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Used 2021 BMW 5 Series Sedan Trims Comparison

Trim level differences

The 2021 BMW 5 Series is available in four trim levels, all with different powertrains. The 530i (248 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) and the 530e plug-in hybrid (288 hp, 310 lb-ft) are powered by variants of BMW's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The EPA estimates you can go about 21 miles on electric power in the 530e before switching to regular hybrid operation.

The 540i gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder (335 hp, 331 lb-ft). At the top of the range is the M550i with its turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 (523 hp, 553 lb-ft). BMW's all-wheel drive, called xDrive, is an option on the 530i, the 530e and the 540i. It's standard on the M550i. An eight-speed automatic is standard across the board. The ultra high-performance M5 is reviewed separately.

530i/530e
Come nicely equipped with:

  • 18-inch wheels
  • Adaptive LED headlights
  • Digital gauge cluster display
  • 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
  • Navigation
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
  • Sunroof
  • Power-adjustable front seats
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel

The 5 Series also comes with:

  • Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
  • Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
  • Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)

540i
Other than the six-cylinder engine noted above, the 540i is similarly equipped to the 530i and 530e models.

Multiple packages are available for the four- and six-cylinder models. Highlights include:

Parking Assistance

  • Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
  • Drive recording software
  • 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the 5 Series and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
  • Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)

Driving Assistance Plus

  • Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
  • Side avoidance (takes evasive action to avoid a collision when another vehicle drifts into your lane)
  • Front cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle ahead of you is about to cross your vehicle's path at a blind intersection)
  • Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)

Luxury Seating

  • Front ventilated seats
  • Multi-contour front seats

M Sport

  • Choice of 19- or 20-inch wheels
  • Sport steering
  • Sport suspension (not available on the 530e)
  • Sport steering wheel
  • Sporty exterior trim

Premium package

  • Remote start
  • Power trunklid
  • Heated front and rear seats
  • Head-up display
  • Upgraded Harman Kardon audio system
  • Wireless device charging pad

M550i
Upgrades performance and luxury with:

  • Sporty exterior styling
  • Electronically controlled rear differential (for sportier performance)
  • Adaptive sport suspension
  • High-performance brakes
  • 19-inch wheels
  • Rear spoiler
  • Sport steering wheel
  • Leather seating surfaces
  • Upgraded audio system

Dynamic Handling
Specific to the M550i, this optional package adds:

  • High-performance adaptive suspension
  • Active steering
  • Active roll stabilization

Which 5 Series trim does Edmunds recommend?

For the best experience, we recommend starting with the 540i. The turbocharged six-cylinder engine's balance of power and efficiency is laudable for a car of this size. We'd also spring for the Driving Assistant Plus package for its adaptive cruise control and other useful driver aids and the Parking Assistance package for its surround-view camera and parking sensors. If you'd like a little extra performance, you should definitely opt for the M Sport package, which includes a sport suspension, grippy tires and unique exterior styling.

Compare trims side-by-side

Comparing average pricing near
Columbus, OH
Vehicle
5 Series 530i
5 Series 530i xDrive
5 Series 530e
5 Series 540i
5 Series 530e xDrive
5 Series 540i xDrive
5 Series M550i xDrive
Vehicle
530i
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A
See all 5 Series 530i for sale
530i xDrive
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A
See all 5 Series 530i xDrive for sale
1 for sale near you
530e
2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A
See all 5 Series 530e for sale
530e xDrive
2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A
See all 5 Series 530e xDrive for sale
540i xDrive
3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A
See all 5 Series 540i xDrive for sale
3 for sale near you
M550i xDrive
4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A
See all 5 Series M550i xDrive for sale
Hide similarities
Section Title

Features

Features

Features

Features

Features

Features

Features

Bluetooth
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Navigation
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Satellite radio
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Keyless Ignition
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Cruise control
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Adaptive cruise control
optional
optional
optional
optional
optional
optional
optional
Parking assistance
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Upholstery
leatherette
leatherette
leatherette
leatherette
leatherette
leatherette
leather
Heated seats
optional
optional
optional
optional
optional
optional
standard
Cooled/Ventilated seats
optional
optional
optional
optional
optional
optional
optional
Folding rear seats
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Sunroof
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Section Title

