When you’re looking at premium sedans, the decision usually isn’t only about horsepower or numbers on a brochure. It’s about how the car feels every day—space in the back, comfort on long drives, and the reassurance of advanced features. The BMW 5 Series has built its reputation on balancing these things. It delivers strong performance but also slips in the kind of technology and luxury touches that make it just as good to be driven in as it is to drive.
The 5 Series sits in the sweet spot of executive sedans. At 4,960 mm in length, 1,868 mm in width, and 1,497 mm in height, it looks big enough to command attention but not oversized for city roads. A 2,975 mm wheelbase makes sure there’s enough legroom inside, while ground clearance of about 158 mm keeps it usable on uneven roads or speed breakers. To put it simply, the proportions are balanced: sleek enough to look sporty, yet stately enough to carry its luxury badge.
Over the years, BMW has offered the 5 Series with both petrol and diesel engines in India. The popular options include a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol with 252 hp and a 2.0-litre diesel with 190 hp. Both are paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox, which is quick to shift when you push it, but smooth and almost unnoticeable in regular city use. In short, you won’t be left wanting whether you’re driving yourself or sitting in the back seat.
Performance is where BMW usually shines, and the 5 Series is no exception. The petrol engine does 0–100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds, while the diesel completes the sprint in around 7.2 seconds. Top speed is electronically capped at 250 km/h—more than you’ll ever need on Indian roads. What stands out is how calm the car feels even when you’re cruising at triple-digit speeds, something rivals like the Audi A6 can’t quite match.
BMW’s official numbers put the diesel at around 15.01 km/l and the petrol at 13.45 km/l. Of course, in everyday traffic those figures drop—owners usually report 10–12 km/l in the city and a little higher on open highways. The point is, it’s fairly efficient for a sedan of this size and power, especially if you do a lot of highway trips.
Practicality is often overlooked in luxury sedans, but the 5 Series doesn’t disappoint. The 530-litre boot swallows airport luggage with ease, making it a solid choice for long-distance trips. Inside, the front seats are supportive with a wide range of adjustments. At the back, the seats offer good cushioning and thigh support, though legroom isn’t as generous as what you’d get in the Mercedes E-Class. For most buyers, though, it strikes a nice balance between driver focus and rear passenger comfort.
BMW’s iDrive infotainment system is among the easiest to use, and it’s paired with a crisp 12.3-inch touchscreen. The cabin feels rich with gesture controls, ambient lighting, wireless charging, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support. Music lovers will enjoy the Harman Kardon audio system, and connected-car tech brings remote access and over-the-air updates. It’s the kind of mix that keeps the car feeling modern even a few years into ownership.
Safety has always been a strong suit for BMW, and the 5 Series comes well equipped. Standard kit includes six airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, and electronic stability control. Higher trims and global models add advanced driver-assist features such as lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera setup. These features don’t just tick boxes—they add real peace of mind whether you’re driving through city traffic or heading out on long highway runs.
| Mileage (ARAI) | 17.42 |
| Max torque (Nm) | -- |
| Max power (bhp) | -- |
| Seating capacity | -- |
| Gear box | -- |
| Displacement | 1995 |
| Number of cylinders | -- |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Fuel Type | diesel |
| Adaptive suspension for smoother highway drive | |
| Gesture-controlled infotainment system | |
| Premium audio upgrade option | |
| Multiple driver assistance features |
530Li M Sport (Titanium Bronze) | 530Li M Sport (Aluminium Satinated) | |
|---|---|---|
Comfort & convenience | ||
| 2nd row adjustable headrest | Yes | Yes |
| 2nd row adjustable headrest - 2nd row headrest adjustment type | Manual | Manual |
| Adjustable ORVM | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable cluster brightness | Yes | Yes |
| Air conditioner | Yes | Yes |
Entertainment & communication | ||
| Heads up display (HUD) | No | No |
| Integrated (in-dash) music system | Yes | Yes |
| Integrated (in-dash) music system - Am/fm radio | Yes | Yes |
| Integrated (in-dash) music system - Aux compatibility/connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Integrated (in-dash) music system - Bluetooth compatibility/connectivity | Yes | Yes |
Exterior | ||
| Body colored bumpers | Yes | Yes |
| Body kit | No | No |
| Chrome exhaust | Yes | Yes |
| Exterior door handle colour | Body Coloured | Body Coloured |
| Fog lamps | Yes | Yes |
Interior | ||
| Digital Instrument cluster | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Instrument cluster - Digital Tachometer | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Instrument cluster - Digital tripmeter | Yes | Yes |
| Door pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Front seat pockets | No | No |
Safety | ||
| 2nd row middle rear headrest | Yes | Yes |
| 360 view camera | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags - Number of airbags | 9 | 9 |
| Airbags - Steering airbag | Yes | Yes |
Warranty | ||
| OEM warranty (years) | 3 | 3 |
The ARAI-claimed mileage is about 15.7 kmpl for the petrol version. In real-world urban driving, owners often report figures closer to 10–12 kmpl.
Standard safety kit includes multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, and reinforced body structure. Top variants also offer ADAS systems like lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and parking assistance. Many units carry 5-star crash ratings / NCAP credentials.
The boot offers around 500 litres of usable storage space.
For the long-wheelbase 5 Series, ground clearance is 150 mm. Some sources list a generic value of 158 mm for standard 5 Series variants.