 530e plug-in hybrid isn't much slower than the gas-engine 530i. When turning or cornering, though, that weight difference becomes more evident. 

Agile, confident handling capability is the best 5-Series attribute. The standard four-wheel independent suspension can be replaced with a sportier, lower suspension or fitted with adaptive dampers-which are standard on M550i and M5. With the adaptive dampers, steering weight builds through corners, but feels light in normal and comfort settings. 

Each 5-Series is comfortably quiet. Outward vision is excellent. 

Gas mileage varies considerably. The base 530i is EPA-rated at 25 mpg city, 33 highway, 28 combined with rear-wheel drive, or 24/31/27 mpg with all-wheel drive. With its turbo-6 and either rear- or all-wheel drive, the 540i is rated at 25 mpg combined. 

Pick an M550i or M5 with twin-turbo V-8 and fuel economy sinks. The M550i is EPA-rated at 18 mpg city, 25 highway, 20 combined. An M5 guzzles most, rated only 15/21/17 mpg.
Thriftiest of the lot, the 530e is EPA-rated at 27 mpg using electric/gas power, or 69 MPGe (equivalent). 

Summary

Powerful, comfortable and luxurious, each 2020 BMW 5-Series is amply equipped. The mid-size sedan remains a laudable example of value in its class, as well as performance and safety. Potent and refined, the turbo-6 engine, in particular, is a prime choice for value. If a higher sticker price is in the cards, the M550i would be a satisfying prospect for purchase, considering what you get. 

 

-by James M. Flammang, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.