2023 BMW 5 Series

History/Overview

Every time the BMW 5 Series’ contract comes up for renewal, we find ourselves waiting for the inevitable news that it has been canned on account of slow sales. But this quietly confident mid-size sedan looks set to morph into an all-new generation in 2024, meaning we get a few more years to enjoy its conventional shape, spacious interior, and range of powertrains.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

The 5 Series moves into 2023 with no changes.

Available Trims

BMW offers the 5 Series in 530i, 530e, 540i, and M550i configurations, each of which is built around its own powertrain. 530 models use a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine that adds plug-in hybrid power in the 530e. The 540i gets a 3.0L turbo six-cylinder, and the M550i uses a turbo 4.4L V8. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are included across the board.

Standard Features

The 530i and 530e come with 19-inch alloy wheels, remote engine start, auto-dimming/power-folding side mirrors, and adaptive LED headlights. Inside, there’s leatherette upholstery, a heated steering wheel, a sunroof, heated front seats, ambient lighting, dual-zone A/C, 12-speaker audio, digital gauges, and iDrive infotainment. The standard safety package includes front and rear parking sensors, forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring.

540i gains a 48-volt mild hybrid system, passive keyless entry, leather upholstery, satellite radio, and an M Sport package.

The M550i’s additions are 20-inch wheels, sport-tuned brakes and differential, adaptive suspension, a power trunk, head-up display, gesture control, and some aerodynamic tweaks.

Key Options

An advanced driver assistance package adds highway driving and traffic jam assists.

The premium essential package brings a power trunk, passive keyless entry, head-up display, and a rear-seat pass-through. A premium enhanced pack gets a drive recorder, massaging front seats, surround-view cameras, and soft-close doors. A premium excellence upgrade adds an ambient air ionizer, display key, laser headlights, Nappa leather dash trim, and remote parking.

A rear comfort bundle brings four-zone A/C, heated rear seats, and rear sunshades.

M550i options include laser headlights, and an M Sport Pro appearance pack.

Fuel Economy

BMW’s fuel consumption estimates are 10.1/7.5 L/100 km (city/highway)in the 530i, and 10.5/8.1 in 540i models. The M550i is rated for 14.0/9.5 L/100 km. BMW hasn’t published 2023 figures for the plug-in 530e, but last year’s numbers are 10.5/8.4 L/100 km (city/highway) in hybrid mode, and 3.8 Le/100 km on electricity. BMW promises up to 31 km of battery driving range.

Competition

Cross-shop the 5 Series against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Genesis G80, Audi A6, Lexus ES, and Volvo S90.