2016 BMW 5 Series
New for 2016
Changes to the BMW 5 Series for 2016 include enhanced USB and Bluetooth® functionality. Additionally, the 550i models get additional standard features, including a power trunk lid, satellite radio, and a harmon/kardon® sound system.
The Perfect Match
If you're seeking perfection in performance and luxury, you'll find the 2016 BMW 5 Series shares your values. It's one of the most well-rounded midsize luxury sedans around, with dialed-in performance and plenty of room for passengers and cargo, and all the tech goodies you could ever ask for.
Powertrain and Performance
Few cars are available with as many powertrain options as the 2016 BMW 5 Series. Whether you want four, six, or eight cylinders, a diesel or a hybrid, BMW has you covered.
Starting with the gasoline powertrains, the 2016 BMW 528i proves that a four-cylinder engine is a good fit for a midsize luxury sedan. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and is coupled to an eight speed automatic transmission. It’s rated at 27 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 34 mpg highway) with rear-wheel drive,* and 26 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 34 mpg highway) with xDrive all-wheel drive.*
Next up is the 535i. It employs a turbocharged inline-six that produces 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. In addition to the eight-speed automatic, the 535i is also the only 5 Series model offered with a six-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy is pegged at 24 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 31 mpg highway) with rear-wheel drive,* and 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive.*
The top-of-the-line 5 Series is the 2016 550i, which has a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 under the hood, producing 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. The most powerful 5 Series is also the thirstiest, but ratings of 20 mpg combined (17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway) with rear-wheel drive,* and 19 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive,* aren’t too shabby.
Those looking for the best fuel economy should consider the final two 5 Series variants.
The 2016 ActiveHybrid 5’s 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six and electric motor produce a combined 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, and return 26 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway).*
There’s also the 535d, with a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel inline-six good for 255 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. The most efficient 5 Series, it’s rated at 30 mpg combined (26 mpg city, 38 mpg highway) with rear-wheel drive,* and loses one mpg in the highway category with all-wheel drive.*
Features and Trims
On top of that plethora of powertrains, the 2016 BMW 5 Series is one of best-equipped cars in showrooms. Available as a four-door sedan ($50,200**) or five-door Gran Turismo hatchback ($60,900**), it's got all of the latest luxury and tech features.
Standard equipment includes engine start-stop, power front seats with driver memory, automatic climate control, and a host of other items that add value and make the 5 Series one compelling luxury sedan.
BMW offers the choice of two trim “lines,” Luxury and M Sport, that give the car a distinct look and attitude. Both include items like LED fog lights and a leather-trimmed sport steering wheel, but also feature their own alloy-wheel designs, interior trim, and exterior enhancements.
On top of that, there are several option packages available. The Driver Assistance Package adds safety features like active blind-spot detection and active cruise control, while the Dynamic Handling Package increases sportiness with an active suspension system.
It's worth noting once more that for 2016, 550i models get additional standard features such as a power trunk lid, satellite radio, and a harmon/kardon sound system.
Design
Crisply creased and full of confidence, the 2016 BMW 5 Series doesn't follow design fads. Instead, it features clean lines enhanced by standard alloy wheels, chrome trim, adaptive Xenon headlights, and, of course, BMW's iconic twin-kidney grille.
The interior is just as cleanly designed. Unlike many other luxury cars, BMW doesn’t overwhelm the driver with buttons or an overly-large center stack. Instead, everything is neat and easily accessible. BMW relies on its iDrive rotary control knob for most infotainment functions, and the interior can be further dressed up with several wood and leather combinations.
The 2016 BMW 5 Series, like previous models, is also very spacious. Rear outboard passengers will be especially pleased. Not only is there ample space in all directions, but the seats themselves are contoured and padded, adding an extra degree of comfort for trips short and long.
Safety
The 2016 BMW 5 Series is also offered with an array of safety equipment, including front and side-impact airbags, active head restraints, a front- and rear-seat Head Protection System, and the BMW Assist eCall telematics system with automatic collision notification.
Bottom Line
How does BMW 5 Series continue to marry sportiness with practicality? We can't say for sure, but we're beginning to believe there may be a touch of magic involved. Nevertheless, we'll happily turn a blind eye so long as the lineup continues to impress as it does year in and year out.
For more information, or to schedule a test drive, contact or visit us at BMW of Silver Spring.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and road conditions.
**MSRP excludes destination & handling fee of $995, tax, title, license, and registration.
Image: BMW (European Model Shown)