The BMW 5 Series has long been a symbol of executive luxury and driving pleasure, serving as a benchmark in the midsize luxury sedan segment. For 2024, BMW has introduced a thoroughly updated 5 Series that blends cutting-edge technology with timeless elegance, ensuring that it remains a top contender in a highly competitive market. Whether you prioritize performance, comfort, or the latest tech features, the 2024 BMW 5 Series offers something for everyone.
Design and Exterior
The 2024 BMW 5 Series carries forward the brand’s signature design language while introducing modern elements that give it a fresh and dynamic appearance. The exterior is sleek and sophisticated, with clean lines and a well-proportioned body that exudes confidence.
At the front, the 2024 5 Series features a larger, more prominent kidney grille that is flanked by sharp LED headlights with BMW’s signature L-shaped daytime running lights. These headlights are adaptive, with the option for BMW’s Laserlight technology, which offers superior visibility and a striking blue accent within the light housing.
The side profile of the 5 Series showcases its elongated silhouette, emphasizing the car’s executive nature. The roofline gently slopes towards the rear, where it meets a set of LED taillights that wrap around the sides of the car, creating a cohesive and stylish look. The rear bumper is clean and understated, with integrated exhaust outlets that add a touch of sportiness.
Aerodynamics play a significant role in the design of the 2024 5 Series. Active air flaps, air curtains, and a nearly flat underbody work together to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. The car is available with a range of wheel designs, from 18-inch to 20-inch options, each contributing to the overall aesthetics and performance.
Buyers can choose from a variety of exterior colors, including classic shades like Alpine White and Jet Black, as well as more dynamic options like Tanzanite Blue and Aventurine Red. For those looking to make an even bolder statement, the M Sport package adds sportier design elements, including more aggressive front and rear bumpers, blacked-out trim, and larger wheels.
Interior and Technology
Stepping inside the 2024 BMW 5 Series reveals an interior that perfectly balances luxury, technology, and functionality. The cabin is spacious and meticulously crafted, with high-quality materials used throughout. The design is clean and driver-focused, ensuring that all controls are within easy reach and intuitive to use.
The seats in the 5 Series are designed for comfort on long journeys, with multi-way power adjustments, heating, and available ventilation. The available Nappa leather upholstery adds a touch of luxury, while the standard synthetic leather is both durable and comfortable. Rear seat passengers are also treated to generous legroom and headroom, making the 5 Series a viable option for those who frequently carry passengers.
At the heart of the 2024 5 Series’ interior is the BMW Curved Display, which seamlessly integrates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch central touchscreen. This dual-screen setup is powered by BMW’s latest iDrive 8 operating system, offering a highly responsive and customizable interface. The system includes features like natural voice control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and navigation with real-time traffic information.
In addition to the central touchscreen, the 5 Series offers a range of physical controls for key functions, ensuring that drivers can operate essential features without being distracted. The iDrive controller, located on the center console, provides an alternative way to navigate the system, especially useful when driving.
The 2024 5 Series also introduces advanced driver assistance features, including an updated version of BMW’s Driving Assistant Professional, which offers semi-autonomous driving capabilities on highways. The system can handle steering, acceleration, and braking in certain conditions, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys.
For audiophiles, the 5 Series offers an available Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, which delivers an immersive audio experience. Other notable interior features include ambient lighting with customizable colors, a panoramic sunroof, and a four-zone climate control system that ensures comfort for all passengers.
Performance and Powertrain Options
The 2024 BMW 5 Series continues to offer a range of powertrains to suit different driving preferences, from efficient four-cylinder engines to powerful six-cylinder options. Each engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth and responsive shifts.
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530i and 530i xDrive
The entry-level 530i is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides a good balance between performance and efficiency, with the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 5.9 seconds. The 530i is available with either rear-wheel drive or BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the latter offering enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions.
540i and 540i xDrive
For those seeking more power, the 540i is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine with BMW’s mild-hybrid technology. This setup generates 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, allowing the 540i to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. The mild-hybrid system adds a 48-volt starter-generator that provides additional torque during acceleration and improves fuel efficiency by allowing the engine to shut off during coasting.
550i xDrive
At the top of the non-M lineup is the 550i xDrive, which features a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivers exhilarating performance, with a 0 to 60 mph time of just 3.6 seconds. The 550i comes standard with xDrive, providing the necessary traction to handle the immense power.
Plug-in Hybrid: 545e xDrive
For eco-conscious buyers, the 2024 5 Series also offers a plug-in hybrid variant, the 545e xDrive. This model pairs the 3.0-liter inline-6 engine with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 389 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. The 545e can travel up to 30 miles on electric power alone, making it an ideal choice for those with short commutes or those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Driving Dynamics
The 2024 BMW 5 Series continues to deliver the engaging driving dynamics that BMW is known for, with a focus on both comfort and performance. The car’s chassis is well-balanced, providing a smooth ride on highways while remaining composed in corners. The available Adaptive M Suspension allows drivers to adjust the damping characteristics to suit their preferences, whether they prioritize comfort or sportiness.
The steering is precise and responsive, offering good feedback and making the 5 Series easy to maneuver in various driving conditions. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system, available on most models, enhances the car’s stability and traction, particularly in inclement weather. For those seeking the ultimate in driving dynamics, the M Sport package adds sport-tuned suspension, a more aggressive steering setup, and larger brakes.
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Efficiency and Fuel Economy
Given the range of powertrains available, the 2024 BMW 5 Series offers a variety of fuel efficiency figures to suit different needs. The 530i models are the most efficient, with EPA ratings of around 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway for the rear-wheel-drive version. The 540i, with its mild-hybrid system, achieves slightly lower figures, but still offers respectable efficiency given its performance capabilities.
The 545e plug-in hybrid is the most efficient option overall, especially for those who can take advantage of its electric-only range. When driven in hybrid mode, the 545e can achieve over 60 MPGe, making it an attractive option for those looking to minimize fuel consumption.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Safety is a top priority for the 2024 BMW 5 Series, which comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard and available driver assistance features. Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The available Driving Assistance Professional package adds more advanced features, such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane-keeping assist, and traffic jam assist. This package also includes an updated version of BMW’s Active Driving Assistant, which provides semi-autonomous driving capabilities on highways.
Additionally, the 5 Series offers an available 360-degree camera system, which provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier. The car also includes an advanced airbag system, active headrests, and a rigid body structure designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision.
Pricing and Competition
The 2024 BMW 5 Series is positioned as a premium midsize luxury sedan, and its pricing reflects its status as a high-end vehicle. The base 530i starts at around $58,000, while the more powerful 540i begins at approximately $63,000. The plug-in hybrid 545e xDrive starts at around $65,000, while the range-topping 550i xDrive is priced from about $78,000. Fully loaded with options, the 5 Series can reach well into the $90,000 range.
In the competitive luxury sedan segment, the 2024 BMW 5 Series faces stiff competition from several rivals. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is perhaps its closest competitor, offering a similarly refined driving experience and a range of powerful engine options. The Audi A6 is another strong contender, known for its advanced technology and Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The Lexus ES offers a more comfort-oriented alternative, with a focus on reliability.