2022 BMW 5 Series Sedan Review: Less Pointy, More Cushy
When it comes to German executive sedans, there has always been strong competition amongst the big German families: BMW with its 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz with the E-Class, and Audi with the A6 Sedan. For fans of high-performance driving, the BMW has always been the only choice, but it would seem that the seventh-generation 5 Series has lost a bit of its edge in favor of comfort. Don't get us wrong, it's still a joy to drive, and the M550i with its 523-horsepower V8 engine is an absolute riot, but it's clear that BMW's priorities are shifting. The lineup for 2022 covers everything from the tamer 248-hp base model to the 288-hp plug-in hybrid and the banging V8 mentioned above, and all of these are refined and pleasant to spend time in. And, for better or for worse, this is still a charming car to drive.
2022 5 Series Sedan Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 195.8 in | 117.1 in | 58.2 in | 73.5 in | 63.2 in | 64.0 in | 3,898.0 lbs |
2022 5 Series Sedan Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
BMW proudly boasts about the superior handling of its cars, and the 5 Series has set the benchmark for executive sedans in the past, but the unfortunate truth is that the 2022 BMW 5 Series isn't the standout athlete its predecessors were. All models come with BMW's driving dynamics control with various driving modes, double-wishbone multi-link aluminum front suspension, and integral-V multi-link aluminum rear suspension. For the M550i, there's an available Dynamic Handling Package that will add active roll stabilization, the Adaptive M Suspension Professional system, and active steering for even more composed handling. A more basic version of this package is available for 540i models.
The overall driving impression is good, and it's clear that BMW has spent a lot of time making sure that the 5 Series is a comfortable car around town and a stealth bomber on the highway, but we cannot help but feel as if BMW has forgotten to make it fun to drive. The steering is light, and the 5 Series is eager to change direction, but there is little feedback from the wheel, and the general sense is that this car has been tuned for comfort and not for enthusiastic driving. Even the M550i, with its upgraded chassis, feels more like a luxury car than an all-out sports sedan. Sure, you still get the M5, but the 5 Series has always been fun to drive, no matter the trim badge on the rear end.
2022 5 Series Sedan Interior
2022 5 Series Sedan Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Hybrid/Electric Components | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 8 Years / 80,000 Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2022 BMW 5 Series Sedan A Good car?
The BMW 5 Series has for a long time been the benchmark against which a multitude of manufacturers compare their executive sedan offerings. For 2022, the BMW 5 Series comes with an impressive range of engine options, stretching from turbocharged four-cylinders to plug-in hybrids and even a turbocharged V8. No matter which engine choice you go for, the 5 Series offers impressive performance, but we have to say that we feel it has lost a bit of the sharpness and eagerness to please in the corners, something it has been famous for in the past.
That being said, it's not an unpleasant experience in the least. There is ample luxury and comfort, and despite being slightly less thrilling behind the wheel, it is still good to drive and is packed with all the latest tech. And, since comfort is the focus here, it makes for an excellent daily driver or long-distance companion. You can't go wrong here.
2022 BMW 5 Series Sedan Comparisons
2022 BMW 5 Series Sedan vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has settled into its 2021 facelift and is still as good-looking and capable as ever. From the outside, the E-Class is the more attractive car to look at and in base guise offers more power. BMW has done a better job with its overall engine offering however; the E-Class is only offered with two non-AMG gas engines. The E450 4MATIC produces a healthy 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, which is significantly more than the 540i but costs the same. Inside, the E-Class has a more expressive interior that features flowing lines and high-quality materials. The trunk in the Merc is a little smaller, but you still get a ton of standard tech and excellent safety tech. The E-Class is a true executive car in the way that it prioritizes comfort over driver enjoyment. If you're after a good time, get the BMW, but if you're after comfort, the Mercedes takes it.
2022 BMW 5 Series Sedan vs BMW 3 Series Sedan
The BMW 3 Series famously sits below the 5 Series in BMW's hierarchy and is classified as a compact executive car. The 3 Series is significantly smaller, measuring 185.7 inches in length versus the 5 Series' length of 195.8 inches, and rolls on a 112.2-inch wheelbase instead of the 117.1-inch base of the 5 Series. The 330i sedan is powered by a similar 2.0T engine. Still, it produces more power in the 3, and the M340i, powered by a similar turbocharged inline-six as found in the 540i, also delivers significantly more power at 382 hp and 369 lb-ft. Rear- and all-wheel drive options are available. These cars look and feel similar from the inside out, with the 5 Series offering some improved features. However, the 3 Series is the more entertaining car to drive and would be our choice, unless you need the extra space provided in the 5 Series.