2008 BMW 5-Series vs. Its Competition

2008 BMW 5-Series 4-door Sports Wagon 535xiT AWD Angular Front Exterior View

Meta Rating 8 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

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Marty Padgett is High Gear Media's Editorial Director, overseeing the words that skim across High Gear Media's portfolio of automotive destinations... More

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Jul 8, 2008

The 2008 BMW 5-Series's chief competitor, the E-Class, has more of an emphasis on comfort than the 5, with a roomier-feeling interior and a softer ride.

The A6 also feels a bit more spacious and comfort-oriented, but its performance--especially from the available 4.2-liter V-8--doesn't come close to matching that of the 550i's 4.8-liter V-8.

None of the competition offers a manual transmission either.

The Cadillac STS brings plenty of high-tech options and respectable performance, but it doesn't have the prestige of the 5-Series.

There's also the Infiniti M35 and M45, which bring brisk performance and some rival high-tech features such as a lane-departure system, but their cabins aren't as quiet and refined as those of the 5-Series models.

2008 BMW 5-Series Browse Used Listings	2009 Cadillac STS Browse Used Listings	2008 Audi A6 Browse Used Listings	2008 Mercedes-Benz E Class Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8 The 5-Series sedans and wagons aren't the most practical or the best values in their class, but they're very enjoyable to drive.	7.6 The 2009 Cadillac STS isn’t a standout for looks, but you’ll appreciate the way it drives.	8.6 The 2008 Audi A6 has plenty of competition, but its graceful look and feel set it apart from more brutal German and more clinical Japanese iron.	8 If you appreciate luxury and complex engineering solutions, then you'll love the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
MSRP From
$44,600	$46,845	$42,950	$51,200
Gas Mileage
11 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy	16 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy	12 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I6	Gas V6	Gas V6	Gas V6
EPA Class
Mid-Size	Mid-Size	Midsize	Mid-Size
Style Name
4dr Sedan 528i RWD	4dr Sedan V6 RWD w/1SA	4dr Sedan 3.2L FrontTrak Ltd Avail	4dr Sedan Luxury 3.5L RWD
Drivetrain
Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan
Transmission
Manual	Automatic	Automatic CVT	Automatic w/OD