Name: BMW 5 Series (2017 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: BMW 5 Series
Rating: 59

Summary

The BMW 5 Series is a large executive car, available in either saloon or estate (called Touring) body styles. This seventh-generation model was launched in 2017 and is available with a range of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Production ended in 2023 ahead of the launch of an all-new model.

The 5 Series range also includes the M5 sports saloon, which is not covered on this page. We have a separate report for the M5, so click here to read it.

The BMW 5 Series received consistently positive reviews from the UK automotive media and continued to win awards right throughout its production life, despite newer rivals arriving on the scene.

The 5 Series was praised highly for its driving experience, refinement and build quality. The only real negatives related to the number of optional extras that are included as standard on many cheaper cars.

An facelifted version arrived in the UK in July 2020. This was a substantial mid-life update rather than an all-new car.

One area of concern for potential 5 Series buyers is its reliability score. As of February 2024, it has a poor reliability rating of D, according to our data – for full details, see the ‘Reliability rating’ section below.

As of February 2024, the BMW 5 Series has a Used Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 59%. It scores top marks for its media reviews and its low CO₂ emissions (thanks to the plug-in hybrid version), but gets very poor grades for its reliability issues and high running costs.

5 Series highlights

Accomplished all-rounder
Refined cabin with plenty of on-board tech
Comfortable driving experience
Agile handling and body control
Excellent infotainment

5 Series lowlights

E-Class has a more luxurious interior
Expensive, entry-level trim and up
Many optional extras should be standard
Rivals have more cabin and boot space
Not one manual gearbox across the range

Key specifications

Body style: Large saloon and estate
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price when new: From £41,480 on-road

Launched: Spring 2017
Last updated: Summer 2020
Replacement due: Autumn 2023

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert+

Model reviewed: 530i Touring
“The 5 Series Touring remains one of the best options for those looking for a car which will travel great distances with little fuss, while transporting its occupants in great comfort.”
Read review

Score: 8.4 / 10
“Just as the latest contenders from rival brands almost catch up, the BMW 5 Series eases ahead again. This is still the car that everyone else has to beat.”
Read review

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 10 / 10
“Terrific to drive and packed with the latest tech, the supremely capable BMW 5 Series is better than ever.” (Paul Adam)
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Touring estate
Score: 8 / 10
“BMW refined the formula for its plug-in hybrid 5 Series estate with model year updates adding more tech. But fundamentally the 530e Touring is as good as ever, blending superb refinement and driving dynamics with usable all-electric range, strong efficiency and great cabin quality. Practicality takes a hit, but not by much, given the benefits elsewhere.”
Read review

Model reviewed: M550i saloon
Score: 9 / 10
“The M550i is the least sensible variant of the updated 5 Series line-up. We’d recommend the more modestly priced yet equally polished options further down the range, but every version benefits from impeccable build quality, superb engines, strong refinement and tech, and tidy handling.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid 545e xDrive
Score: 9 / 10
“The new plug-in hybrid BMW 545e xDrive combines a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with an 11.6kWh battery and electric motor.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 10 / 10
“The BMW 5 Series Touring is at the top of the executive estate car class, thanks to a perfect blend of performance and practicality. There’s a range of economical engines and it’s great to drive, too, with sports car-like dynamics and limo levels of luxury and refinement.”
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The executive saloon class is extremely competitive and filled with truly excellent cars from all the premium players. Even with that caveat, the BMW 5 Series is an exceptional piece of kit and a masterclass in style, technology, luxury, handling and comfort.”
Read review

Autocar+

Model reviewed: 545e
Score: 8 / 10
“It is spacious and classy; well stocked with technology; refined and slick in operation; and capable enough as a short-range EV to meet the short-hop needs of a great many owners.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 530d Touring
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW 530d xDrive Touring estate serves up more than enough space, is beautifully built inside and out, and is powered by a truly excellent six-cylinder diesel engine.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 4.4-litre petrol automatic M550i xDrive saloon
Score: 9 / 10
“The famous M5’s move into track-focused territory leaves room for the reappearance of this refined, classy but still hugely quick twin-turbo V8-engined sibling.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel (mild hybrid) automatic 520d M Sport Touring (estate)
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW 5 Series Touring still the best to drive, still has the nicest cabin and so is still the pick of the bunch. And with that massive boot, there’s a very real argument that it’s still all the car you could ever need.”
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Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 9 / 10
“An aptly business-class rendition of the showier 7 Series, BMW’s model of midway compromise starts to look very much like its maker’s current summit.”
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Business Car+

