2020 BMW 5 Series Sedan Review: Quintessential Midsize Luxury

BMW's venerable 5 Series executive sedan was introduced in its current, seventh generation in 2017, which means the time has arrived for a mid-cycle update. With such esteemed rivals as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6, the revisions ensure that the 5 Series maintains its lofty position in the segment. Much like other modern BMW sedans, the 5 Series has traded some of its famed dynamism for increased refinement and ride comfort. While this remains a controversial aspect of a car sporting the BMW badge, there's nothing controversial about the way the 5 Series performs, with everything from the 530i to the 523-horsepower M550i delivering superb acceleration. The handsome and spacious cabin remains a highlight and now receives several technological upgrades seen in newer BMWs, one of them being the Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster. While some competitors may offer more flair inside and out, the 5 Series is an outstandingly accomplished executive sedan with few vices, and remains a top choice in the segment.

What's the Price of The 2020 BMW 5 Series Sedan?

The most affordable route to 5 Series ownership is the 530i, which carries a base price of $53,900. This price is exclusive of tax, licensing registration, and a destination and handling charge of $995. Next is the mid-range 540i at an MSRP of $59,450. Topping the range is the fully-loaded M550i xDrive at an MSRP of $76,650. xDrive all-wheel-drive is available on both the 530i and 540i for an additional $2,300.

Handling and Driving Impressions

Yes, a BMW 5 Series can still carve its way through a series of acute bends with more control and while carrying greater speeds than many of its competitors. Current generations remain supremely engineered machines - it's just that it doesn't thrill in the same fashion as older BMWs once did. In our test drive, the electronically assisted steering felt muted, offering minimal feedback. However, buyers seeking ultimate refinement and that feeling of stark isolation from the outside world will appreciate it. A lack of feel aside, there is plenty of grip on offer, and oversteer only comes into play at far higher velocities than most will indulge in. There are three driving modes: Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport, with the latter adding a bit more heft to the helm, although actual feedback remains lacking.

The upside of the current suspension configuration is that the 5 Series is a properly cosseting executive sedan, with a pliant and controlled ride quality that is wonderfully relaxing when covering long distances. Typically well-damped, the suspension resists the floatiness that besets some luxury sedans. Even in the sportier M550i, this is evidently a car tuned more for comfort than thrilling dynamics.

Verdict: Is the G30 Generation 5 Series A Good car?

Despite SUVs accounting for a larger percentage of BMW sales in the USA than ever before, the marque continues to deliver outstanding luxury sedans and the 2020 BMW 5 Series is no different. While this isn't a car that bowls you over the first time you see it, it's the 5 Series' remarkably consistent spread of abilities that position it at the top of the class. Not only is it supremely comfortable, but it still corners with confidence. While the interior is now a feast for technophiles, most of it remains easy and natural to use. Add in those superb powertrains, the exemplary build quality, and enough space for the family, and it's easy to see why the BMW remains a default choice in this segment. While the privilege doesn't come cheaply - and accomplished rivals like the cutting-edge Audi A6 and opulent Mercedes-Benz E-Class are deserving of consideration - the 5 Series is one of BMW's best efforts, and this latest mid-cycle update only adds to its appeal.

What BMW 5 Series Sedan Model Should I Buy?

The BMW 540i Series' price places it in the sweet spot of the 5 Series range. Offering all the performance you could ever need from that creamy turbocharged six-pot, it is also over $17,000 cheaper than the M550i. By adding the executive package and one or two tempting standalone features such as the fabulous multi-contour seats, upgraded Nappa leather, and the Harman Kardon sound system, you'll still come in at more than $10,000 below the M550i's starting price. At the lower end of the range, the 530i is also an exceptional executive sedan, and its lower price leaves even more room to play with when delving into the options list.

2020 BMW 5 Series Sedan Comparisons

2020 BMW 5 Series Sedan vs BMW 3 Series Sedan

At an earlier stage in its life cycle than the 5 Series, the all-new BMW 3 Series is the more modern-looking and aggressive of the two. An equivalent 330i is also over $12,000 less expensive than the 530i. However, with its latest raft of tech upgrades, the 5 Series now offers the same level of functionality found in the 3. The 3 Series is the more agile handler of the two, but the 5 Series offers a much smoother ride. While the 3 Series has an edgier and more interesting cabin design, it also can't match the 5 Series for material quality. If comfort and a more sedate driving experience are high on your list of priorities, the 5 Series remains worth the extra cost over its younger brother.

2020 BMW 5 Series Sedan vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan

These arch rivals are more evenly matched than ever before. While both are conservatively styled, the E-Class' cabin boasts a greater sense of occasion, although actual quality is on par with the 5 Series. The Benz's expansive dual-screen infotainment and instrumentation setup is certainly striking, but the BMW's ergonomics are superior. Both are spacious, provide exceptional performance, and are packed with the latest technologies. However, the 5 Series provides a better ride and handling balance in comparison, especially since the E-Class rides a bit too stiffly on its standard suspension. The E-Class also has the smaller trunk capacity of the two. Still, both represent the cream of the mid-size sedan crop, and brand loyalists of each are unlikely to be swayed.