2023 BMW 5 Series Sedan

Despite going up against fierce competition from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6, the BMW 5 Series Sedan continues to impress as one of the most athletic executive sedans on the market. And with a price range spanning from $54k to upwards of $80k, there should be a 5 Series for everyone. Base models come with 248 horsepower courtesy of a four-cylinder engine, while an available plug-in hybrid hustles to 60 mph even quicker with 40 more hp on tap. And, if the 335-hp, mid-range 540i variants still don't heat your blood, there is the M550i with 523 hp and a 3.6-second benchmark sprint, at the top of the pile.

Performance isn't all there is to write about, though, and the sedan is still well-appointed and stylish, and nowadays seems to be leaning more towards luxurious comfort than hoonigan antics. And it scores top marks from USA-based safety authorities. Is this more balanced approach to motoring the right approach to keep BMW fans coming back for more, or will they start looking for their thrills somewhere else?

German luxury sedans tend to be on the expensive side of things: the entry-level 530i Sedan will already set you back $54,800, while the AWD xDrive version goes for $57,100. The more powerful six-cylinder 540i will set you back $61,600 while the 540i xDrive costs $63,900.

The electrified 530e is not much more expensive than the 530i at $56,400, and the AWD xDrive version sells for $58,900. To gain access to all that V8 power, you'll have to fork over $79,900 for the M550i. That's still a bargain when you consider the fact that the M5 goes for $107,900. These prices are MSRP and do not include tax, registration fees, and a destination charge of $995.

When it comes to driving prowess in the luxury exec segment, BMW has always been the name to beat. To some extent, this is still the case, as the 5 Series Sedan is still fun to drive, especially if you opt for the top-spec M550i, which has oodles of power on tap. It has exemplary handling thanks to BMW Driving Dynamics Control and adaptive M suspension. You can also opt for the Dynamic Handling Package on the 540i and M550i, which adds dynamic damper control and roll stabilization on the former, and adaptive M suspension, roll stabilization, and rear-axle steering on the latter.

Nevertheless, the car is not nearly as fun to drive as past generations, and some feel that competitors to the BMW 5 Series now provide a more thrilling experience. BMW has made a concerted effort to make its sedan more comfortable on the road instead. This is great for those who want a fast but cushy executive, but it may disappoint those who expect it to engage with the driver and deliver some genuine thrills. On the plus side, the cabin is well-constructed, and most wind and road noise is effectively dampened. At least the V8 in the M550i still roars joyfully when you launch out in front of all the other cars at the traffic lights.

There are plenty of powertrains to choose from within the new BMW 5 Series Sedan lineup, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a plug-in hybrid, a turbo V8, and both RWD and AWD options. This means it can be a relatively sedate and fuel-efficient cruiser or a hard-charging stormer. Unfortunately, all that power doesn't ensure an engaging driving experience. The car can be fun, make no mistake, but it's no longer the benchmark sports sedan it once was.

Instead, BMW is hoping that the new 5 Series will earn a reputation as a fast but luxurious and comfortable executive. To this end, there is a lot of interior space, both for people and cargo, and there is a decent list of standard comfort and driver-assistance features. The BMW 5 Series also gets top-notch safety reviews and an impressive reliability rating to underscore this agenda. If you like to get from point A to point B quickly while never feeling less than pampered, this could be the vehicle for you.

With so many engine options on offer, there truly is something for everyone here. Since the standard features list is fairly equally spread across the lineup, the powertrain will become the most significant deciding factor for new buyers. We feel that the base model 530i offers more than enough power for the daily school/grocery/office run and is a capable cruiser. The 540i offers a more entertaining and better-sounding driving experience, and the plug-in hybrid is the way to go if you enjoy luxury but don't want to pay large fuel bills. The M550i is a blunt-force weapon used to go fast. We'd stick to BMW's sporting legacy and get the RWD 540i purely for that six-cylinder engine if we were buying. We wouldn't go overboard with options; just get some of the additional safety gear, and you're set to go for around $65k.