2011 BMW 5-Series

At a Glance

Pricing $45,050 - $62,500
Drive Types RWD, AWD
Engines 3.0l I6, 3.0l I6 T, 4.4l V8 T
Transmissions A8, M6
Fuel Economy 15-22 (city), 22-32 (highway)

The mid-sized 5-Series is a technological tour-de-force. A host of electronics, electronic driving aids, exotic materials and construction techniques set the 5-Series apart from the mainstream. Three engines are offered including two inline six-cylinder engines and a powerful turbocharged V8. The 5-Series also offers the xDrive all-wheel-drive system found in the X3 and X5. All models are available with a choice of 6-speed manual or automatic. The interior is relatively uncluttered given that a large number of functions are located within the iDrive system that dominates the center console. Unlike many of its competitors, the 5-Series emphasizes the "sport" in sport sedan. Only the 535i and 550i rear-wheel-drive models will be offered initially. The 528i and all-wheel-drive models will be added later in the year.

What Changed:

The sixth generation 5-Series features slightly larger proportions as it now shares an architecture with the larger 7-Series. The new models adopt a multilink suspension setup in the front and rear. Three engines are offered: an entry-level inline-six (528i), a turbocharged inline-six (535i), and the turbocharged 4.4l V8 (550i). A new eight-speed automatic transmission is offered but the six-speed manual remains. Both rear-wheel-drive and xDrive all-wheel-drive are offered.

Model/Trim/Package Engine Original MSRP
528i 3.0l I6 (240-bhp) A8 RWD $45,050
528i leather 3.0l I6 (240-bhp) A8 RWD $46,500
535i 3.0l I6 T (300-bhp) M6 RWD $50,100
535i 3.0l I6 T (300-bhp) A8 RWD $50,100
535i leather 3.0l I6 T (300-bhp) A8 RWD $51,550
535i leather 3.0l I6 T (300-bhp) M6 RWD $51,550
535i xDrive 3.0l I6 T (300-bhp) A8 AWD $52,400
535i xDrive leather 3.0l I6 T (300-bhp) A8 AWD $53,850
550i 4.4l V8 T (400-bhp) A8 RWD $60,200
550i 4.4l V8 T (400-bhp) M6 RWD $60,200
550i xDrive 4.4l V8 T (400-bhp) A8 AWD $62,500