2018 BMW 5 Series

BMW has gone way ahead with the 2018 5-series when it comes to tech features. It has introduced several fresh features such as the voice recognition system, Apple CarPlay, 3-D simulation and many other semi-autonomous features which poses a real threat to other competitors in the midrange luxury sedan segment including the defending champion Audi A6 which hit the record sales last year.

The base 530i variant is packed with a 2-liter inline-4 cylinder turbocharged engine to produce a maximum power of 248 hp. The 540i levels up the game with a few additional standard features and a turbocharged 335-hp 3-liter inline-6 cylinder engine. An option of all-wheel drive(AWD) is offered with the 540i.

The 530e xDrive plug-in hybrid features a 2-liter inline-4 turbocharged engine and an eDrive electric motor to produce a maximum power of 248 hp. The 530e performance variant also offers an option of all-wheel-drive(AWD) for a more exciting ride at cost of efficiency. The top of the range M550i xDrive is powered by the humongous 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 engine that churns out 456 hp. Only the M540 in 2018 BMW 5-series is available with a diesel engine variant.

Trims	530i	530e iPerformance	540i	540d xDrive	M550i xDrive
MSRP	$52,650	$52,650	$58,200	$62,000	$73,900
Features	Leatherette Upholstery 12-Way Power Driver Seat 12-Way Power Passenger Seat Remote Keyless Power Door Lock 12 Speaker Audio System	Same as 530i	Adds to or replaces features offered on 530i: Leather Upholstery 16-Way Power Driver Seat 16-Way Power Passenger Seat	Same as 540i	Adds to or replaces features offered on 540i:   Front And Rear Parking Sensors Front View Camera Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling 20-Way Power Driver Seat 20-Way Power Passenger Seat Driver Seat Thigh Extension Hands-Free Entry 16-Speaker Harman/Kardon Premium Audio System

We recommend

Although the 530i provides enough power and comfort, the 540i comes loaded with additional features with a more powerful engine which makes it worth paying a little more money for. No matter which trims you choose but the driver-assist package is surely a must-have which includes the active steering, heated seats, and additional safety features.

"This is a thrilling driver's car. Quiet and composed in town, especially with the Driving Dynamics Control set to Comfort, the 540i flips like a light-switch into teeth-bared mode the moment you start squeezing hard on the gas and getting quick on the wheel." -- Automobile Magazine

Engine and Transmission

BMW has brought up a wide range of engine and drivetrain options to choose from. The 2018 BMW base variant 530i is powered by the 2-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder engine which produces a maximum power of 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The transmission duties are carried out by an 8-speed automatic gearbox which is the only option in all variants.

Model	BMW 5-series (530i)	Volvo S90 (T5 Momentum)	Jaguar XF (Base)	Audi A6 Premium (2.0 TFSI)
MSRP	$52,650	$48,100	$47,775	$49,700
Engine	2.0L TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder	2.0L 16V I4 Turbocharged	2.0L 16V I4 Turbocharged	2.0L TFSI 4-cylinder
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic	7-Speed Automatic
Power	248 hp	250 hp	247 hp	252 hp
Torque	258 lb-ft	258 lb-ft	269 lb-ft	273 lb-ft

The 2018 BMW 5-series lies at the bottom when it comes to torque and just inches ahead of Jaguar XF in power though it uses an engine of similar size and costs at least 2 grand more than all its competitors.

Acceleration

Despite its poor performance in terms of torque and power, the 2018 BMW 5-series shows top-notch performance in terms of acceleration. The 530i pulls up from 0-60 in just 6 seconds which is fastest among the rivals. Taking advantage of the legacy of lighter craftsmanship that comes with the brand, the 5-series puts up a fabulous figure of 13.5 sec in the quarter-mile mark and is seconds behind the fastest Jaguar XF.

Model	BMW 5-series (530i)	Volvo S90 (T5 Momentum)	Jaguar XF (Base)	Audi A6 Premium (2.0 TFSI)
0-60 mph	6.0 sec	6.5 sec	6.2 sec	6.7 sec
Quarter Mile	13.5 sec @ 99.3 mph	15.3 sec @ 101 mph	13.3 sec @ 104 mph	14.7 sec @ 100.8 mph
Engine	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	6.6	6.5	6.3	6.3

Handling and Ride Quality

The sedan offers snappy handling and shows quick movements even on narrow corners. The steering is amazing but not as responsive as the M6. The sport mode works just fine but the comfort mode feels more premium, matching the luxury of a 7-series sedan. Being a BMW it definitely justifies their signature line- ‘Sheer driving pleasure’.

