BMW 5 Series 2024 review
Photo: Alexander-93, via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The eighth-generation BMW 5 Series (G60) reached UK showrooms in late 2023 as the executive saloon benchmark, taking on the Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6 with sharper styling, a tech-heavy cabin and a powertrain range built for the electric transition. The mainstream choice is the 520i: a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance producing 208bhp, officially returning 48.7mpg combined — strong numbers for a car more than five metres long.
Inside, the 5 Series sets the class standard. The BMW Curved Display pairs a 12.3-inch instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch touchscreen running iDrive 8.5, and the familiar rotary controller survives alongside wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The saloon's 520-litre boot and generous rear legroom make it a genuine long-distance tool, and motorway refinement is exceptional.
The range stretches well beyond the 520i. The 530e plug-in hybrid offers up to 63 miles of electric range with CO2 of just 15g/km — ideal for company-car drivers — while the fully electric i5 eDrive40 and i5 M60 cover the zero-emission end. One notable absence: BMW never sold a diesel 5 Series in the UK, so high-mileage private buyers lose the old 520d.
Prices started at £51,000 for the 520i M Sport in the 2024 price list, and options are predictably pricey. Even so, with a five-star Euro NCAP rating awarded in January 2024, insurance group 35E and BMW's three-year unlimited-mileage warranty, the 5 Series remains the default choice in the executive class for people who still enjoy driving.
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UK price from: £51,000
Specifications
| Engine | 2.0L turbocharged petrol + 48V mild hybrid |
| Power | 208 bhp |
| Torque | 330 Nm |
| 0-62 mph | 7.5 seconds |
| Top speed | 143 mph |
| Transmission | 8-speed Steptronic automatic |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy | 48.7 mpg (WLTP combined) |
| CO2 emissions | 131 g/km (WLTP) |
| Boot space | 520 litres |
| Kerb weight | 1,725 kg |
| Insurance group | 35E |
| Warranty | 3 years / unlimited miles |
Features
- 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol with 48V mild-hybrid assistance (208bhp)
- BMW Curved Display: 12.3-inch instruments plus 14.9-inch iDrive 8.5 touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 19-inch M alloy wheels with adaptive LED headlights
- Heated front seats and two-zone automatic climate control
- Driving Assistant and Parking Assistant fitted as standard
- Ambient lighting pack with BMW Interaction Bar
- M Sport bodykit, sports seats, M steering wheel and acoustic glazing
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £74.99 | Pattern part; OEM specification |
| Oil filter | £15.99 | Cartridge type for the B48 engine |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £24.99 | Bosch AeroTwin Plus |
| 12V AGM battery | £149.99 | Stop-start rated; coding may be required |
| Cabin pollen filter | £24.99 | Activated carbon type |
| Engine air filter | £21.99 |
Pros
- Exceptional refinement and ride comfort on long motorway runs
- Real-world economy near 48.7mpg is strong for a car this size
- Best-in-class infotainment with the iDrive controller retained
- Roomy cabin with a generous 520-litre boot
- 530e plug-in hybrid's 63-mile electric range suits company-car drivers
Cons
- £51,000 starting price with an expensive options list
- More than five metres long — feels bigger than it looks
- No diesel option for UK high-mileage buyers
- 520i needs revving for pace and steering feel is light
