When the BMW 5 Series sedan debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1972, it marked both the culmination of past designs and the wave of the future for the German-based automaker. The midsize, four-door, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) 5 Series grew out of BMW's New Class, a line of four-door sport sedans launched in the 1960s, which were BMW's bestselling vehicles up to that point. Eventually sold as a sedan and a wagon (which would ultimately be discontinued), the 5 Series was never sold as a coupe or convertible. The New Class, including the 1500, the 1800, and the 2000, rode on a sport-oriented chassis with a firm, performance-tuned suspension and featured a roomy five-passenger cabin with padded surfaces and an upscale feel. BMW carried that suspension, as well as the luxury-oriented interior, forward to the new 5 Series. The BMW 5 Series has traditionally competed against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Audi A6.

However, the automaker made a departure when naming the first 5 Series variants, the 520 and the 520i. Instead of using the previous naming system, which consisted of four digits, BMW introduced a new three-digit nomenclature, in which the first digit indicates the platform (in this case, the 5-Series) while the last two numbers indicate engine displacement—2.0 liters in this case, plus injection for one trim, resulting in the "i" designation.

Outside, the new 5 Series displayed distinctive Italian and European design cues, with dual headlights, a dual-kidney grille, large windows, and an overall sleek shape with a low-slung waistline. The rear pillar also incorporated a distinctive BMW design element called the Hofmeister kink, a forward bend low in the pillar behind the rear window.

For the first time, the automaker used computer modeling when designing some of the 5 Series' safety features, such as the front and rear crumple zones. BMW also used roll-over bars in the roof to help stiffen the body, resulting in tight, responsive handling.

Generations: Seven

BMW 5 Series 7th generation
BMW 5 Series 6th generation
BMW 5 Series 5th generation
BMW 5 Series 4th generation
BMW 5 Series 3rd generation
BMW 5 Series 2nd generation

Pros: Great styling, plenty of technology, always a performer
Cons: Technology can be tough to master, small-ish trunk, can be pricey

BMW 5 Series Seventh Generation (2017-present)

The 5 Series is no longer the driver’s car it once was, evolving instead to a comfortable luxury sedan with a little bit of verve. In 2017 the 5 Series was available as a 530i or 540i, with the xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) system optional. The hybrid 5 Series was killed for 2017.

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder 530i engine generates 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.0-liter twin turbo inline six-cylinder engine goes quite a bit bigger with 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. RWD is standard here as is an eight-speed automatic transmission.

BMW added three powertrains with varying specs for 2018. The 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel 540d got 261 horsepower and a whopping 457 pound-feet of torque with standard xDrive. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder plug-in hybrid dubbed the BMW 530e produ248 horsepower, 310 pound-feet to torque and had an estimated all-electric range of 16 miles. Here, xDrive was an option. Finally, a M550i xDrive sedan was on the docket with xDrive standard and a stonking 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 with 456 ponies and 480 pound-feet of torque.

2018 was also the year BMW tried to charge a subscription fee for Apple CarPlay, a move that was much-criticized by journalists and drivers alike.

In 2019 BMW killed the diesel model and the Apple CarPlay subscription fee, although Android Auto was still not available. The following year the company added a larger battery to the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version for 21 miles of all-electric range and added 67 horsepower and 73 lb-ft of torque to the M550i.

2021 saw a facelift for the 5 Series with a tweaked front end and larger infotainment touchscreen. The PHEV got a power bump to 288 ponies and the 540i got a mild-hybrid system for more efficiency and better stop/start performance. However, there were no major changes in 2022.

BMW 5 Series Sixth Generation (2011-2016)

With the debut of the current sixth generation, the 5 Series took an evolutionary step forward while also gazing into the past. Gone are the controversial design elements of the previous generation, while some visual cues, such as the lines along the hood, were drawn from earlier 5 Series designs.

Once again, BMW stretched the 5 Series' wheelbase, this time to nearly 117 inches, an improvement of more than 3 inches over the previous generation, and to nearly 193 inches overall. The platform, now designated the F10, features an upgraded suspension, with a multilink configuration in the rear. The new 5 Series remains a RWD vehicle, although owners can add AWD as an option.

In 2011 the 528i, 535i and 550i powerplants were available. The 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine in the 528i produced 240 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. The drivetrain was made up of an 8-speed automatic transmission sending power to RWD. Meanwhile the 535i and 550i were available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic in either RWD or AWD. The 535i sported a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and an equal amount of torque. The 550i has a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 stuffed under the hood with 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque.

New for 2011 is a Parking Assist feature that lets the car steer itself into parallel parking spaces. The company killed the 5 Series wagon in the 2011 model year.

The next year, BMW switched up the 528i, subbing in a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 240 ponies and 255 lb-ft of torque. In 2012, drivers could also tick the xDrive box for the 528i. The company also recalibrated the throttle for a quicker response time and offered a hybrid model.