Braking

The 530i's braking is as smooth as it can get but also powerful when you need it. The car can come to a halt from 60 mph in just 106 ft which is also the best in the segment while the Volvo S90 is a bit lazy hits the bottom of the chart. The ABS helps in maintaining the car’s stability and composure even when one goes hard on the pedal.

Model	BMW 5-series (530i)	Volvo S90 (T5 Momentum)	Jaguar XF (Base)	Audi A6 Premium (2.0 TFSI)
60-0 mph	106	120	119	117
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3746	3870	3604	3858
Brake (Front)	11.6	13.6	12.8	13.6
Brake (Rear)	11.7	12.6	12.8	13

The BMW 530i maintains a combined fuel economy of 29 mpg which helps it share the podium of the table with Audi A6. Despite pretty good economy figures as a whole, the BMW 7-series seem to be a bit thirsty when it comes to city roads.

Model	BMW 5-series (530i)	Volvo S90 (T5 Momentum)	Jaguar XF (Base)	Audi A6 Premium (2.0 TFSI)
MPG (City)	24	27	25	25
MPG (Hwy)	34	34	34	34
MPG (Combined)	27	29	28	28

Volvo S90 is the most fuel efficient in the city, while highway economy is the same for all. Audi and Jaguar follow behind, with identical figures. Highway economy figures are the same for all cars here.

"This 2018 BMW 5 Series' elegant dash is covered in SensaTec faux leather or the real thing, has a horizontal layout, and controls for climate and audio are sensibly laid out. A 10.25-inch screen relays navigation, audio, car data and more. The jet-fighter transmission lever looks cool but can be awkward initially." -- Kelley Blue Book

Seating and comfort

The interior of 2018 BMW 5-series is surely exquisite. The dual tone leather and tasteful use of chrome at minute places like air vents and knobs show the carmaker’s focus on luxury. The interior of this sedan is undoubtedly better than its primitive but doesn't hit the 7-series benchmark. The heated armrests in front and rear, ambient carpet lighting and futuristically designed customizable dashboard don't just look amazing but also works fluently with every move of the passenger.

Model	BMW 5-series (530i)	Volvo S90 (T5 Momentum)	Jaguar XF (Base)	Audi A6 Premium (2.0 TFSI)
Passenger Capacity	5	5	5	5
Passenger Volume (Ft.3)	98.8	101.5	98.2	97.2
Headroom (Front/Rear) (in.)	38.8 / 37.5	37.8/37.8	37.1/37.6	37.2 / 37.8
Legroom (Front/Rear) (in.)	41.4 / 36.5	42.2/40.4	41.5/36.6	41.3 / 37.4
Shoulder Room (Front/Rear) (in.)	57.5 / 55.9	57.5/55.4	56.9/56.4	57.5 / 56.3

The 5-series leads the segment in headroom but its smaller wheelbase as compared to its competitors inhibits ample room in the rear cabin space and drags it down in the chart. The cabin space, ventilation, heated seats, and climate control everything seems perfect for the 2018 5-Series. The cabin is quiet enough unless you're on city roads at peak hours and there's lots of honking noise.

Cargo Volume

The clever design of BMW5-Series manages to make up a huge space for the rear boot. The credit goes to the 40/20/40 split folding rear seats. Despite being smaller in length, this car provides generous 18.7 ft-cube of the cargo space which is great for the segment.

Model	BMW 5-series (530i)	Volvo S90 (T5 Momentum)	Jaguar XF (Base)	Audi A6 Premium (2.0 TFSI)
Trunk Vol. (Ft.3)	18.7	13.5	19.1	14.1

Jaguar XF has the largest trunk in the segment, at 19.1 cubic feet. A6 and S90 offer disappointingly small cargo space, much too less to be used for hauling more than two full-sized suitcases.

