BMW 5 Series 2020 review
Photo: Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The BMW 5 Series 2020 is the facelifted G30 generation, and it remains the benchmark executive saloon for drivers who enjoy driving. In the UK it was sold in SE, M Sport and M Sport Plus trims, with the 520d diesel forming the core of the range for most buyers, alongside petrol and plug-in hybrid options.
Inside, the 5 Series is spacious, quiet and beautifully made. The 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital driver display are clear, the seats are superb on long journeys, and there is a 530-litre boot that makes it a genuine family car. Rear legroom is generous, and the cabin feels like a step up from smaller executive saloons.
On the road, the 520d is the sweet spot: 190 PS, smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox and real-world economy that regularly approaches 50 mpg on motorways. The ride is composed, steering is accurate and the car feels stable and reassuring at speed. For UK buyers who want a premium saloon that is both luxurious and enjoyable to drive, the 2020 5 Series is hard to beat.
UK price from: £39,000
Specifications
| Engine | 2.0-litre diesel (520d) |
| Power | 190 PS |
| 0-62 mph | 7.5 seconds |
| Top speed | 146 mph |
| Fuel economy | 55.4 mpg (WLTP combined) |
| CO2 | 122 g/km |
| Boot space | 530 litres |
| Length | 4963 mm |
| Transmission | 8-speed Steptronic automatic |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Fuel tank | 68 litres |
Features
- 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 12.3-inch digital driver display
- BMW Driving Assistant safety suite
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Heated front seats
- Parking Assistant with reversing camera
- 530-litre boot with split-folding rear seats
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads | £62 | Replace in axle pairs |
| Front brake discs (pair) | £135 | Vented discs; check for lip wear at service |
| Oil filter | £14 | Replace at every annual service |
| Pollen/cabin filter | £21 | Change yearly to keep the cabin fresh |
| Wiper blades (pair) | £27 | Flat-blade type; replace yearly |
| 12V battery | £130 | Check type for stop-start models before fitting |
Pros
- Excellent motorway refinement and comfort
- Engaging handling for a large saloon
- Efficient 520d diesel with strong economy
- Generous 530-litre boot
- Superb seats for long journeys
Cons
- Large size makes town parking harder
- Higher trims and options are expensive
- Rear headroom is tighter with a sunroof
- Some rivals offer a more modern cabin design
