Much like its little brother the 3 Series, the 5 Series gives you those few little things you can't get in the 3 Series. You can still go from mild mannered to all out race machine, but in much more comfort. All the interior refinements are there but you have much more room, especially in the back seat, which your passengers will thank you for.
For 2011 BMW has added the 5 Series Grand Touring, a hatchback/wagon mashup offering those interested even more room than the 5 series already offers. From the front it looks like any other 5 Series, but once around to the back, everything has changed. It's a striking departure from what we have become accustomed to from BMW.Just like the M3, the M5 is the car for those that want to get the whole family to their final destination amazingly quickly but in complete comfort. All inside will enjoy the smooth, comfortable ride, while the driver will especially like the 500 horsepower V-10 begging you to put your right foot down.
The Range
Bodystyles: Sedan, four-door hatchback, wagon
Engines: 3.0L I-6 turbo, 4.4L V-8 twin turbo, 5.0L V-10
Transmissions: 8-speed automatic, 6-speed manual, 6-speed SMG
Models: 535i, 535 GT, 550i, 550 GT, M5
Engines: 3.0L I-6 turbo, 4.4L V-8 twin turbo, 5.0L V-10
Transmissions: 8-speed automatic, 6-speed manual, 6-speed SMG
Models: 535i, 535 GT, 550i, 550 GT, M5
What's New
The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is the first car in its segment to feature EPS Electric Power Steering. Steering assistance is provided by an electric motor activated only when assistance is necessary or desired by the driver. The 528i and xDrive all wheel drive variants of all three models will arrive later in the year.
Exterior
No significant changes to the exterior styling of the 5 Series. Still a clean, modern looking sedan, the massaged sheetmetal gives the new 5 Series a strong, masculine look while maintaining the character the 5 series is known for.
Interior
As with all BMWs, the interior focuses on driver comfort, whether it's a road trip or laps around a track. Seating positions have been improved front and rear, and rear knee-room has increased by half an inch.
Performance & Handling
The 550i is powered by BMW's 4.4-liter, 400 horsepower twin-turbocharged, direct injected V-8 engine. Through its unique reverse-flow layout, the 550i's V-8 engine is able to achieve higher output without correspondingly higher fuel consumption. BMW's newest gasoline inline-6 engine will be the powerplant for the new 535i Sedan. It features a single, twin-scroll turbocharger and 3.0-liters of displacement.
Safety
In the interior, two-stage front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags and curtain-type, front-to-rear head protection are all standard equipment for the 5 Series. The power tilt/telescopic steering column includes a deformation section, improving its ability to protect the driver from structural intrusion into the cabin.
EPA Fuel Economy
535i: 19-20 mpg city/28-29 mpg highway
535 GT: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
550i: 15-17 mpg city/22-25 mpg highway
550 GT: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
M5: 11 mpg city/17 mpg highway
535 GT: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
550i: 15-17 mpg city/22-25 mpg highway
550 GT: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
M5: 11 mpg city/17 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Great styling
- Wide engine range
- Good interior room
You Won't Like
- iDrive, but getting better
- Hefty price tag
2011 BMW 5-Series
Price Range: $45,050 - $66,700 | MPG: 15 city/32 hwy