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2011 BMW 5-Series Photo

2011 BMW 5-Series - Review

MSRP: $45,050 - $62,500 Get FREE Price Quotes
 
Bottom Line
The new 2011 BMW 5-Series might be a conservative evolution in terms of styling and design, but it’s a quite radical one with regard to how BMW’s most important model drives.
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The Basics:

The BMW 5-Series mid-size sport sedan has been completely redesigned for 2011, and it's more of a driver’s car than the outgoing 2010 5-Series—or most other mid-size luxury sedans—while still upping the technology ante and not forgetting about the comfort and luxury that matters.

There's no wagon version of the 5-Series model this time around; instead, the striking 5-Series Gran Turismo blends some station wagon and SUV cues into a shape that's not quite sedan or crossover. In the Gran Turismo, the elevated backseat space is excellent—limousine-like by most accounts—and the tailgate can be opened in two different ways. Powertrains for the GranTurismo are essentially the same, but a different suspension setup means it doesn't handle nearly as well as the 5-Series sedan.

Despite being predictably conservative with the 5-Series, BMW has made the new model feel a little sportier and more expressive than the 5-Series it’s replacing. When you take advantage of all of the technical achievements that are available with the Sport Package or as options—you don’t have to drive fast or aggressively to enjoy them—you get a true sport sedan that will greatly satisfy you, your passengers, and your inner tech geek.

Likes:

  • De-Bangled lines
  • Simpler, more appealing dash
  • Revamped iDrive
  • More direct driving experience
  • Flexible backseat and innovative cargo area (Gran Turismo)

Dislikes:

  • Grabby brakes at low speed
  • Tech goodies have a learning curve
  • Gran Turismo's handling

Specs: Select a Trim

4dr Sedan (5) MSRP Invoice MPG City MPG Hwy
4dr Sedan 528i RWD Specs $45,050 $41,445 22 32
4dr Sedan 535i RWD Specs $50,100 $46,090 19 28
4dr Sedan 550i RWD Specs $60,200 $55,385 15 22
4dr Sedan 535i xDrive AWD Specs $52,400 $48,210 19 29
4dr Sedan 550i xDrive AWD Specs $62,500 $57,500 16 24

Other Choices

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Why should I also consider these? X

The new 2011 BMW 5-Series competes most directly with the Jaguar XF and Infiniti M.

Both models are all-new for 2011.

The new M—offered in M37 and M56 models—has improved handling and real backseat room this time around, plus a gorgeous interior.

The Jaguar XF remains one of our editors' favorites, offering a great blend of capable handling and performance, combined with a smart, classy feel and excellent interior comfort.

Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class was redesigned for 2010, with a thoroughly upgraded interior and quicker steering; it is still offered in a hot E63 AMG version.

Additionally, the new Audi A6 that's on the way for 2011 promises to be more of a performance car, along the lines of the latest A4, and it will pose a more direct threat to the 5-Series.

Versus the new 5-Series Gran Turismo it’s hard to say; BMW’s own X6 is a top rival surely, though the X6 makes more serious compromises in backseat space to achieve that swoopy roofline.

And chalk in the Acura ZDX for comparison, even though that’s more of a (barely) four-seat coupe on steroids.

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