2021 BMW 5 Series Sedan

The 2021 BMW 5 Series has a base price of $54,200 for the RWD 530i, increasing to $56,500 for the 530i xDrive. The plug-in hybrid 530e costs $57,200 and the 530e xDrive goes for $59,500. However, both these hybrid models could qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $5,836. At mid-range level, the 540i has an MSRP of $59,450 and the 540i xDrive will cost $61,750. Topping the lineup is the M550i xDrive with a price of $76,800. All of these prices exclude the brand's US destination charge of $995. When equipped with every available extra, the BMW 5 Series price - including the delivery charge - climbs to over $100,000 in the case of the M550i.

Last year we tested the most aggressive 5 Series before the M5, the M550i, and wondered if the M5 was actually the best 5 Series to buy for the performance enthusiast. This year, BMW loaned us the mid-range 540i xDrive with its turbocharged straight-six, now aided by a 48-volt electrical system. The straight-six is already a favorite for its responsiveness and smooth power delivery, but the extra juice improves on that sightly while also keeping the fuel economy more consistent. While not the most powerful option, it's still quick and aggressive enough in Sport mode to match the chassis.

The 5 Series is more than happy to carve its way through the curves with style, panache, and carrying more corner speed than its competitors. At its limits, the refined balance of the chassis will still keep the most exuberant drivers satisfied, despite the 5 Series now being a more cosseting car in Eco-Pro or Comfort mode.

Eco-Pro and Comfort mode are where most 540i owners will spend their time, and they will enjoy it. The ride is pliant and refined without feeling floaty, and when mixed with the comfortable and airy cabin, it's a car that will relax you on the way home from work or across long distances.

BMW's 5 Series is still the benchmark for a full-size performance sedan despite losing a tiny bit of its edge. The benefit is an even more superior day-to-day ride with a strong engine and drivetrain selection. Not only is it incredibly comfortable, but it holds onto the 5 Series reputation of being a driver's car. It's also a technophile's car, but BMW has worked hard to make sure everything is easy to use with just a little effort needed to push through the learning curve. Add to that the excellent build quality, and you have an excellent car for those willing to pay the premium. It's still no surprise the BMW 5 Series is the default choice for the executive mid-size sedan.

If it sounds like the car for you, this is about as good as this generation will get. BMW has had time to work out the kinks, and while the updates are by the numbers, it's a solid one - particularly the mild hybrid added to the mid-range models.

The 540i is still the sweet spot in terms of price and in terms of a balance between performance, tech features, and day-to-day economy. As a commuter or for those traveling for work, we would look at adding a few options like the Executive Package for $3,600 to take advantage of things like a head-up display, gesture control, wireless charging, and the Dynamic Handling package for when it's time to take the back road home. You'll still come out spending less than on the M550i, although we recommend performance hounds test drive the M550i before jumping straight into the M5.

Other than the E-Class, the Audi A6 is the other traditional rival of the 5 Series. Much like the BMW, the A6 is a restrained but classy affair, both inside and out. Its highlights include peerless build quality, a serene ride, and an even more high-tech cabin that is mostly devoid of physical knobs and switches. Starting at a similar price point, the base Audi A6 can keep up with the 530i but doesn't have a rear-wheel-drive option as every A6 gets the quattro AWD system. Above this, the 5 Series proves to be the swifter car between these two. To drive, the BMW is a bit sharper by comparison but both manage to blend athletic handling with a calm ride. The cabins are similarly spacious, but the BMW has a slightly larger trunk. It's not easy to separate these two, but the BMW's better performance, better economy, and the availability of that powerful V8 give it the edge.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class underwent its own comprehensive facelift for the 2021 model year. Whether you like the stylistic changes or not will come down to personal taste, but there's no disputing that the E-Class has the most dashing cabin in this class. The dual 12.3-inch screens, plush materials, and classy detailing make the BMW's cabin look decidedly somber. Like the 540i, the mid-range E450 also uses an inline-six engine with electric assistance, but the BMW is quicker and, in RWD form, more efficient. The base model E350 and the more expensive E53 AMG are both slower than the equivalent 5 Series. To drive, the E-Class is immensely comfortable while the 5 Series encourages you to push it a bit harder. In most cases, the margins between these two are so slim that brand preference will likely be the deciding factor.