2024 BMW 5 Series

BMW’s sedans and SUVs regularly earn CR’s recommendations for packing industry-leading comfort and technology into vehicles that are agile, quick, and even fuel efficient. Among luxury brands like Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Lincoln, and Land Rover, BMW’s SUVs often rank near the top of their category. Models like the X5 are remarkable for having powertrains that accelerate quickly while also managing above-average fuel efficiency. Some BMWs can be bought as plug-in hybrids, with useful electric-only range, or in performance trims, with more powerful engines and stiffer suspensions. BMW’s growing roster of EVs also generally rank high in our tests. Like most luxury cars from European manufacturers, BMWs fall on the expensive side of our assessments of maintenance and repair costs, but some specific models are a good option to buy used. However, shoppers considering a preowned BMW should opt for warranties or budget for repairs.

The redesigned 5 Series is larger than its predecessor, and has lightly smoothed-out styling. For the first time ever, the 5 Series is available with both gasoline and all-electric powertrains. Gasoline engine options are either a 255-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a 375-hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The single-motor i5 eDrive40 produces 335 hp, and the two-motor M60 xDrive makes 590 hp. BMW estimated 295 miles of driving range for the rear-wheel drive, and up to 256 miles for the all-wheel drive. The interior is luxurious and high-tech, and features an all-digital instrument display and a massive 14.9-inch center touchscreen. The back seat and trunk are generously sized. A full suite of active safety and driver assistance features is standard. Updates for 2025 include a new M5 Touring model that's powered by a 4.4-liter, 717-hp, plug-in hybrid V8. "Touring" is BMW-speak for wagon. BMW claims this hot rod wagon will deliver about 25 miles of all-electric driving.