Infotainment System

The 2018 BMW 530i comes loaded with a 10.2-inch infotainment screen with navigation and BMW's iDrive rotary knob, a touchpad controller with gesture control

• Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Qi charging station
• 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
• Internet-connected features (stand-alone and/or special BMW apps)
• Apple CarPlay (Optional add-on)

BMW has gone way ahead with the 2018 5-series when it comes to tech features. It has introduced several fresh features such as the voice recognition system.

"The 5-Series borrows liberally from the larger 7-Series, but gets its own details. Creases along the doors under the windows and door handles are reserved for the 5-Series alone, and updated LED taillights and chromed exhaust ports finish the 5-Series off in its own way."-The Car Connection

Dimensions and Weight

The 2018 BMW 740i is highest in the segment which gives it a coupe look, making ample headroom in the cabin. The sedan is lighter than its older sibling due to its cutting-edge design featuring high-strength aluminum chassis which gives it unmatched acceleration and handling yet stable and strong build quality.  The BMW 5-Series also offers a decent ground clearance of 6.2 inches.

Model	BMW 5-series (530i)	Volvo S90 (T5 Momentum)	Jaguar XF (Base)	Audi A6 Premium (2.0 TFSI)
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3746	3870	3604	3858
Wheelbase (in)	117.1	120.5	116.5	114.6
Length (in)	194.6	200.1	195.0	194.2
Width (in)	73.5	74.0	78.2	73.8
Height (in)	58.2	57.1	58.2	57.8
Ground Clearance (in)	6.2	6.0	4.5	6.6
Track Width – Front (in)	63	63.7	63.2	64.1
Track Width – Rear (in)	63.9	63.7	62.8	63.7

Audi A6 has the largest ground clearance, great for saving the underbelly from scraping at any surface. Offroading isn't in the official description for any, but taking the beaten path won't be too challenging for these cars.

Exterior Features

There are a lot of distinctive features on the outside of the cars. Standard external features include:

• Adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams
• Automatic windshield wipers
• Remote parking
• Keyless entry

The 2018 BMW 5-Series comes with all the essential safety features as per standards. The features include:

• Front and rear Head Protection System (HPS)
• 3-point safety belts with force limiters and head restraints at all seating positions
• Seat-mounted front side-impact airbags
• LATCH attachments for child-restraint safety installation
• Driver's and passenger's front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS)
• Front safety belts with automatic pretensioners
• Dusk-Sensing Headlights
• Tire Pressure Monitoring

2018 BMW 5 Series has earned Top Safety Pick + rating from IIHS which is the best possible rating as of now.

Crashworthiness
Small overlap front driver side	Good
Small overlap front Passenger side	Good
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good

Crash Avoidance and Mitigation
Front crash prevention	Superior
Headlights	Good
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) Ease of use	Acceptable

NHTSA ratings are unavailable for the car.

BMW 5-Series  vs Volvo S90

The Volvo S90 comes loaded with a similar sized engine that produces the same power and torque as that of a BMW's. The Volvo has a better base package than that of BMW's with all the essential features like parking assist, remote locking, and smartphone-integrated infotainment system at a lesser cost than BMW. However, the price difference seems to make sense when we look at the premium styling, handling, comfort, and fuel economy of the 2018 BMW 5-series.

BMW 5-Series  vs Audi A6 L

The Audi A6 L is powered by a 2-liter 4 cylinder engine which produces the best in class power and torque. It also offers a plush and luxurious interior equivalent to the BMW's but 5-series basically one-ups A6 in the driving experience as A6 isn't as responsive as 530i, also the ride quality is quite poor due to larger alloy wheels.

BMW 5-Series vs Jaguar XF

The Jaguar surely is a complete package on its own with a powerful engine, great handling, and spacious trunk but it fails to pose a threat to the more premium, luxurious and sporty BMW 5-series due to its rough ride quality on less-perfect or undulated roads and less available trims and options.

The 2018 BMW 5-series offers great efficiency along with the effortless handling, impressive driving dynamics, and stout acceleration. The car doesn't feel exceptional and lacks punch on straight highways due to its less powerful engine, however, the luxury of the cabin and sub-autonomous features make up for it. So, if you're looking for a good car around 50 grand and won't mind spending some more money on the lucrative add-on packages.