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Country of final assembly
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Drivetrain
rear wheel drive
all wheel drive
rear wheel drive
rear wheel drive
all wheel drive
all wheel drive
all wheel drive
Engine power
248 hp @ 5,200 rpm
248 hp @ 5,200 rpm
288 hp
335 hp @ 5,500 rpm
288 hp
335 hp @ 5,500 rpm
523 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Engine torque
258 lb-ft @ 1,450 rpm
258 lb-ft @ 1,450 rpm
310 lb-ft
332 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm
310 lb-ft
332 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm
553 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm
Engine displacement
2.0 l
2.0 l
2.0 l
3.0 l
2.0 l
3.0 l
4.4 l
Engine configuration
inline 4
inline 4
inline 4
inline 6
inline 4
inline 6
v8
Transmission
8-speed shiftable automatic
8-speed shiftable automatic
8-speed shiftable automatic
8-speed shiftable automatic
8-speed shiftable automatic
8-speed shiftable automatic
8-speed shiftable automatic
Tire size
245/45R18
245/45R18
245/45R18
245/45R18
245/45R18
245/45R18
245/40R19 (FRONT) 275/35R19 (REAR)
Wheel size
18 X 8.0-in
18 X 8.0-in
18 X 8.0-in
18 X 8.0-in
18 X 8.0-in
18 X 8.0-in
19 X 8.0-in (Front) 19 X 9.0-in (Rear)
Wheel type
alloy wheels
alloy wheels
alloy wheels
alloy wheels
alloy wheels
alloy wheels
painted alloy wheels
Run flat tires
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Section Title

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

City/Hwy/Combined MPG/City/Hwy/Combined MPG (Gas only)
25 / 33 / 28 MPG
23 / 32 / 27 MPG
24 / 29 / 26 MPG
25 / 32 / 27 MPG
22 / 28 / 25 MPG
23 / 31 / 26 MPG
17 / 25 / 20 MPG
City/Hwy/Combined MPGe/City/Hwy/Combined MPGe (Electric + Gas)
Not applicable
Not applicable
59 / 72 / 64 MPGe
Not applicable
59 / 67 / 62 MPGe
Not applicable
Not applicable
Fuel Capacity
18.0 gal.
18.0 gal.
12.1 gal.
18.0 gal.
12.1 gal.
18.0 gal.
18.0 gal.
Driving Range (city/hwy)/Gas Driving Range (city/hwy)
450 / 594 miles
414 / 576 miles
290 / 351 miles
450 / 576 miles
266 / 339 miles
414 / 558 miles
306 / 450 miles
Fuel Type
premium unleaded (recommended)
premium unleaded (recommended)
premium unleaded (recommended)
premium unleaded (recommended)
premium unleaded (recommended)
premium unleaded (recommended)
premium unleaded (required)
Section Title

Battery

Battery

Battery

Battery

Battery

Battery

Battery

EPA Electricity Range
Not applicable
Not applicable
21 mi.
Not applicable
18 mi.
Not applicable
Not applicable
EPA KWh / 100 mi.
Not applicable
Not applicable
49
Not applicable
53
Not applicable
Not applicable
Time To Charge Battery (At 240V)
Not applicable
Not applicable
3.0 hr.
Not applicable
3.0 hr.
Not applicable
Not applicable
Section Title

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Turning circle
39.4 ft.
40.8 ft.
39.4 ft.
39.4 ft.
40.8 ft.
40.8 ft.
40.8 ft.
Curb weight
3,765 lb.
3,878 lb.
4,220 lb.
3,898 lb.
4,321 lb.
4,050 lb.
4,456 lb.
Ground Clearance
5.5 in.
5.5 in.
5.7 in.
5.7 in.
5.7 in.
5.5 in.
5.2 in.
Overall Width with Mirrors
83.7 in.
83.7 in.
83.7 in.
83.7 in.
83.7 in.
83.7 in.
83.7 in.
Overall Width without Mirrors
73.5 in.
73.5 in.
73.5 in.
73.5 in.
73.5 in.
73.5 in.
73.5 in.
Height
58.2 in.
58.2 in.
58.4 in.
58.2 in.
58.4 in.
58.2 in.
58.4 in.
Length
195.8 in.
195.8 in.
195.8 in.
195.8 in.
195.8 in.
195.8 in.
195.8 in.
Wheelbase
117.1 in.
117.1 in.
117.1 in.
117.1 in.
117.1 in.
117.1 in.
117.1 in.
Seating Capacity
Cargo Space
14.0 cu. ft.
14.0 cu. ft.
10.0 cu. ft.
14.0 cu. ft.
10.0 cu. ft.
14.0 cu. ft.
14.0 cu. ft.
Cargo Space, Rear Seat Down or Removed
Front Head Room
38.8 in.
38.8 in.
38.8 in.
38.8 in.
38.8 in.
38.8 in.
38.8 in.
Front Leg Room
41.4 in.
41.4 in.
41.4 in.
41.4 in.
41.4 in.
41.4 in.
41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room
58.7 in.
58.7 in.
58.7 in.
58.7 in.
58.7 in.
58.7 in.
58.7 in.
Rear Head Room
37.5 in.
37.5 in.
37.5 in.
37.5 in.
37.5 in.
37.5 in.
37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room
36.5 in.
36.5 in.
36.5 in.
36.5 in.
36.5 in.
36.5 in.
36.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room
55.9 in.
55.9 in.
55.9 in.
55.9 in.
55.9 in.
55.9 in.
55.9 in.
Section Title

