2025 BMW 5-Series Review

2025 BMW 5-Series – Overview

The 2025 BMW 5-Series may have softened some of the sporty edge that defined earlier generations, but it remains a strong contender in the mid-size luxury sedan segment, thanks to its upscale interior and advanced technology. Positioned between the compact 3 Series and the flagship 7 Series, the 5 Series offers a comfortable balance of refinement and capability.

Inside, both front and rear seats are plush and supportive, making the cabin ideal for daily commuting or long road trips. The dashboard features a suite of digital displays that keep the driver informed while providing entertainment for passengers.

Under the hood, a turbocharged four-cylinder engine comes standard, with options to upgrade to a turbocharged inline-six or a plug-in hybrid producing 483 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard on all but the base model, giving the sedan confident traction in a variety of conditions.

BMW has managed to restore some of the driving excitement to this executive sedan, though the upcoming M5 (reviewed separately) will deliver the full measure of performance, horsepower, and thrill. For those who prioritize quiet comfort and luxury, the 5 Series competes admirably with rivals like the Audi A6, Genesis G80, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

When Is The 2025 BMW 5-Series Coming Out?

The 2025 BMW 5-Series is expected to arrive in dealerships in late 2024, with production models gradually rolling out. Early ordering is recommended to secure higher-demand trims and optional packages.

What’s New for 2025 BMW 5-Series?

Following a full redesign in 2024, the 2025 BMW 5-Series remains largely unchanged. The biggest addition this year is the new range-topping 550e, which features a 483-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain. This setup pairs a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with an electric motor, routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2025 BMW 5-Series starts at $59,875, with prices climbing to $74,575 depending on trim and optional features.

Even though the sedan received a full redesign in 2024, the lineup retains familiar engines and trim levels, ranging from the base 530i to the plug-in hybrid 550e xDrive. Among them, the inline-six 540i remains our top pick, delivering an ideal balance of power, comfort, and overall driving enjoyment.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2025 BMW 5-Series is available in three main configurations: 530i, 540i, and 550e. The 530i features a 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, offered with either rear- or all-wheel drive. The 540i comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 375-hp turbocharged inline-six, both enhanced by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. At the top of the lineup, the 550e plug-in hybrid pairs an inline-six with an electric motor to produce 483 horsepower, with all-wheel drive included as standard.

In our experience, the 530i delivers a smooth ride while maintaining a hint of athleticism. The 540i leans more toward luxury than sport, offering a heavier, refined driving feel. Cornering grip is solid, particularly when equipped with the M Sport package, which also adds upgraded brakes—enabling the 530i to stop from 70 mph in an impressive 156 feet during our test track evaluation.

0–60-MPH Times

In our instrumented testing, the all-wheel-drive 530i xDrive reached 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, while the 540i xDrive sprinted to 60 mph in a brisk 4.0 seconds. BMW claims the 550e plug-in hybrid can achieve the same benchmark in 4.0 seconds; we’ll update this review with verified results once we have the opportunity to test it ourselves.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The 550e xDrive plug-in hybrid comes equipped with a 19.4-kWh battery, offering an EPA-estimated electric range of 34 miles per charge. We’ll provide real-world testing results once we have the opportunity to drive it ourselves.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates the 530i will achieve 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the 540i is rated at 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The 550e plug-in hybrid carries EPA estimates of 23 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. In our real-world testing at a steady 75 mph, the 530i xDrive returned 35 mpg, and the 540i xDrive impressed with 37 mpg. For more detailed fuel economy information, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The 2025 BMW 5-Series offers a spacious and luxurious cabin, with ample room for adults in both front and rear seats. While genuine leather upholstery is available, BMW also provides a vegan-friendly alternative called Veganza. Standard across all models is an automatic climate control system, with air vents cleverly integrated into the dashboard for a clean, uncluttered look.

A tilt-and-slide sunroof comes standard, with an optional larger fixed glass roof extending over the rear seats. The available Luxury Seating package adds heated and ventilated front seats, enhanced power adjustments, and a massage function. The Premium package includes a heated steering wheel, head-up display, and additional amenities, while the Executive package adds the panoramic glass roof, power rear sunshade, glass interior controls, and an interior camera.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every 2025 BMW 5-Series features a large curved digital panel that combines a 12.3-inch reconfigurable gauge display with a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. This system, also found in the BMW 7 Series and iX electric SUV, has proven intuitive and user-friendly. While a head-up display is optional, all models come standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Harman/Kardon audio system, and BMW’s AirConsole—a video game system that can be used only when the vehicle is parked.

Safety and Driver-Assist Technology

The 2025 BMW 5-Series comes equipped with essential driver-assistance systems as standard, such as automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Advanced technologies, including BMW’s Highway Assistant for hands-free driving, are offered as optional upgrades. For detailed crash-test ratings, refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Notable safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection

• Standard lane-departure warning paired with lane-keeping assist

• Optional adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving capability

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

BMW offers warranty and complimentary maintenance that are typical for the luxury sedan segment, though they don’t quite match the coverage provided by the Jaguar XF. Coverage details include:

• Limited warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

• Powertrain warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

• Complimentary scheduled maintenance: 3 years or 36,000 miles

2025 BMW 5-Series Specifications

Final Verdict

The 2025 BMW 5-Series is a well-rounded luxury sedan that excels in comfort, technology, and performance. Whether you prioritize efficiency, refinement, or sheer driving excitement, there’s a 5-Series trim to suit your needs.

2025 BMW 5-Series Videos