For With the right options, the BMW 5 Series strikes just the right balance between comfort, refinement and dynamic excellence. The interior is plush and feels suitably expensive.

Against If you don’t add the right options, the Five is very disappointing to drive. Those options aren’t cheap, either.

BMW 5 Series Saloon

What Car? says

5 out of 5 stars

A classy, spacious and refined executive saloon with low running costs and excellent engines. It's just a pity the standard car isn't better to drive.

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There are 19 BMW 5 Series versions available

BMW 5 Series Saloon 520d SE 4dr £30,030
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 5 Series Saloon 520d Efficient Dynamics 4dr £30,435
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 5 Series Saloon 520i SE 4dr £31,190
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
BMW 5 Series Saloon 520d M Sport 4dr £33,330
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 5 Series Saloon 528i SE 4dr £33,610
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
BMW 5 Series Saloon 520i M Sport 4dr £34,490
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
BMW 5 Series Saloon 525d SE 4dr £35,135
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
BMW 5 Series Saloon 530i SE 4dr £35,395
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
BMW 5 Series Saloon 528i M Sport 4dr £36,910
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
BMW 5 Series Saloon 525d M Sport 4dr £38,435
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
BMW 5 Series Saloon 530i M Sport 4dr £38,695
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
BMW 5 Series Saloon 530d SE 4dr £38,780
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 5 Series Saloon 535i SE S/S 4dr £38,940
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
BMW 5 Series Saloon 530d M Sport 4dr £42,115
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 5 Series Saloon 535i M Sport S/S 4dr £42,240
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 5 Series Saloon 535d SE 4dr £44,290
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
BMW 5 Series Saloon 535d M Sport 4dr £47,590
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
BMW 5 Series Saloon 550i SE 4dr £53,080
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 5 Series Saloon 550i M Sport 4dr £55,890
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
5 Series Our pick

BMW 5 Series Saloon 520d Efficient Dynamics 4dr

The most cost-effective and desirable executive car on the market.

What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
Read review

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

Enthusiasts will argue that you buy a BMW for its driving prowess, which means a powerful engine is essential.

The 535i, 550i and the mighty M5 will deliver all the thrills you need, but the Five will mainly be bought by pragmatists rather than enthusiasts – that’s why the incredible 520d ED is the best option.

The relatively small diesel engine will average almost 63mpg, and if you're a company car driver, the CO2 output of just 119g/km places the car in a low tax bracket. The fact is, though, that every engine in the range is among the most efficient of its type.

One more thing – on SE and M Sport versions, the standard suspension gives a lumpy ride and disappointing handling. We’d recommend adding some options, although they’re a bit pricey. Four-cylinder models can be had with Variable Damper Control, while six-cylinder models can be had with the all-singing Adaptive Drive system. In both cases, they’re money well spent.

Reader test team says:

BMW 5 Series Saloon 530d SE 4dr

I recently bought this car after owning a 320d SE…

Sandip patel

5 out of 5 stars

BMW 5 Series Saloon 520d SE 4dr

520d SE 4dr sports auto with VDC. Only had the car…

John Franklin

4 out of 5 stars

BMW 5 Series Saloon 535d SE 4dr

After 5 months/11,000 miles I`m delighted with my…

Mark Lewis

5 out of 5 stars

BMW 5 Series Saloon 530d SE Auto 4dr

530d se Sports Auto . 6 months old and 22,000…

Graeme Southern

5 out of 5 stars
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