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

True Cost to Own®
$56,330
$58,850
$58,366
$60,678
$61,955
$64,284
$79,961
Average Cost Per Mile
$0.75
$0.78
$0.78
$0.81
$0.83
$0.86
$1.07
Depreciation
$15,229
$16,303
$14,722
$17,837
$16,999
$19,676
$22,964
Financing
$4,653
$4,825
$4,562
$5,307
$4,820
$5,824
$7,415
Taxes & Fees
$1,894
$1,957
$1,860
$2,135
$1,955
$2,326
$2,913
Fuel
$11,782
$12,221
$12,682
$12,221
$13,188
$12,682
$16,485
Insurance
$4,614
$4,933
$5,564
$4,835
$5,564
$4,980
$6,238
Maintenance
$10,376
$10,376
$11,194
$10,561
$11,194
$10,561
$15,711
Repairs
$7,782
$8,235
$7,782
$7,782
$8,235
$8,235
$8,235
Section Title

Colors

Colors

Colors

Colors

Colors

Colors

Colors

Interior
Black Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
Cognac Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
Cognac SensaTec, leatherette
Black Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
Ivory White Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
Mocha Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
Ivory White Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
Canberra Beige SensaTec, leatherette
Black SensaTec, leatherette
Black Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
Cognac Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
Cognac SensaTec, leatherette
Black Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
Ivory White Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
Mocha Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
Ivory White Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
Canberra Beige SensaTec, leatherette
Black SensaTec, leatherette
Black Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
Cognac Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
Cognac SensaTec, leatherette
Black Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
Ivory White Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
Mocha Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
Ivory White Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
Canberra Beige SensaTec, leatherette
Black SensaTec, leatherette
Black Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
Cognac Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
Cognac SensaTec, leatherette
Black Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
Ivory White Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
Mocha Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
Ivory White Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
Canberra Beige SensaTec, leatherette
Black SensaTec, leatherette
Black Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
Cognac Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
Cognac SensaTec, leatherette
Black Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
Ivory White Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
Mocha Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
Ivory White Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
Canberra Beige SensaTec, leatherette
Black SensaTec, leatherette
Black Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
Cognac Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
Cognac SensaTec, leatherette
Black Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
Ivory White Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
Mocha Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
Ivory White Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
Canberra Beige SensaTec, leatherette
Black SensaTec, leatherette
Black Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
Cognac Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
Black Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
Ivory White Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
Mocha Nappa w/Contrast Stitching, premium leather
Ivory White Dakota w/Contrast Stitching, leather
Exterior
Alpine White
Black Sapphire Metallic
Bluestone Metallic
Glacier Silver Metallic
Phytonic Blue Metallic
Bernina Grey Amber Effect
Jet Black
Mineral White Metallic
Dark Graphite Metallic
Carbon Black Metallic
Alpine White
Black Sapphire Metallic
Bluestone Metallic
Glacier Silver Metallic
Phytonic Blue Metallic
Bernina Grey Amber Effect
Jet Black
Mineral White Metallic
Dark Graphite Metallic
Carbon Black Metallic
Alpine White
Black Sapphire Metallic
Bluestone Metallic
Glacier Silver Metallic
Phytonic Blue Metallic
Bernina Grey Amber Effect
Jet Black
Mineral White Metallic
Dark Graphite Metallic
Carbon Black Metallic
Alpine White
Black Sapphire Metallic
Bluestone Metallic
Glacier Silver Metallic
Phytonic Blue Metallic
Bernina Grey Amber Effect
Jet Black
Mineral White Metallic
Dark Graphite Metallic
Carbon Black Metallic
Alpine White
Black Sapphire Metallic
Bluestone Metallic
Glacier Silver Metallic
Phytonic Blue Metallic
Bernina Grey Amber Effect
Jet Black
Mineral White Metallic
Dark Graphite Metallic
Carbon Black Metallic
Alpine White
Black Sapphire Metallic
Bluestone Metallic
Glacier Silver Metallic
Phytonic Blue Metallic
Bernina Grey Amber Effect
Jet Black
Mineral White Metallic
Dark Graphite Metallic
Carbon Black Metallic
Alpine White
Black Sapphire Metallic
Bluestone Metallic
Phytonic Blue Metallic
Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
(Ind) Aventurin Red Metallic
Bernina Grey Amber Effect
Dark Graphite Metallic
Carbon Black Metallic