BMW 5 Series 2018 in-depth review | Mat Watson Reviews

TL;DR

The BMW 5 Series is a balanced, tech-filled saloon.

Transcript

this is the new BMW 5 series and you can think of it as being The Sweet Spot in the BMW saloon car range so the three series that's a bit like the iPad Mini you know it's pretty good but for some people it's going to be too small whereas the seven series that's a bit like the iPad Pro and well they're like carrying a tray around bit silly really wh... Read More

Key Insights

• The BMW 5 Series is positioned as the sweet spot in BMW's saloon range, offering a balance between size, power, and affordability.
• The car offers ample interior space, with generous legroom and headroom, making it comfortable for passengers over six feet tall.
• Practicality is emphasized with features like wide-opening doors, generous storage spaces, and optional three-way folding rear seats.
• The boot capacity is slightly larger than the BMW 7 Series but falls short of the Mercedes E-Class, offering a practical yet stylish design.
• The interior is noted for its classiness and ease of use, with high-quality materials and standard features like the professional navigation system.
• The car's handling benefits from a lighter body, offering agility without sacrificing comfort, especially with optional adaptive dampers.
• Engine options include a 2L diesel, which is popular but can be rattly, and a smoother 3L diesel, with all models featuring an automatic gearbox.
• Innovative features include gesture control, remote parking, and adaptive gear changes, though some elements like digital keys can be laggy.

Questions & Answers

Q: What makes the BMW 5 Series a 'sweet spot' in the BMW range?

The BMW 5 Series is considered the 'sweet spot' because it balances size, power, and affordability. It sits between the smaller 3 Series and the larger 7 Series, offering enough space and power for most users without the bulk or higher cost of the 7 Series. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking a well-rounded saloon.

Q: How does the interior space of the BMW 5 Series compare to its competitors?

The BMW 5 Series offers ample interior space, with generous legroom and headroom, making it comfortable for passengers over six feet tall. The car's practicality is enhanced by features like wide-opening doors and generous storage spaces. While the boot capacity is slightly larger than the BMW 7 Series, it is still 10 liters less than the Mercedes E-Class, which might be a consideration for some buyers.

Q: What are some notable technological features of the BMW 5 Series?

The BMW 5 Series is equipped with a range of technological features, including a professional navigation system, digital driver's display, and the updated iDrive system. It also offers gesture control for functions like volume adjustment, though it can be temperamental. Additionally, the car can be controlled remotely via a mobile phone app, allowing for features like remote parking and door locking.

Q: How does the BMW 5 Series handle on the road?

The BMW 5 Series benefits from a lighter body, making it the lightest car in its class, which enhances its agility and handling. Optional adaptive dampers improve ride comfort, allowing the car to handle road imperfections smoothly. The steering is responsive, though it lacks some feel, and the car offers a balanced and predictable driving experience, with available all-wheel drive for maximum grip.

Q: What engine options are available for the BMW 5 Series?

The BMW 5 Series offers several engine options, including a popular 2L diesel, which is efficient but can be slightly rattly. A smoother 3L diesel is also available, providing a quieter ride. For those preferring petrol engines, the 3L turbo petrol in the 540i is noted for its rapid performance. All models come with an automatic gearbox, enhancing the driving experience.

Q: Are there any drawbacks to the BMW 5 Series?

While the BMW 5 Series is generally well-received, it has some minor drawbacks. The digital key can be laggy, and the car lacks underfloor storage compared to competitors like the Mercedes E-Class. Additionally, the gesture control feature is a bit gimmicky and not always reliable. Some may also find the plasticky surrounds on the digital display unattractive.

Q: How does the BMW 5 Series compare in terms of ride quality?

The BMW 5 Series offers impressive ride quality, particularly with the optional adaptive dampers that enhance comfort over road imperfections. Without these dampers, the ride can be slightly fidgety, especially with the M Sport suspension or larger wheels with run-flat tires. However, when properly equipped, the car provides a quiet and relaxing cruising experience, with minimal road and wind noise.

Q: What is the overall verdict on the BMW 5 Series?

The overall verdict on the BMW 5 Series is highly positive. It is recommended as a purchase due to its balance of technology, comfort, and driving dynamics. Despite some minor flaws, the car's innovative features, spacious interior, and impressive ride quality make it a leading choice in the mid-size saloon segment. It is considered one of the best cars BMW makes.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The BMW 5 Series is a mid-size saloon that provides a harmonious blend of technology and comfort. It offers a spacious and practical interior, enhanced by high-quality materials and user-friendly features. The car's handling is improved by its lighter weight, making it both agile and comfortable on the road.

• With a starting price of around £36,000, the BMW 5 Series stands out for its value, offering features like a professional navigation system and digital driver's display as standard. Optional adaptive dampers enhance ride quality, while various engine options cater to different preferences, from efficient diesels to powerful petrols.

• The design of the BMW 5 Series is both elegant and functional, with a boot capacity larger than the 7 Series. Despite some minor drawbacks, such as laggy digital keys and limited underfloor storage, the vehicle's innovative technology and comfortable ride make it a strong contender in its class.