Model reviewed: 530e M Sport saloon
Score: 8 / 10
“Except for the rocket-propelled M5, the 530e probably boasts the sweetest steering connection of any BMW 5 Series, but its reactions are undermined by the additional bulk of the battery packs. We are talking forensic levels of scrutiny here, and judging the 530e by BMW’s lofty benchmark.
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 10 / 10
“The 520d is still the sensible model that does everything well, but if you’ve got the cash, go for the 530d xDrive. It feels effortlessly eager, smooth and isn’t guaranteed to cripple you financially in fuel costs.”
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Model reviewed: 530e iPerformance saloon
Score: 10 / 10
“Providing you don’t live too far from work and are able to keep the thing charged, the 530e makes a great case for itself as a surprisingly cheap-to-own company car.”
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Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 8 / 10
“Crossovers and SUVs might be stealing the limelight, but the BMW 5 Series Touring continues to impress. It’s comfortable, spacious, highly refined, nicely put together and well-equipped.”
Read review

Car Keys+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“As an all-round executive car, the BMW 5 Series remains unbeatable. Its mix of quality, sportiness and comfort are unmatched, even next to accomplished rivals such as the Mercedes E-Class.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: 530e plug-in hybrid
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The BMW 530e is everything you’d expect of a 5 Series but with extra economy and improved running costs”
Read review

Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 9.2 / 10
“The BMW 5 Series has reclaimed its place at the top of the executive saloon class.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 9.6 / 10
“The BMW 5 Series Touring makes a powerful case for the traditional estate against the SUV, and is an almost perfect family car”
Read review

Carwow+

Model reviewed: Touring estate range
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW 5 Series Touring comes with a futuristic cabin and boatloads of high-tech features but its conservative styling means it isn’t as distinctive as the Mercedes E-Class Estate.”
Read review

Model reviewed: saloon range
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW 5 Series comes packed with more high-tech features than ever before but looks more conservative than the Mercedes E-Class.”
Read review

Company Car Today+

Model reviewed: 520i Touring
“The Company Car Today CCT100 Award-winning BMW 5 Series is still great in petrol form, but isn’t quite enough when you do the maths to coax sensible high-mileage company car drivers out of the excellent 520d.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 520d M Sport Touring
“More practical and more tech-packed than ever. It’s not cheap, but the BMW 5 Series Touring is about as good as all-rounders get.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8.5 / 10
“The consummate executive saloon package that combines excellent refinement, driving quality, industry-leading tech and excellent residuals values”
Read review

Driving Electric+

Model reviewed: 545e xDrive hybrid
Score: 9 / 10
“It’s not even that much more expensive than the four-cylinder 530e, particularly from a company-car tax or PCP finance point of view. It should prove a popular choice.”
Read review

Evo+

Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 9 / 10
“BMW’s most complete 5 Series ever, there are almost no compromises in this exceptional executive.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 8 / 10
“In Touring form the latest BMW 5 Series is as impressively capable as it is as a saloon, regardless of the engine powering it and the extra weight sitting over the rear axle.”
Read review

Green Car Guide+

Model reviewed: 545e plug-in hybrid M Sport saloon
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW 545e xDrive M Sport Saloon PHEV combines tradition with the future. The overall driving experience is traditional BMW: rewarding handling, good ride quality, responsive performance, and a dashboard that is functional for the driver. However this base has been supplemented by the addition of an electric powertrain that can provide up to 30 miles of driving range.” (Paul Clarke)
Read review

Model reviewed: 530e iPerformance saloon
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW 530e M Sport iPerformance Saloon is, without doubt, another BMW engineering triumph. The majority of hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars on sale are efficiency-focused; the 530e offers performance – and the potential for efficiency – for keen drivers.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 520d saloon
Score: 9 / 10
“From the point of view of the motorists who travel many miles up and down the nation’s motorways on business, the BMW 520d has to be one of the most comfortable, convenient and efficient ways to do this; it doesn’t feel anything like a diesel car did even just a few years ago.”
Read review

Heycar+

Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 10 / 10
“Be in no doubt, the BMW 5 Series is a brilliant executive saloon. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class may have a slightly more luxurious feel to its cabin, but the BMW is the more involving to drive. It means the BMW is very easy to recommend, though you may want to try the Merc just to make sure.”
Read review

Honest John+

Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 10 / 10
“The BMW 5 Series is a superb executive saloon, with top-notch refinement and quality throughout. BMW’s trademark driving enjoyment shines through on a challenging road, although some might feel that the interior feels a little flat against the equally excellent Mercedes-Benz E-Class.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 10 / 10
“It’s hard to find fault with the BMW 5 Series Touring – it does everything you ask of it impeccably. The ultimate estate car? We’d find it hard to argue with that.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 530d Touring
“Once I really got to know the G31 530d it’s probably the most satisfying car I’ve ever driven.”
Read review

Motoring Research+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW 5 Series is a quality machine and yet another step on from models of old. Being brilliant to drive is the icing on the cake.”
Read review

Motors.co.uk+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW 5 Series manages to toe the line between stylish and over-the-top well. There’s no mistaking it as anything but a BMW—the huge kidney grilles up front speak for themselves – but it’s a well-executed design.”
Read review