BMW did not significantly change the 5 Series in 2013, but buyers in the following year could opt for a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder diesel 535d sedan with 225 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque in RWD or AWD. The V8 in the 550i gets a boost to 443 ponies and 479 pound-feet of twist. Navigation was standard across the board in 2014 as was handwriting recognition.

2015 and 2016 saw no major changes in the 5 Series.

BMW 5 Series Fifth Generation (2004-2010)

The fifth-generation 5 Series, which took to the roads starting in 2004, proved somewhat controversial, due to its exterior design, particularly in the hindquarters. The new car rode on the E60/61 platform, and included such options as Active Cruise Control, Active Steering, and High-Beam Assist. In addition, BMW offered the fifth-generation trims with optional xDrive AWD.

The first year of this generation saw the six-cylinder engines remain largely unchanged from the previous generation. The 2.5-liter mill in the 525i produced 184 horsepower and the 3.0-liter in the 530i was good for 225 ponies. However, both were offered with a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic. The 530i could also be had in a six-speed sequential gearbox.

For this year BMW also lifted the 4.5-liter V8 from the 7 Series and threw it in the 545i with 325 horsepower with an optional manual transmission. Other new goodies from the 7 Series included BMW’s iDrive infotainment system and adaptive cruise control. Also new was an active front steering system to keep steering input the same across all speeds, adaptive headlights, and adaptive brake lights that got brighter with increased pedal force.

BMW interiors got an upgrade in 2005 with more wood trim but more importantly the 545i got a six-speed manual transmission standard or a six-speed sequential transmission optional.

For 2006 BMW introduced a wagon body style to the line up as well as AWD. The 545i is gone in favor of the 550i with a 4.8-liter V8 pushing out 360 horsepower and an equal amount of torque. The 3.0-liter engines got an update as well. In the 525i models, it produced 215 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. In the 530i drivers got 225 ponies and 220 pound-feet of torque.

In model year 2007, BMW offered night vision in the 5 Series but in 2008, the company revised the front end slightly and dropped the 525i for the 528i with 230 ponies. The 530i gets an upgraded name, 535i with the 300 horsepower inline six-cylinder engine found in the 3 Series.

Model years 2009 and 2010 saw minimal improvements.

BMW 5 Series Fourth Generation (1997-2003)

BMW made a few changes in the fourth generation, starting by nixing the 3.0-liter V8 and the Touring Wagon model. The 525i morphed into the more powerful 528i, though it would later come back as a base model. Fans of the V8 looked to the improved 4.4-liter engine under the hood of the new 540i.

The 528i got a 2.8-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque. Power went down to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission, but a four-speed automatic transmission was also available. Meanwhile, the 540i had a 4.4-liter V8 with 282 ponies and 310 pound-feet of torque. Like its smaller brother, the 540i was equipped with a manual transmission, although it got one more forward gear. A five-speed automatic was optional.

Visually, the fourth generation got a rounder double-kidney grille that was incorporated into a longer hood. Although the car was bigger overall, it was also lighter thanks to new aluminum suspension components.

1998 saw a boost in the 540i’s torque number, now up to 324 pound-feet. In 1999 BMW gave us the 528i and 540i sport wagons. 528i models got a slight bump in power to 193 ponies. In 2000 the 5 Series saw no changes.

2001 is another story. The 5 Series was available in three sedan trims and two wagon trims. A new base 525i was found in sedan and wagon form and sported a 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine with 184 horsepower. The 528i was gone, in its place was a 530i with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with 225 ponies and 214 pound-feet of torque. Both these cars were offered with a five-speed automatic transmission or five-speed automatic.

The 540i sedan and wagon got a 4.4-liter V8 engine with 282 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque. This was mated to a six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic transmission.

The exterior was slightly refreshed in 2001 as well. The V8 got a few more horsepower in 2002, and in 2003, the 530i got a new sport package with sport suspension.

BMW 5 Series Third Generation (1989-1996)

For this third generation, the BMW 5 Series was offered in 525i trim with a 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine generating 168 horsepower while the 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine in the 535i was good for 208 horsepower.

In 1991, the 525i was upgraded to 189 horsepower, but things remained basically the same in 1992 save for a new Touring Wagon model. The 525i was upgraded again in 1993, and the engine now produced 184 pound-feet of torque. For 1994, BMW added two V8 engines but dropped the 535i. A sporty six-speed manual became available for the 540i the next year.

BMW 5 Series Second Generation (1982-1988)

The second generation, with its E28 platform, included the 535i and the diesel-powered 524td. While the styling remained more or less the same as that of the first generation, this new BMW 5 Series was more of a luxury car and offered more features, starting its march towards performance domination.

The first 528e sported a six-cylinder engine and produced 121 horsepower. In 1983, the company offered the 524td diesel, but it proved unpopular.

In 1984, the 533i jumped into the lineup with a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower, and a 535i was offered in 1985. The last year for the 524td diesel was 1986.

Starting in 1986, production began for the North American spec of the high-performance BMW M5. Although based upon the 5 Series, the M5 was a different animal and sold as a separate model.