Complete Guide to Buying a BMW 5 Series

The 7th generation BMW 5 Series is in its final year of production, with BMW announcing that the new version (codenamed G60) will start production later in 2023. However, you’d be forgiven for wondering why BMW needs to do that, given how the current 5 Series is such a well-rounded luxury sedan with excellent driving dynamics, sleek design, and luxurious interiors. 

When you further consider its three potent engine options, comprehensive technology package, and several driver assistance features, it’s no surprise the 5 Series remains a popular choice in the luxury segment, despite competition from BMW’s compatriots. If you’ve been planning to bring this ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ to your garage, we’ve put together a complete guide to buying a BMW 5 Series, its pros, possible cons, and the best 5 Series variant to buy.

BMW 5 Series Specifications

Why you should consider the BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series sedan is one of the bestselling executive-class luxury saloons in India. Here are three reasons why that’s the case and why you should consider the 5 Series over other executive-class luxury sedans in India. 

High-Performance Powertrains

BMW’s engines are known for their free-revving, high-performance nature, and the 5 Series is no different with each of its three engines offering stonking straight-line performance. Even the two diesels feel anything but with the 2.0-litre-engined 520d clocking 0-100 kmph in just 7.3 seconds with a top speed of 235 kmph. The 3.0-litre 6-cylinder 530d diesel’s monstrous 620 Nm helps it achieve 0-100 kmph in just 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 250 kmph. Despite such performance, both diesel engines are quite frugal with the 520d and 530d returning 20.3 kmpl and 17.4 kmpl, respectively. While not as fuel efficient, the 530i petrol variant matches the diesels in performance with a 0-100 kmph time of 6.1 seconds and a 250 kmph top speed.

Sporty Driving Dynamics

Fast straight-line performance tells only half the story when it comes to a sporty driving experience, with the handling responsible for the other half. And the 5 Series tells one hell of an exciting story as it personifies the ‘handling as if on rails’ attribute like no other car in its segment, thanks to a sharp chassis, active dynamic suspension, and rear-wheel drive. While the chassis offers excellent feedback even around the sharpest turns, the suspension makes several real-time micro-adjustments to maximise traction at all times. Combine them with rear-wheel drive and you have a car that delivers a rewarding driving experience on straights as well as corners. 

Rich Technology and Luxury Features

The 5 Series is kitted out with many of BMW’s flagship technology and luxury features. For instance, the car’s adaptive driving mode automatically adjusts the suspension, transmission, and steering wheel according to your driving style and road conditions, leading to a comfortable ride at all times. Inside the cabin, the 5 Series comes with a large 12.3-inch infotainment system that can be operated by using hand gestures and a 16-speaker surround sound system by Harman Kardon. A head-up display that projects useful information onto the windscreen, optional Nappa leather upholstery, 4-zone climate control, ambient lighting etc. further add heft to the BMW 5 Series’s executive class credentials.

Why you should not consider the BMW 5 Series

As good as it is, the BMW 5 Series is not entirely faultless. Here are a couple of areas where you might possibly find the BMW 5 Series not living up to your expectations. 

Design is More Function than Form

When comparing it to others in its segment, you’d be justified in finding the 5 Series somewhat lacking in the glam department. While BMW has always kept the 5 Series’s design clean and elegant, the G30 version has been around for a while now and familiarity does breed indifference, if not contempt. Is it a great-looking car? By all means, yes. Is it an absolute looker? Not quite, especially compared to its rivals.

Better to Drive than Be Driven In

Despite packing in so many luxury features, the best seat in the 5 Series continues to be the driver’s. Compared to rivals, the 5 Series’s overall driving experience is still unbeatable, but the same can’t be said of its passenger comfort. Its rear seat is a couple of notches lower in terms of plushness and comfort than the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class while the car also misses out on a panoramic sunroof. However, these factors arise only when comparing, and not when judging the 5 Series’s passenger comfort in isolation.

BMW 5 Series Variants

The BMW 5 Series is available in a total of three variants, comprising one petrol and two diesel powertrain options. The company also offers the petrol variant in a special Jahre M edition.

Best BMW 5 Series Variant to Buy

The price difference between the three variants of the BMW 5 Series covers a narrow (relatively speaking) band, making it easy to recommend the 530d as the best BMW 5 Series variant to buy. Its 3.0-litre 6-cylinder diesel mill is the most powerful and torquiest of the three engine options, as reflected in its brisk performance. It’s also very fuel efficient at 17.4 kmpl, an amazing figure when you consider this is an almost 5-metre-long car that weighs over 1.7 tonnes. When combined with goodies such as M Sport brakes, Nappa leather upholstery, and anthracite headliner, the 530d’s additional premium over other 5 Series variants seems worth the stretch.

Also reads: Best BMW Cars In India, BMW X3 Launched at ₹59.90 lakhs

BMW 5 Series – The Ultimate Driving Machine

In many ways, the BMW 5 Series sets the bar for performance and driving experience in the premium luxury sedan segment. Whether you’re looking for a powerful daily driver or a luxury cruiser, the 5 series will leave you impressed with its ‘rail-like’ handling, powerful engines, and tech features. With this buying guide, you should have a better idea of which variant of BMW’s Ultimate Driving Machine you will bring home.