Vehicle photos
Our Review
The 2021 BMW 5-series is the perfect combination of luxury, technology, and safety, providing drivers with a sophisticated driving experience. With a sharper exterior design, unparalleled interior craftsmanship, and innovative technologies throughout, this year's iteration has been redesigned to provide drivers with a first-class luxury experience. The 2021 BMW 5 Series also boasts an enhanced powertrain, highlighted by the M550i's monster twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8, as well as advanced safety features for keeping drivers and their passengers secure. Additionally, BMW offers a wide range of customization options so owners can tailor the vehicle to their specific tastes and preferences. But to truly understand how irresistible this car is from top to bottom - let's dive into what sets it apart from competitors in its segment.
What's New for 2021
For 2021, the 5-series is completely refreshed with a 48-volt hybrid powertrain, an expanded 12.3-inch infotainment system, and advanced driver assistance features to keep you safe while on the go. The 540i is the prime selection in the 5-series lineup, providing a harmonious blend of performance and comfort. This model has rear-wheel drive as standard equipment, but all-wheel drive is available for about $2,000 more.
The 2021 BMW 5-Series comes with two engine choices. The 530i is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. For those looking for something more powerful, the 540i gets a bit of a boost featuring a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbocharged engine that churns out 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. For those who truly want to experience the might of this luxury car, the top-dog M550i trim level comes with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that produces a staggering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. All three engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers a smooth and efficient ride. Although all 5-series BMW models demonstrate proficient handling, they still lack the dynamic driving experience that we've come to expect from the brand. The steering feels detached with light feedback, while even in the performance-tuned M550i model, it appears that comfort is prioritized over a thrilling ride.
Fuel Economy
According to the EPA, the four-cylinder 530i can reach 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The six-cylinder 540i offers up to 25mpg in the city and 32mpg on the freeway; however, if you opt for the V8 M550i those numbers lower to 17/25 respectively. Fortunately, real-world testing by Caranddriver.com proves that all three models exceeded expectations as they attained 34mpg from the 530e , 31 with a 540I, and 28 MPG with an M550I. For more information about fuel efficiency visit their website: https://www3.epa.gov/.
The interior of the 2021 BMW 5-Series is luxuriously appointed with leather upholstery and wood trim accents throughout the cabin for an upscale feel. The cabin is roomy, especially for passengers in the back, and it is packed with an incredible amount of technology. Depending on the model, passengers can choose between 20-way multi-contour seats or 16 standard adjustable seats—the former offering maximum comfort and flexibility. A generous six carry-on suitcases can be stored in the trunk - four in the hybrid 530e in order to accommodate the battery pack. In spite of the increased cargo space in the non-hybrid models, the lack of cubbies and storage compartments is noticeable. Year after year, BMW delivers refined interior designs adorned with top-of-the-line materials and cutting-edge technology.

With its 12.3-inch high-resolution display, the 2021 5-series offers a luxurious take on digital innovation that can be operated via voice commands, BMW's iDrive rotary knob or tapping the screen. BMW is constantly looking for ways to shrink the number of physical buttons on their cars, leaving more controls to be managed by the iDrive system. While it takes some time to get used to, once you wrap your head around all the available options and customizations, navigating through the iDrive menus becomes second nature. Gesture Control is an optional upgrade that lets you control it through hand gestures, but it's slightly underwhelming. The optional surround-view camera system and parking assistant are highly recommended, adding a level of convenience you have to experience yourself. Furthermore, the 5-Series model includes Bluetooth audio streaming capabilities, a USB port, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, as well as SiriusXM radio if you opt to pay extra.

The 5-series is loaded with a plethora of driver assistance features, plus optional technology including navigation and semi-autonomous driving mode. BMW's safety assistance features work brilliantly—the adaptive cruise maintains a tight gap behind cars ahead and the brakes stop hard yet smoothly when needed. Its crash test ratings are among the highest in its class, as reported by both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Key safety features include:

BMW's warranty and complimentary scheduled maintenance are on par with the industry average, however, they do not offer as comprehensive coverage when compared to what you'd find in the Jaguar XF. Specifically, their limited warranty covers a period of four years or 50,000 miles and their powertrain warranty also covers that same time frame. Complimentary scheduled maintenance gets you three years or 36,000 miles of protection.