Parkers+

Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 9 / 10
“Benchmark premium executive saloon”
Read review

Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 8.2 / 10
“Has BMW created the perfect estate car? Looks that way…”
Read review

The Intercooler+

Model reviewed: M550i xDrive saloon
“There’ll be no smoking antics despite the M Sport differential at the rear – the four-wheel-drive system always pulls the car straight. But for covering vast distances at speed and in great comfort, I know of no better car for the money.”
Read review

The Sun+

Model reviewed: Saloon range
“The new BMW 5 Series has hit a sweet spot which other executive motors just can’t reach.”
Read review

The Sunday Times+

Model reviewed: 530d xDrive Touring
Score: 10 / 10
“No other car does everything so well” (Jeremy Clarkson)
Read review

Model reviewed: 530d M Sport saloon
Score: 8 / 10
“A great car underneath some clever-clever electronics” (Jeremy Clarkson)
Read review

Model reviewed: 520d M Sport saloon
Score: 8 / 10
“Still the leader of the pack”
Read review

The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 520d M Sport Touring (estate)
Score: 10 / 10
“The latest BMW 5 Series is predictably brilliant. Granted, the same caveats apply as before, which are that it’s best served in its simplest form; as an SE with the more comfortable suspension, or if you must have an M Sport, then at least with the standard wheels.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW 5 Series Touring is every bit as impressive as the saloon, only with the added versatility that comes from having a larger boot. True, a Mercedes E-class Estate can carry more still and Volvo’s V90 is cheaper to buy, but as an all-rounder the BMW still edges ahead of rivals.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 530e iPerformance saloon
Score: 6 / 10
“While the 530e is without doubt an accomplished plug-in hybrid and the numbers are sure to appeal to company car drivers, it isn’t quite as good to drive as other models in the BMW 5 Series range. A good car, then, but not a truly great one.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“Is the BMW 5 Series the best car in the world? Certainly it’s a strong contender thanks to a combination of ride comfort, performance, luxury and technology that edge it ahead of its key rivals. By any measure, it’s a truly outstanding machine.”
Read review

Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s a BMW 5 Series: very refined, great to drive and features loads of high-tech”
Read review

Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 9 / 10
“It’s comfy, it drives well, it’s got performance *and* eco options… There’s really not much to criticise.”
Read review

What Car?+

Score: 10 / 10
“Few cars have such a broad a range of talents as the BMW 5 Series.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 10 / 10
“The BMW 5 Series Touring is quiet, smooth, classy, comfortable and well equipped. It’s also very practical, although it can’t quite match the enormous boot that you get with a Mercedes E-Class Estate.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 10 / 10
“The BMW 5 Series is a brilliant, classy and wonderfully refined luxury saloon, with surprisingly low running costs.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: April 2017
Date expired: January 2024
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 91%
Child protection: 85%
Vulnerable road users: 81%
Safety assist: 59%

Notes on safety rating

The BMW 5 Series was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2017 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2024 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

However, if you are comparing a used 5 Series to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The BMW 5 Series was not tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 1066
Average repair cost: £857.13
Last updated: January 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The BMW 5 Series range has a below-average reliability score of 47% as of February 2024, according to extended warranty data provided by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. The data covers both this model (2017 to 2023) as well as earlier generations of 5 Series.

As well as a reputation for unreliabilty, the average repair costs for a 5 Series is rather expensive at nearly £900. This is largely thanks to the very high number of expensive repairs for engine-related faults, which have an average repair bill of about £1,500.

The most common problems reported for the 5 Series relate to the suspension, which account for nearly a third of all warranty repairs. Gearbox problems are the most expensive to fix, but so far they appear to be less common than most other issues.

So if you own or are looking at buying a used BMW 5 Series, it’s certainly worth considering a used car warranty that covers all of the potential trouble spots shown in the charts above.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	38 mpg	D	27 – 46 mpg	C – E
Diesel models	53 mpg	B	40 – 59 mpg	A – D
Plug-in hybrid models	165 mpg	A	135 – 202 mpg	A – A

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	166 g/km	C	142 – 247 g/km	B – D
Diesel models	136 g/km	B	126 – 184 g/km	A – C
Plug-in hybrid models	38 g/km	A	31 – 49 g/km	A – A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	31 miles	E	26 – 37 miles	D – E

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	41	D	30 – 50	C – F

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£287	C
Year 2	£670	C
Year 3	£1,127	C
Year 4	£1,445	C
Year 5	£1,901	C
Overall	£5,430	C

The BMW 5 Series is fairly average when it comes to running costs. Diesel models are quite fuel-efficient for such a large car, althoigh the petrol models are not so good. The plug-in hybrid models look good on paper, but this is largely nonsense due to how the cars are tested. This is not BMW’s fault, but the fault of the EU/UK government testing protocol.

Servicing costs are pretty middle-of-the-road, although it gets quite expensive once the car is more than three years old.