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Performance: | 9.1 |
The 2018 BMW 5 Series emphasizes comfort, but that doesn't mean it’s a listless sedan. Its handling is light and engaging, and all six of its powertrains are exciting (especially the new M5’s 600-horsepower V8).
There are six different power plants available in the 5 Series for 2018. No matter which one you go with, you'll be rewarded with brisk acceleration and refined performance. All trims come with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission and have paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
The base 530i model has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 248-horsepower rating. For extra oomph, BMW powers the 540i with a 335-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. The 540d has a 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder with 261 horsepower. The performance-tuned M550i and M5 both come with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine. The M550i generates 456 horsepower; the M5 produces 600 horsepower. BMW also offers a plug-in hybrid trim, the 530e. Its hybrid powertrain combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a single electric motor to make 248 horsepower.
Fuel economy with the base 530i is one of the highest among luxury midsize sedans, at 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The 530e plug-in hybrid can drive about 16 miles in all-electric mode and gets 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The EPA rating for the 540i is 20 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway. The M550i gets 16/25 mpg city/highway and the M5 gets just 15/21 mpg.
Half of the 5 Series' trims have standard rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is standard in the 540d, M550i, and M5 trims – and available in all other trims for $2,300. On the road, the well-tuned steering and suspension make the 5 Series a pleasure to drive, and its handling provides a comfortable ride in a nimble package. You can also adjust how the 5 Series handles using the Driving Dynamics Control, which offers Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport modes.
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