Price Comparison
Vehicle Rating
Recalls, Complaints and Safety Issues

Issue:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.Issue:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible (430i, M440i), BMW X1 sDrive28i, xDrive28i, 2 Series Gran Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i xDrive), M2 Competition Coupe, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, M3 Competition, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, CooperS, JCW), X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X2 M35i, Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper SE), MINI Convertible (Cooper, Cooper S, JCW), MINI Clubman (Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW), MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), Rolls Royce Ghost, MINI Countryman (Cooper S E All4), Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, and Toyota Supra vehicles. The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."Remedy:
Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractors (including the seat belts) and, if necessary, replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417; 1-866-825-1525 (MINI); 1-877-877-3735 (Rolls Royce); and 1-888-270-9371 (Toyota).Issue:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.Issue:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.Issue:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive and 2021 740Li xDrive vehicles. The output shafts (left/right) which transfer power from the driveshaft to the rear wheels may break due to a heat treatment error during supplier production.Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the output shaft(s), free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.Issue:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.Issue:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible (430i, M440i), BMW X1 sDrive28i, xDrive28i, 2 Series Gran Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i xDrive), M2 Competition Coupe, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, M3 Competition, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, CooperS, JCW), X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X2 M35i, Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper SE), MINI Convertible (Cooper, Cooper S, JCW), MINI Clubman (Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW), MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), Rolls Royce Ghost, MINI Countryman (Cooper S E All4), Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, and Toyota Supra vehicles. The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."Remedy:
Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractors (including the seat belts) and, if necessary, replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417; 1-866-825-1525 (MINI); 1-877-877-3735 (Rolls Royce); and 1-888-270-9371 (Toyota).Issue:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.Issue:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.Issue:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive and 2021 740Li xDrive vehicles. The output shafts (left/right) which transfer power from the driveshaft to the rear wheels may break due to a heat treatment error during supplier production.Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the output shaft(s), free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.Issue:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.Issue:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.Remedy:
BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Vehicle Specifications
- Alpine White
- Black Sapphire Metallic
- Bluestone Metallic
- Glacier Silver Metallic
- Phytonic Blue Metallic
- Bernina Grey Amber Effect
- Jet Black
- Mineral White Metallic
- Dark Graphite Metallic
- Carbon Black Metallic
- Black Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
- Cognac Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
- Cognac SensaTec, leatherette
- Black Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
- Ivory White Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
- Mocha Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
- Ivory White Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
- Canberra Beige SensaTec, leatherette
- Black SensaTec, leatherette
- Alpine White
- Black Sapphire Metallic
- Bluestone Metallic
- Glacier Silver Metallic
- Phytonic Blue Metallic
- Bernina Grey Amber Effect
- Jet Black
- Mineral White Metallic
- Dark Graphite Metallic
- Carbon Black Metallic
- Black Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
- Cognac Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
- Cognac SensaTec, leatherette
- Black Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
- Ivory White Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
- Mocha Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
- Ivory White Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
- Canberra Beige SensaTec, leatherette
- Black SensaTec, leatherette
- Alpine White
- Black Sapphire Metallic
- Bluestone Metallic
- Glacier Silver Metallic
- Phytonic Blue Metallic
- Bernina Grey Amber Effect
- Jet Black
- Mineral White Metallic
- Dark Graphite Metallic
- Carbon Black Metallic
- Black Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
- Cognac Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
- Cognac SensaTec, leatherette
- Black Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
- Ivory White Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
- Mocha Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
- Ivory White Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
- Canberra Beige SensaTec, leatherette
- Black SensaTec, leatherette
- Alpine White
- Black Sapphire Metallic
- Bluestone Metallic
- Glacier Silver Metallic
- Phytonic Blue Metallic
- Bernina Grey Amber Effect
- Jet Black
- Mineral White Metallic
- Dark Graphite Metallic
- Carbon Black Metallic
- Black Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
- Cognac Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
- Cognac SensaTec, leatherette
- Black Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
- Ivory White Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
- Mocha Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
- Ivory White Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
- Canberra Beige SensaTec, leatherette
- Black SensaTec, leatherette
- Alpine White
- Black Sapphire Metallic
- Bluestone Metallic
- Phytonic Blue Metallic
- Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
- (Ind) Aventurin Red Metallic
- Bernina Grey Amber Effect
- Dark Graphite Metallic
- Carbon Black Metallic
- Black Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
- Cognac Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
- Black Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
- Ivory White Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
- Mocha Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
- Ivory White Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
- Alpine White
- Black Sapphire Metallic
- Bluestone Metallic
- Glacier Silver Metallic
- Phytonic Blue Metallic
- Bernina Grey Amber Effect
- Jet Black
- Mineral White Metallic
- Dark Graphite Metallic
- Carbon Black Metallic
- Black Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
- Cognac Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
- Cognac SensaTec, leatherette
- Black Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
- Ivory White Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
- Mocha Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
- Ivory White Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
- Canberra Beige SensaTec, leatherette
- Black SensaTec, leatherette
- Alpine White
- Black Sapphire Metallic
- Bluestone Metallic
- Glacier Silver Metallic
- Phytonic Blue Metallic
- Bernina Grey Amber Effect
- Jet Black
- Mineral White Metallic
- Dark Graphite Metallic
- Carbon Black Metallic
- Black Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
- Cognac Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
- Cognac SensaTec, leatherette
- Black Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
- Ivory White Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
- Mocha Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
- Ivory White Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
- Canberra Beige SensaTec, leatherette
- Black SensaTec, leatherette